Some Weekend Trailer Recommendations

[CuylerTech]

Wanting to spend this summer doing some traveling across the US and some weekend camping with the girlfriend, and was wanting some recommendations on a good brand of new/used travel trailer. Dont need anything crazy or as nice as a airstream, but something comfortable that my 1500 can tow. Would like it to sleep 4-6 but not needed. Needs to have a bathroom but thats the only real requirement. Thanks!

 

[robbob]

I just bought a Keystone Premier and I love it. I have the 26RBPR. It has a queen bed room, two slide outs and a large shower in the rear bath. It is fully insulated with a heated floor and ducted AC.

 

[CuylerTech]

Let me add this, trying to keep it under $10K. Lots of used airstreams out there that have a solid shell but no interior. Contemplating buying one of those and just redoing the whole interior.


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[mowin]

Match the trailer to what your 1500 can handle. Your biggest limiting factor will be payload. The door sticker will tell you your payload.

 

[MADDOG]

You should do a little math first to determine your hauling capacity, then look for a trailer that falls within your towing capability.

Having said that, I've had Jayco, Keystone and Western RV. I'd rate them 2, 3 & 1 in that order. The Western RV's tend to be a bit heavier compared to an equivalent competing brand but they are very well built. Jayco's tend to be the lightest of the bunch but the quality is good.

If you have a shortbox you can still do a fifth wheel, which tend to be a bit more comfortable to spend time in but in your case, it sounds like you'll need a bunkhouse model.

There are a lot of good sites that can help you "do the math" on what your truck can tow. I seriously recommend you start there.

Don't believe the trailer sales person who says, "Oh, you have the HEMI? Great! You can tow a house with that truck!" Because you can't...

 

[b1pig]

I just bought a Keystone Premier and I love it. I have the 26RBPR. It has a queen bed room, two slide outs and a large shower in the rear bath. It is fully insulated with a heated floor and ducted AC.

curious... whats the dry or wet weight of your trailer?

 

[robbob]

curious... whats the dry or wet weight of your trailer?

Dry weight is 5755 pounds with a tongue weight of 835. I have a weight distribution hitch and I am installing BOSS air bags before I tow it.

 

[mtofell]

Lots of great 22-24' TTs out there that would be a great fit. My best advice would be to check out an RV show or hit up a dealer in your area with a large selection or, better yet, check out an RV show to learn what is out there.

Also, manufacturer's websites have old and new model year floor plans so you can decide what you want and find it.

The bad news is you're unlikely to pick the perfect RV on your first try. Until you get out and use one you can't really know what you want. You're wise to keep the budget low at first. But be carful, the next thing you know a 40' 5 slide 5th wheel will catch your eye and you'll be driving a Cummins dually.

RVs can be addicting

 

[Jerry1984]

In my opinion air streams are quite pricey for what you get. Yes you can look cool and wave to all the other air stream folks, but I'm not going to pay the premium for them. My most recent trailer is an 09 starcraft 189bh that I paid 8000 for. It's about 4200 dry and suits my families needs well. 2 kids a wife and a dog. This is my fourth trailer and for the 10 or less times we go camping a year it fits the need well.
First camper was an 02 terry 25 footer bunk model, no couch.
Second was a 07 starcraft 21ssd with front deck. Ended up not liking the pop out beds as there were gusts but loved the front deck.
Third trailer was a 2012 Starcraft 297bhs. Awesome trailer but at 30 feet long was a little more than we needed for a family of 4. Slept 10. Front queen, double size bunks, couch slide.
Current is the 09 Starcraft at 22 feet it works pretty great and the truck pulls it awesome.
For 10000 you can get a very nice trailer.

 

[BoldAdventure]

In my opinion air streams are quite pricey for what you get. Yes you can look cool and wave to all the other air stream folks, but I'm not going to pay the premium for them.

For 10000 you can get a very nice trailer.

Airstreams are like a Porsche. Sure your Honda Civic has more cupholders, but it's not a Porsche now is it. And you don't buy a Porsche for cupholders.

When I was in Florida, I saw used TT's between 18ft and 28ft all day long on Craigslist for under 10K and usually within 1~4yrs old. I don't know about up in MA, down in Florida, RVing is a bit more popular with the larger retirement crowd.

I'd shop used personally, for something between 22 & 25 feet. You should be able to meet your needs within that price range for sure.

I've had Wilderness and Prowler in the past, dunno if they still even make them these days. But they where functional.

Personal opinion here, search out the brands online presence. I frequent a number of RV/TT sites and some brands have more following online than others. This is a good thing when you need help with something.

I also wouldn't buy a vintage Airstream unless you want to get into a real project.

 

[mowin]

The bad news is you're unlikely to pick the perfect RV on your first try. Until you get out and use one you can't really know what you want. You're wise to keep the budget low at first.

RVs can be addicting

X2. When looking at tt's, actually try to picture yourself and your family using/living with each floor plan. Pay attention to the bathroom. Ours had a split bath. The sink was on one side of the hall, and the shower, toilet was on the other. There was no room to dry off or get dressed in the bathroom. Had to make sure everyone knew to stay out while we changed in the living room. Our daughter had more roon in her bunk room than we had in the master. Our first tt was in great shape, but after the first few trips, we realized the floor plan was way off for our needs. We traded it in that fall.