The search is on

[Lariat54]

Thanks to the many great suggestions in my first post regarding purchasing a tow vehicle, as well as some unforeseen events, our plans changed and we ended up purchasing a 2023 Wagoneer Series II last weekend. It does not have the tow package but has tow rating of 6120Lbs, going by the 80% rule suggested in the other post we are well within the weight of our desired camper type. If anyone has any experience or suggestion I am all ears, this is our first go at a camper after tent camping for the past few years. We are empty nesters so not expecting more that the two of us (no kids or pets) for weekend trips, at least for the next few years.

What we have found that we believe we like:
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 175FQ
Jayco Jay Feather Micro 173MRB
Evo East 16RBLE
Flagstaff E-Pro E19FD
Viking 17FQ (or 18FQ)
Wildwood FSX 161QK

The main reasons behind these picks are the Front to Rear (North/South) bed layout and larger bathroom with decent size shower. I'm sure the choice between them will come down to availability and personal preference but wanted to see what experience or suggestions there may be.

 

[IBTripping]

Congrats on your tow vehicle. I've got a similar travel trailer to the one's you like. I like my queen size bed in the north-south orientation. It's gvwr is 4,400 lbs. I could tow it with a smaller tow vehicle than my F250. But, it's the tow vehicle I happen to own. Please let us know what trailer you decide to purchase.

 

[Kirk]

A great deal of most RV ratings depends upon the people that use it, but since you are coming from tenting you will likely find any of those to be nicer than your tent. Like you, we much prefer what they call a walk around bed, meaning that there is access to both sides and the foot. In nearly all cases for smaller travel trailers, that means a bed that is parallel to the length of the trailer. We had one RV that was not that way and would never consider another. We also agree with the choice of a dry bath with a separate shower. When we downsized from our fulltime class A we went to a KZ Sportsman of very similar size and floorplan. After watching our son with a trailer that had a Murphy bed, no way would I ever do that. I suspect that you would soon leave it down all of the time like our son did. The only question that I have is the location of the TV isn't shown on any of the floorplans?? The addition of a wall for the bedroom only wastes space and is of no value when only 2 people who live together are using it.

I am assuming that you are buying new and of those I would choose the Evo as my first choice by far, with the Jay Flight as second choice. We have spent as long as 5 consecutive months in our Sportsman 19' length, inside and about 21' over all.

 

[Lariat54]

Appreciate the feedback, good to know that stays longer that a weekend aren't out of the question for a camper in the 20' range. That has been a topic of discussion between us regarding if/when an upgrade to a larger camper would be wanted. It is also a good point about the TV, we have discussed this a few times as well. I believe the only one on our list with a TV is the Jay Feather Micro 173MRB, although a couple had noted locations for outside TV connections. I'm sure everyone thinks when they get started in a camper the intent isn't to be in the camper watching TV, but... the intent isn't to be in the camper watching TV. The wife doesn't watch much TV and if I want to sit and watch TV I can do that from my couch at home, so it's not high on our priority list.

I will update as our search moves forward and when we find what we are looking for. New is also not a preference, we are in no hurry, the tent still works and since we were forced into jumping the gun early on the truck we would be fine with a few year old used one that fits our desires.

 

[Kirk]

I believe the only one on our list with a TV is the Jay Feather Micro 173MRB, although a couple had noted locations for outside TV connections.

While they may not come with a TV, I'd bet that all of them have provisions for one with an antenna and inside connection for it. Most will also have a place that is suggested for mounting the TV wall bracket. Our KZ was that way. The dealer we bought from didn't add them if optional because customers can buy one elsewhere for a lot less money. They did install ours in make-ready at no additional cost.

The length of time that a couple can stay in a small RV is a very subjective thing. We know many who would not have liked our KZ even for weekends. The physical size and girth of those in the RV play a part as does the attitude that they have. I suspect that moving from a tent you will find a small RV to be luxurious.

 

[Sunnyfalls]

Don't bother with obsolete TVs. We have a home theater in our 17' Casita trailer that we enjoy from our King sized north-south sleeping area or in our gazebo screened-in tent. And we frequently do 3 month, long distance trips with our trailer to very remote destinations too...like the coastal jungles of Costa Rica. Do your best to avoid going big...or you may end up just being another bloated RV pig. Photos and details may be found by Googling our trailer name if interested.

Gayle & Bob
"Los Gatos Casita"

 

[Larry N.]

Do your best to avoid going big...or you may end up just being another bloated RV pig.

Why the insults to folks who don't choose your philosophy? Please be more tolerant -- after all YOU don't have to do as they do.

 

[Kirk]

I will update as our search moves forward and when we find what we are looking for.

And be a little careful of whose advice you take. While we have a lot of very experienced RV folks here, we also have a few who think that they know all there is to know about every subject.