Exploring first Travel Trailer RV purchase

[theleeb]

Hi folks, we are looking to start shopping for an travel trailer RV in late spring 2026. For various reasons, we are looking for something between 16 and 18 feet.

Reliability and durability are priority attributes. I know that Consumer Reports reviews and tests many types of products but apparently RVs are not in their scope.

Does anyone know if there is an independent organization that reports on functionality and reliability for this industry?

If not, I would be interested in feedback around this topic if anyone has some insights. We do not currently have a way to cover an RV for protection but will consider building some type of overhang next to our garage. The trailer would be used by two people. We were hoping to find something for less than $30k. We were also hoping a 16-18 foot trailer would be adequate to sustain us for up to a week. But you folks would know better than me!

Thanks

 

[RobertE]

We were looking for a couples trailer that could be pulled by a 1/2 ton truck.

After a year of research and going to an RV show, we settled on Grand Design as the brand we wanted to go with.

Our choices came down to the MLE and MKE models. After a lot of consideration we decided the shorter MKE was our best choice. We’ve used it 4 times and are 100% satisfied we made the right choice for us.

The Murphy bed is great for us and a huge space saver. The lack of a dining is if no consequence as we eat outside ans if we can’t the table attached to the recliners easily converts, we turn it and sit in chairs.

By far the #1 selling point was the huge amount of counter space. Again, an important feature for us ans our lifestyle.

Hope this helps. This isn’t ans advert for GD or the MKE, just to let you know what worked for us,

 

[Whimpy]

We were looking for a couples trailer that could be pulled by a 1/2 ton truck.

After a year of research and going to an RV show, we settled on Grand Design as the brand we wanted to go with.

Our choices came down to the MLE and MKE models. After a lot of consideration we decided the shorter MKE was our best choice. We’ve used it 4 times and are 100% satisfied we made the right choice for us.

The Murphy bed is great for us and a huge space saver. The lack of a dining is if no consequence as we eat outside ans if we can’t the table attached to the recliners easily converts, we turn it and sit in chairs.

By far the #1 selling point was the huge amount of counter space. Again, an important feature for us ans our lifestyle.

Hope this helps. This isn’t ans advert for GD or the MKE, just to let you know what worked for us,

The biggest thing before you purchase any RV make sure you deal with a really highly recommended dealer !! Due to the fact if you have any issues they will be there to repair them and help you with any other issues !!

 

[Rob MacGregor]

From your considered approach, our experience might be blasphemous! Our primary criteria was a fixed bed with access from both sides. We found a USED 4 year-old Winnebago Minnie FL 2500 (?) for $19,000. Winnebago has a good reputation with the local RV maintenance experts, and in 3 years of use from Prince Edward Island to New Mexico, and the Great Lakes to the Great Smokies, we have not been disappointed. There have been repairs along the way, but I have no problem addressing those.

We looked at the murphy-bed designs, but didn't like having to choose between a couch and a bed since we may go to bed at different times. Having both has also meant that we get some additional space. I have put my wife's eBike on the bed for travel (too heavy for the bike rack), and ramps for my motorcycle on the couch while we travel. Both end up outside once we set up.

It is ~26' long, and that takes up much more space than a TT under 20'. But the interior space, with a relatively small pull-out is perfectly comfortable for a month at a time. I pull it with a 1/2 ton truck, in which I also have a 660# Triumph motorcycle. I admit to using all of the truck's capacity, but the issues are manageable as long as I keep my speed around 70 max.

Are you handy? If so, there should be some opportunities for used model.

 

[RobertE]

We seesawed back and forth between used and new and decided to go used for a couple reasons. One, we plan to do some boondocking and after a lot of research I decided on a propane fridge b/c I didn’t want to get involved with solar. That meant 2021 or older. Second, I figured any repairs thst might be needed would be more than offset by the savings vs. a new one. In our case, it was literally half what a new one would cost. Third, we realize this could be a “phase” for us, and if we get bit by the RV bug, we’ll have some experience to buy a different one.

IMO used can be a risk, but even with a major repair, the savings can be significant as travel trailers depreciate faster than a boat!

Not for everyone. Some people want the assurance of a warranty. IMO used is ok if you carefully check it out. We did not use an RV inspector. It depends on a person’s ability to evaluate. In our case, the previous owner kept it in a carport, it was in pristine condition, and we made sure to operate everything. Plus the owner was a retired master chief Navy, so we knew he would maintain it.

Don’t mean to be so wordy, there are so many factors, and it’s not an easy decision for a lot of people.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

We seesawed back and forth between used and new and decided to go used for a couple reasons. One, we plan to do some boondocking and after a lot of research I decided on a propane fridge b/c I didn’t want to get involved with solar. That meant 2021 or older. Second, I figured any repairs thst might be needed would be more than offset by the savings vs. a new one. In our case, it was literally half what a new one would cost. Third, we realize this could be a “phase” for us, and if we get bit by the RV bug, we’ll have some experience to buy a different one.

IMO used can be a risk, but even with a major repair, the savings can be significant as travel trailers depreciate faster than a boat!

Not for everyone. Some people want the assurance of a warranty. IMO used is ok if you carefully check it out. We did not use an RV inspector. It depends on a person’s ability to evaluate. In our case, the previous owner kept it in a carport, it was in pristine condition, and we made sure to operate everything. Plus the owner was a retired master chief Navy, so we knew he would maintain it.

Don’t mean to be so wordy, there are so many factors, and it’s not an easy decision for a lot of people.

Welcome aboard.

Just an FYI, solar does not need to be complicated. We like to boondock and when we first started we had one single portable panel. I think it was 135 watt. It came with a very simple easy to use controller and attached to the battery using alligator clips. During the day, it provided enough power to charge the battery and, often, enough we could recharge the phone and laptop.

We eventually bought two so the battery would charge quicker and we could always keep the phone and laptop charged. They are reasonably light weight, easy to store and quick to set up and not all that expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=portable+solar+panel&crid=2UFSO9SP38XOE&sprefix=portable+solar+panel%2Caps%2C340&ref=nb_sb_noss_1&tag=rvf01-20

Safe travels

 

[wiscampsin]

Good luck and have fun with your search for a TT that will meet your needs and wants! No matter if new or pre-owned I recommend having it professionally inspected. Money well spent IMHO. Link:
RV Inspection Services & NRVIA Certified RV Inspectors | RV Help

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

Search everything and find the floor plan that you like, then start searching for that plan in different manufacturers.
We bought a 5 year old JayFlight for under $20k and it is in excellent condition.
Go to a local RV dealer and stay away from Camping World. They are terrible.