So this has been a common theme here lately. No doubt because the camping season is here for some, coming soon for others and we all want out in the woods. The theme, which trailer should I/We buy. Over and over again I find myself saying the same or similar things so I thought I would expand on it at least a bit to help all the “Newbies” out there.
It’s an easy question, questions really, with no direct or good answer to be fair. Which trailer should we buy? Which brand is the best? how big can we handle? Won’t even acknowledge the cost for now….
Look these are all valid questions but no one person or persons can answer that for a new hunter. What for works for one doesn’t always work for another. In a market with so many options. Entry level to mid grade to luxury. Small to way to long and way to heavy for your tow vehicle. Bunk beds or a couch versus a dinette or both. All these questions and where to start.
Look, go to a dealer and walk thru a few just to knock ideas around. Please DON’T buy on the spot. It only creates buyers regret. My own sister will tell you, don’t do it. Three trailers in less than two years and she and so many admit to rushing in. We hear this kind of thing way to often honestly and that’s part of why I started this site. To minimize the issues for new hunters.
So I came to camping with prior knowledge to a degree (still always learning of course) but a background helps a bit. Even so, when my wife and I started even thinking about trailers, this is what we did and I encourage everyone to do the same, at least to some degree.
Start by looking online. Save yourself the running around and the sales people initially. Look up manufacturer websites and begin scrolling through layouts, styles, weights and amenities. Every site has their trailers broke down into categories from luxury to entry level with an array of layouts and sizes. Don’t even look at luxury if that’s not your goal and on the flip don’t look at entry if you want and or can afford more, but look around and see what’s out there. I’ll throw a list of randoms at the bottom of things we look for and at.
Once you have some ideas, go to a dealer. Ask to look at particular layouts. Get a real feel for what fits you. For how the space actually feels. We have been in several over the years that looked good online and then we walked thru with a quick “nope” not this one. We have also walked thru some that were better with space than we expected. The point is walk through several and see what fits “you” and your life style. Don’t worry about everyone else’s opinion. We are not footing the bill and we are not the the one’s living in it. You are. I don’y mean rudely, it’s just a fact, what fits me doesn’t always fit you. I have my ideal trailers picked out with very specific guidelines.
Now heres the fun not fun part. Learn to compromise. No single trailer will likely ever have every single thing you want or don’t want. It’s just a fact. Also compromise with your partner if you have one. Their eyes see the spaces differently and their needs may be slightly opposed to yours. Our trailer for instance, not a big fan of the color pallet inside. Trailers these days have way too much gray tone in them and not enough earth tones. That is my big compromise. I don’t let it bother me because the trailer checks off a slew of other boxes for me and us. Make no mistake though we are more seasoned campers and still took months before we bought this trailer. Even when our last trailer burnt, yes burnt. Not cool by the way. Even when we were forced to replace, we again hunted for weeks on tons of sites, looking at countless layouts and units to see what new things were out. Guess what after all that, we went got a newer version of trailer we had. We just like the trailer that much. Non the less we searched hard to make sure it was still the right trailer for us a year and half after we had bought it. This new one has some minor changes to the burnt unit but overall it still checked off those boxes that mattered the most to us.
I don’t like to plug all too much cause, well, everyone has an opinion, but when you start getting ideas, go to sites like RV Trader. You will be able to see real pictures of the ones you want to see. A variety of prices from across multiple states and get a feel for what’s what out there. Dealer sites are good too at this point but pricing is narrowed to their business model and selection is like a car dealer. Each only carries certain brands and models. The trailer we have, we couldn’t even find in state. Yep, we drove six hours to look at it. Then drove home and drove back the following week to take delivery of it. Not the first time and likely won’t be our last. Which leads me to the next thing. Don’t be afraid drive a bit for what you really want or to save decent money. Now saving a grand to drive six hours is crazy but I’ve considered some that were as far and could have saved five, six grand if it had been “that trailer”. Some people won’t go through all that and no worries, to each their own.
The point in all this….Take your time. Do your research. Ask questions to other campers. What our likes and dislikes are but take those with a grain of salt. This is after all your trailer, not ours.
- The list of some things we personally adhere to in our current situation. and yes this list narrows our field. it is what it is for us.
- had ribbed siding before-prefer slick sides-easier to clean for me
- bunk beds (likely our last trailer with these, the kids are getting bigger)
- couch and dinette both
- enclosed bedroom with a full length queen
- always watching frig sizes on every layout. some brands skimp here a bit
- privacy shades or black out shades (not blinds)
- like an outside shower setup (don’t have it on this trailer currently- a compromise)
- we like a single basin kitchen sink versus split sink
- electric jack (still plenty that don’t have it)
- big bonus we wanted but weren’t sure we’d get- the window are tinted- you can’t hardly see in them during the day
- No interest in pulling some of these beasts on a bumper- we are at 33′ overall and that’s about my max so always looking at length
- weight is a gigantic thing. we run a GMC 1500-5.3 4×4 4dr short bed currently. I insist on safety and saving the truck.
- cost is always a factor. We will spend more when we are living in it but until then there’s a window
- won’t get an entry level trailer. Just a personal thing. some are decent but not going there for us. not going full out either.
- love that this one has a rear gas hook up for the grill (becoming more common)
- front storage compartment (huge issue and too many brands are still putting in dinky little doors-not having it, I want storage)
- solid step (our second door doesn’t have it and that’s fine, we don’t use it much anyway)
- Love the Blue awning lights. less bright and more relaxed. (these can be changed out if you were to compromise on the purchase)
- outside frig is nice (don’t have a outside kitchen and don’t really care) some people that’s a must tho
So the issue here—-create a list this long and it will narrow your field a lot for potential candidates. That can be a good thing and a bad thing. In our case it required driving further to get what fit us. So we are little picky. That comes from years of searching and practicing. It does not mean however that you have to spend a fortune. We didn’t. We simply shopped really hard for what we wanted and looked for the best version and deal we could find.
Now go make your own list and happy camping.
Hope this helps. Don’t hesitate to reach out. I enjoy helping people find what fits them.