Hello, new member, no RV yet

[Bill_in_TX]

Hello, I'm here to hopefully help in learning what we may want to purchase. My wife and I are in our 60s and want to stay on site of places we visit. We are in what I would call the beginning stages of our search though we have been looking around at different things already.

 

[Neal]

Welcome to RVForums.com @Bill_in_TX. It sounds like you have an exciting journey ahead. RV shows are a great way to see and explore the various RV options and get a sense of the great community if any shows occur in your area. Dealers obviously are great to visit to start learning as I did not long ago. There's a lot to learn and of course narrow down to see what suits your desires. Ask any questions you may have and we'll gladly assist.

 

[Bill_in_TX]

Welcome to RVForums.com @Bill_in_TX. It sounds like you have an exciting journey ahead. RV shows are a great way to see and explore the various RV options and get a sense of the great community if any shows occur in your area. Dealers obviously are great to visit to start learning as I did not long ago. There's a lot to learn and of course narrow down to see what suits your desires. Ask any questions you may have and we'll gladly assist.

Thank you, Neal. I appreciate the welcome. I need to get to looking through posts and doing searches for topics I have in mind. Wanting to learn about the different brands, their makeup/build quality, etc. We are considering used so hopefully, I can get useful information in that regard.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Welcome to RVF, @Bill_in_TX; glad to have you join us. This forum is a great place to ask questions and get answers. The only "dumb" or "silly" question here is the one you don't ask.

Can you tell us a little more about what you are looking for and your intended use? Travel trailer? Fifth wheel trailer? Motorhome? Occasional travel? Extended travel? Full-time living?

TJ

 

[Bill_in_TX]

TJ, thanks for the welcome.

Sure, we are looking for travel trailer likely not more than 25' and light enough to pull with my 1/2 ton pickup. It will be used primarily in State/National parks. I do wildlife photography with an emphasis on birds due to their availability everywhere so visit sites for those activities. While room is nice, we spend more time outdoors so we are not needing the Taj Mahal. I have wondered about the models with bunks at one end on one side and if/how those could be removed to use the space as a mini-office set up. Not for work but for photo work on a computer, that sort of thing.
Never realized there were so many manufacturers. Make the eyes glaze over when looking through them all.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

That helps us understand what you are looking for, Bill. Thanks for the update.

My first suggestion is to visit as many RV dealers as you can and personally look at a lot of different brands and models. Simply tell the inevitable eager salesman that you are not ready to buy and that you are just looking at lots of different models for ideas.

IMHO, the most important factor is floor plan; does it work for you. A close second is ensuring that the loaded weight of the trailer is (a) within the capability of your truck to tow and (b) allows for the addition of your personal "stuff." Check the difference between gross vehicle weight (GVR) and unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) to be sure there will be enough capacity for food, water, clothes, personal gear, etc.

Here's a link to a good explanation of the weight ratings used with RVs: Dry weight, GVWR, UVW.. What does it mean? - Family RV USA RVs in Ontario, Upland, Pomona, Jurupa Valley, Fontana, Norco, Chino, Riverside, Rialto, High Desert, Azusa, and West Covina CA. We carry Class A, Class B, Class C, Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers, Folding Camper, and Airstream. Contact Family RV USA today!

Good luck in your search.

TJ

 

[Bill_in_TX]

How do I know which reviews to trust? One site says absolutely don't buy these brands with pretty specific reasons then they/some are listed in the top 10 of other sites. The with the avoid list had their own top 10. I noticed one brand seems to have a lot of units for sale on the used market and that tells me to stay away automatically.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

How do I know which reviews to trust? One site says absolutely don't buy these brands with pretty specific reasons then they/some are listed in the top 10 of other sites. The with the avoid list had their own top 10. I noticed one brand seems to have a lot of units for sale on the used market and that tells me to stay away automatically.

It can be confusing, all right. If reviews cite specific mechanical issues, ongoing problems or customer service deficiencies, I tend to take them more seriously than those that simply don't like a design feature.

TJ