New RVer Choosing a Used Travel Trailer for an F-150

[Rene T]

Go to a few RV shows and look , don't buy.

Best thing is to leave your checkbook and Credit card at home. If the salesman says that the offer he gave is only good for that day, walk away. He is just trying to con you into putting down a deposit.

 

[FLBuckeyefan]

It's pretty rare that people buy the Travel Trailer they're happy with the first time around. Were I you, I'd be looking for a small affordable trailer to get your feet wet. Do a little research and find a trailer that holds its resale value. We started with a small Aliner type, moved to a Casita fiberglass trailer and both sold for close to or more than original purchase price. Now have a 19' Airstream that is tiny by this forums standards but does well for two older campers. Each trailer will give you a bit more experience. It's not overwhelming but might seem so for you now. Go to a few RV shows and look , don't buy. Go to one of the fabulous Florida state parks and walk around to see what people are camping in and ask questions, likely you can't shut up a camper talking about their trailer. We've been to Anastasia SP just south of you which might be a good start. If you see a trailer you like, go on the forum for that trailer and get real feedback including what tow vehicle they're using.

Then think about where you're going to keep it when not camping. I've got a little property and put my trailer behind a barn, many people cannot keep them at home for one reason or another so give it some thought. Big thing is don't stress. So long as wheel bearings are greased trailers do well, the rest is keeping batteries charged, propane tanks filled and figuring out the systems which are pretty easy with a trailer. BTW, I finally have a battery powered jack but lived with a manual for some time, its not so bad even good to experience just in case a battery dies and you need to go old school.

Best of luck

Compadre, thanks so much for you views/thoughts. Great idea to go check out a RV park and talk to some folks!! I will definitely do that!! I have ZERO intentions of buying a new trailer. As far as storage, I live on about an acre and the previous owner had a "carport" built from their very large RV. The space even has water and electric. Wooo-Hooo. I think the previous owner "husband" lived in the RV as my neighbors said the husband and wife did not get along at all. LOL!! Mike

 

[zapatasghost]

Thank you Mark....I am now a whole lot "smarter" than I was an hour ago. As far a Route 66 we have bought books (with pictures for me...LOL) and are about to start "planning" the adventure. Our intention is to go "camp" at some sites throughout Florida well prior, to get our feet wet and I am sure learning some hard lessons. As far as brands, I see something I like, google the reliability of the RV and they all pretty much read the same. Some do state that the manufacturer did a poor job doing this or that, but for the most part, about the same. I KNOW cars/trucks. I know which ones to stay away from and which ones are a good buy (for reliability). Was just looking for a bit of that insight from people who have been doing this for years...the horror stories and the good stories concerning manufacturers. Thanks so much for the input!!! It is much appreciated..

If you're camping in Florida (I've never done so or anywhere near there), I'm thinking you will want to camp either with full electric hookup or with a generator that can run your AC unit! I just camped in WY at the Miracle Mile and it was HOT! But at least it was dry hot, manageable without AC.

I'd say, be sure to prioritize safety issues first. Don't get suckered by the shiny bells and whistles! One thing I am just learning about now (have had my Travel Trailer - first ever - since 2014) is that suspensions systems can and do fail which can actually be dangerous. Whatever used trailer you get, be sure to take a good look at the suspension system and, depending on how old it is, ask when, if ever, the suspension or parts of the suspension system has been repaired or replaced - get invoices or receipts. If suspension looks pretty rusted over - I'd be cautious. I've always used an equalizer hitch which keeps the trailer from swaying and stabilizes it quite a bit. Be religious about checking your tires & wheels - pressure, nuts tightened (especially if newer), check for tire dry rot. Most owners never "wear" their tires out from mileage - they just dry rot. Make sure the plumbing works and can be pressurized without leaks. Make sure the caulking, especially on the roof, is in good shape and won't or is not already leaking. Have a strict routine when hooking and unhooking with a literal or mental checklist for safety (I almost forgot to lock my hitch onto the ball on a recent trip because I did things out of order!). I ALWAYS keep my speed below 60mph when pulling a trailer - even high-quality trailer tires can't take the heat generated at higher speeds and even more so if you're planning trips in the heat of the south. Take your truck and trailer to an empty lot and mess around with turning and backing up, etc. before heading out on your 1st trip. Be familiar with the space you need to make turns and pull in and out of campsites! Have your partner help back into spaces and have a specific system for communicating - couples get into fights at campsites all the time! Pay attention to the temp of your truck's transmission as you tow - know how it compares to what it normally runs. If it is running hot - pull over and let it run and cool...good time to take a safety walk around the trailer... lets see, I'll think of more...

 

[Joezeppy]

Best thing is to leave your checkbook and Credit card at home. If the salesman says that the offer he gave is only good for that day, walk away. He is just trying to con you into putting down a deposit.

This is one of the reasons we have purchased our last 3 rigs from the same dealer. First met him at an RV show but but he did not have the particular model we liked with him. He invited us to visit his lot at our convenience and was transparent on his bottom-line pricing.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I agree strongly with Dutchmen about choosing your style, but for a newbie, it is difficult to figure out what your style will be. In many cases, your notion of what you think your RV dream life will be ends up constrained by factors you won't know until you have experienced them. Limitations on fresh water, waste disposal, heating & air conditioning, refrigeration and many more things often alter your RV dream. So too will operating costs, travel time/distance, maintenance effort/expense, and other mundane factors have an effect. I don't mean to scare you away, but you should be prepared to revise your thinking a lot in your first season of RV use/travel.