Thoughts on brands? These were the lightest.? I'm getting very confused.?
Before we get started, consider this little blurb on the Jayco trailer site:
"Dry Weight." UVW means the typical weight of this trailer as built at the factory. The UVW, as used in product literature and other promotional materials, does not include cargo, fresh water, LP gas, options or dealer-installed accessories.
In short, anything that the dealer tacks on is going is not going to be in the dry weight spec..? ?Fortunately on a travel trailer that should not be much.? ?Nevertheless it is a good question to consider when adding dealer or after-market items.
OK, now let's get serious.? ?Your main consideration in choice is the
floor plan.? ?Within the weight limits that you have, pick the best floor plan for your use.? ?You have three kids.? Odds are good that at least two can share the same bed.? ?That would indicate to me that a combo with a queen forward and a double with and overhead bunk aft would be ideal for you.? Fold down beds that have to be raised and stowed every morning are a pain. ?I like a configuration that has a couch across from the dinette -- more sociable when entertaining.? ?
There are numerous occasions, like overnight stops or rain on arrival, on which you want to camp but not unhitch.? ?A slide-out bed that requires unhitching would be a real pain.? ?If the slide-out extends over the ball socket on the hitch frame that would indicate a problem.
A big item is the throne room.? ?When you are deciding on an actual floor plan, do not be shy about going into it, shutting the door, and seating yourself on the throne to see if it is comfortable for you.? Step in the shower stall and see if that is ok, it will be tight at best, but is it do-able for you.
Quality.? ? Remember I said that a travel trailer (TT) is a simple thing.? It is just a box set on a simple ladder chassis with horse and buggy suspension, leaf springs usually not even with shock absorbers.? ?All the complex stuff, air conditioning, fridge, microwave, stove, battery charger, etc., are obtained from a handful of vendors like Coleman, Dometic, and such.? ?They carry their own warranties.? ?My Fleetwood Prowler trailer came with a bunch of stupid QC problems.? The exterior light switches were mis-wired.? One of the convenience outlets was attached to the wall largely with forlorn hope and wire tension, decorative railings were attached only with staples and not many of those.? ?I was able to repair all of those with a screwdriver and a bit of glue with only moderate cussing.? ?In short, with a vacation trailer, QC is not as big an issue as it is with a motor home.
Good things to have the dealer add:? Patio awning.? That is your living room and main shade.? ?Electric hitch jack.? Best $200 you will ever spend.? Get a high capacity one.? ?Get a second house battery, if it does not come with the unit.? ?Heavy duty sewer hose, 20 feet in two 10 foot pieces.? ?Some campgrounds have a quaint idea of where to locate the sewer inlet.
Relax.? Get a trailer that fits you for sleeping and domestic arrangements.? Take the kids when you try them out.? ?It will help if they like the arrangements before the purchase.? ?Once you get it, plan a few long weekend trips not far from home to shake your unit down.? That way you have your dealer handy to natter at.?
