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RE: TT purchase soon, need advice
We have a Ford Club Wagon (1-ton) and towed a 24 foot Salem Lite with a UVW of 3800 lbs. Our towing limit was 5500 lbs. and we used an Equalizer hitch. Very lightly loaded, the trailer pulled well but under a heavy load which we needed when traveling a long distance (Equalizer hitch was great and the unit moved like one piece even when passed by semi trucks at high speeds) it was definitely stressing the engine with any incline and stopping was more of an adventure since you needed to really plan ahead which, of course, sometimes you can't do. We have had 7 RVs of various types over a period of about 25 years. I have done a great deal of research on what our tow vehicle can pull. It is really limited. You need to check bunks carefully since I have seen several units where they have pulled loose from the walls. Make sure you try out the beds because if you are over 6 feet, it creates problems. We loved the pop-up and would have liked to purchase a Trailmanor, which if you don't mind the set-up which is easier than a pop-up, it wouldn't be a bad choice at all although the price is high. (You can check out used ones and get questions answered about the Trailmanor at the owner's site: www.trailmanorowners.com) If you get something too heavy, it really takes away from the experience as you worry about your ability to stop and listen to the engine whine as it tries to make an incline - also, towing is hard on an engine. Good luck, Cathy
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brookside
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03/17/09 11:30am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Should we become full-timers?
I think full-time rving is a great lifestyle as we have had two short tries at it. With the current economic situation, we would not at this time "go for it". As the economy becomes worse and it will, crime climbs, workamping jobs will become more scarce, RV manufacturers go out of business and suddenly your RV is an orphan and worth only a fraction of what you paid for it and an exit plan where you live in your RV - well, they have a life span too and RV systems can be expensive to replace and as your RV ages it becomes difficult to find "things" that fit if something wears out and custom is costly - look at the cost of a new refrigerator and the maintenance people charge a fortune. I have seen rv lot rental soar in the last few years and while there may be some good deals, keep in mind that these may not suit your tastes. I would advise caution and if you can wait a couple years to see if the economy will be turning around it would be to your advantage. Don't look at your RV as an asset since the market is loaded down with used units across the country and I suspect it will become more so over the next couple years. Leasing an RV is like vacationing in an RV and does not give you the same experience as full-timing - who wouldn't want to be on vacation all the time? Should you become a full-timer with this economy? A couple of years could make all the difference between a good experience and a bad one. I know my post will get bad reviews but I felt it was necessary to share the thoughts I have and I think about full-timing everyday, watching the internet and reading everything I can and if not for the economy I'd be out of here! Cathy
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brookside
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03/11/09 08:46am |
Full-time RVing
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RE: Build A Gypsy Caravan?
Another excellent website for people considering building a TTT (tiny travel trailer) or teardrop is: http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/ This website is a great source of free information and tons and tons of photos of builds - I love it! We have had 7 manufactured RVs of different types and right now have a couple tents - small TTs are too expensive and they depreciate and fall apart too quickly - would love an older, really older small TT and am watching the local auctions. I have always loved the canned hams and the really small Airstreams like the Bambi. It is too cold to begin a project now and the garage is full of potted bushes hiding from the frost. I'll keep in touch. Cathy
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brookside
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03/11/09 08:28am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: help with jayco
We have a Ford Club Wagon with a towing capacity of 5500 lbs. We had a travel trailer that weighed 3800 lbs empty and it was a strain on the engine whenever we had any kind of incline. Unloaded vehicle weight is usually listed before the options are added (air, awning, even the spare tire, etc.) and not every unit is actually weighed. You'll want to see what the base unit is and then add up the options and the weight adds up quickly. You will be much happier with a unit that doesn't seem like you barely control it. Never listen to someone selling the unit(s). If we got another trailer I would stay under 3,000 unloaded vehicle weight plus options.
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brookside
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03/09/09 03:04pm |
Travel Trailers
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Build A Gypsy Caravan?
In our quest for a small TT, we were considering the Sequoia by Glen-L and got the plans. With small there are many concessions to make so we haven't gotten started. I came across a link: http://www.amvardo.com/caravan/ and have ordered the book from Amazon. They offer a kit of the most difficult pieces to cut, templates, etc. We think, although it is a little "out there", that it is really pretty cool and looks like a lower cost option. The roof is tarp material and the way it attaches is pretty good. I did a search on the forum and it came up "0" so I wanted to share the info with you. Cathy
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brookside
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03/09/09 11:48am |
Travel Trailers
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