Which travel trailers are considered entry level and other newbie questions

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dazzlecat

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Oct 28, 2012
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11
I've finally decided on getting a travel trailer to live in full-time for 3 or 4 years until i build a small house. It would be in Texas and I would be in one spot most of the year. Although I might head north to visit my brother during the hottest parts of summer in Texas. Now that I've decided on what type of RV, I have millions of questions. I've heard people say to NOT go with an entry level model if you plan on living in it full time because they don't hold up as well to daily use. But I'm not sure which ones are entry models. 

And i have other questions; like are the appliances (fridge especially) really built to be on and used daily? also, i saw someone mention stabilizing your RV if you're going to stay in one place and I don't know what that means.

And I also have two cats that would be living with me. Anyone have any advice on how they are living with the litter box thing. My cats  will not be outdoor cats as I'm worried about scorpions in texas, and they've never been outdoors cats anyway.

Also, what's the deal with fiberglass RVs. I've heard people say they're better but not why.

I have found several models that I like but I don't really know anything about them. One is the 2005 used Dutchman, hope its ok to post a link: http://www.bullyanrvs.com/inventory/169946/Used-2005-Dutchmen-RV-Classic-26-L_DSL.aspx

I love that front window and would build a narrow table running underneath it with a fold up table to do my artwork at. I want SUN. Here in minnesota I hardly get any in the fall and winter. And that sofa would have to go. Are those fairly easy to remove?

I won't buy this one since I am a long way from making a purchase, I just want to see if something like this can be lived in without being roasted alive or everything breaking down. what am I not taking into consideration?

Thanks!  ;D
 
Hi Dazzlecat -

Entry level trailers usually are only used a few weeks and weekends a year, so the interiors don't have to last very long.  If you compare an entry level trailer to one that's more substantially built, you'll see things like cabinets that are made out of real wood, not just vinyl wrapped composite board. Showers that have a solid fiberglass floor like the one in your house versus a tub or shower made out of thin plastic.  Drawers with real runners, not just a stapled on piece of plastic that rides in a cheap sheetmetal channel.  Seat cushions that are designed to last a while instead of being made out of lightweight foam that takes a set after a few weeks use, etc.

You'll have to look underneath the sofa to see if it's practical to put something else in it's place.  Sofas are just bolted in place but since interior space is at a premium, designers like to hide things like the furnace or even a water tank underneath them.

Basic appliances like the stove, refrigerator, etc. don't vary much in quality from one RV to the other.  A rig designed for full timing may have a larger fridge, but it'll have the same working components as a smaller one.
 
This is a very complex subject and also somewhat subjective in many ways.

Fiberglass sidewalls are nice but not inherently better than aluminum, provided both are well-made. Metal structure inside the walls and roof are probably superior to wood, if for no other reason than the metal won't rot if water ever intrudes (a likely problem in most RVs at one time or another). Fiberglass roofs will last longer than EPDM rubber or TPO and resist accidental damage better, but any of them should be good for at least 10-15 years and all of them require annual maintenance anyway.

Well built travel trailers are somewhat hard to find, simply because most of the market for them is vacation use. I would be looking for brands like Holiday Rambler, Presidential (an HR brand), Sunnybrook, Airstream, Arctic Fox & Nash. There are some upper-end models from Keystone, Cross Roads and Forest River that should be fine too, but I don't have the time or inclination to filter their many brand names.

My apologies to owners, but nothing from Dutchman or Coachman would be on my short list. Too much of their stuff is really light duty to suit me.
 
I really only know about our entry level trailer, a Amerilite 25 ft bunk house.
The differences are it is less expensive by about half of what a 4 season model would have cost us.
The tanks are smaller
the walls are thinner with less insulation
The fridge is a single door altho a 2 door could have been ordered.
The belly isn't inclosed and heated
The cabinets are pressed wood covered with paper but the doors and drawer fronts are real wood. Our drawer glides are metal luckily.
The sinks, toilet and tub are plastic
our windows are single pane
The ceiling height is only 6'4" and the trailer is only 7'6" instead of 8'
The list goes on for things that cut weight and cost but that doesn't mean it's a bad trailer. In fact they are viewed as well built and get few complaints. We didn't need a 4 season model and didn't want to pay for it, not to mention getting a bigger truck to pull it.
The only thing that Amerilite says about full timing is the eventual effect of humidity on the trailer.  I can imagine that some things will wear faster.

Fiberglass vs aluminum
If we get a leak, it can rot the wood behind the aluminum, but whole walls can be replaced. Get a leak on a fiberglass unit and you will know it because you will get delamination and see the bubbling from the out side. Delamination is much harder to fix.

The only things I would worry about a cat in the trailer is keeping the box out of the way and keeping it clean enough that the smell doesn't permeate the fabric and walls of the unit. 
 
JiminDenver said:
I really only know about our entry level trailer, a Amerilite 25 ft bunk house.
The differences are it is less expensive by about half of what a 4 season model would have cost us.
The tanks are smaller
the walls are thinner with less insulation
The fridge is a single door altho a 2 door could have been ordered.
The belly isn't inclosed and heated
The cabinets are pressed wood covered with paper but the doors and drawer fronts are real wood. Our drawer glides are metal luckily.
The sinks, toilet and tub are plastic
our windows are single pane
The ceiling height is only 6'4" and the trailer is only 7'6" instead of 8'
The list goes on for things that cut weight and cost but that doesn't mean it's a bad trailer. In fact they are viewed as well built and get few complaints. We didn't need a 4 season model and didn't want to pay for it, not to mention getting a bigger truck to pull it.
The only thing that Amerilite says about full timing is the eventual effect of humidity on the trailer.  I can imagine that some things will wear faster.

Fiberglass vs aluminum
If we get a leak, it can rot the wood behind the aluminum, but whole walls can be replaced. Get a leak on a fiberglass unit and you will know it because you will get delamination and see the bubbling from the out side. Delamination is much harder to fix.

The only things I would worry about a cat in the trailer is keeping the box out of the way and keeping it clean enough that the smell doesn't permeate the fabric and walls of the unit.

My Dutchmen is entry level, but has amenities that suit us. We have many of the items that JiminDenver cites. Our TT has double pane windows, and in some ways is nicer than our house. I got a ready made room addition that I can use as an office and for an occasional guest when i am not out camping.

But the OP asked about full timing. if I had full hookup, I would not hesitate to full time in one spot in Texas, I just wouldn't do it in a place that had cold for a sustained period and expect to have running water.

BTW, my DD's mobile home is made with particle board cabinets, the same type of wallboard, and a similar floor. It is not built like a stick and brick house either. But, they know the level of craftsmanship and they are careful. I don't see why an entry level TT should be discouraged if it is use with care.
 
dazzlecat said:
I've finally decided on getting a travel trailer to live in full-time for 3 or 4 years until i build a small house. It would be in Texas and I would be in one spot most of the year. Although I might head north to visit my brother during the hottest parts of summer in Texas. Now that I've decided on what type of RV, I have millions of questions. I've heard people say to NOT go with an entry level model if you plan on living in it full time because they don't hold up as well to daily use. But I'm not sure which ones are entry models. 

Few RV interiors will stand up to daily use for 3-4 years without some deterioration of the upholstery and carpeting.

Gary has provided a good list of brands but there is variation from one model to the next.  The best thing to do is look at them and compare construction of drawers, counters, cupboard doors, and windows.  The shortcuts there are fairly obvious. 

And i have other questions; like are the appliances (fridge especially) really built to be on and used daily?

Many RVers run the fridge during the entire camping season (or year around).  I wouldn't be concerned about the fridge.  Of all the applianices, air conditioners seem to fail the most often.

also, i saw someone mention stabilizing your RV if you're going to stay in one place and I don't know what that means.

In general you want to have something resilient under the tires and each of the stabilizer legs.  Otherwise, depending on the soil conditions, the rig will gradually (and unevenly) sink into the ground.  It need not be anything elaborate -- just some 24" square concrete pieces are usually enough.

And I also have two cats that would be living with me. Anyone have any advice on how they are living with the litter box thing.

The RV is a small space.  You have to scoop the litter daily.  There is the problem that the RV may become dangerously hot for the cats if the air conditioning is in use and there is a power failure, unless you or someone else is there to open windows or otherwise intervene.

Also, what's the deal with fiberglass RVs. I've heard people say they're better but not why.

I'll take aluminum over fiberglass any day

I have found several models that I like but I don't really know anything about them. One is the 2005 used Dutchman, hope its ok to post a link: http://www.bullyanrvs.com/inventory/169946/Used-2005-Dutchmen-RV-Classic-26-L_DSL.aspx

I love that front window and would build a narrow table running underneath it with a fold up table to do my artwork at. I want SUN. Here in minnesota I hardly get any in the fall and winter. And that sofa would have to go. Are those fairly easy to remove?

Yes it's usually just a matter of a few bolts.  Sometimes the space under the sofa is unfinished or part is used for utilities or storage, though - mine has the converter and two battery compartments under it.

I won't buy this one since I am a long way from making a purchase, I just want to see if something like this can be lived in without being roasted alive or everything breaking down. what am I not taking into consideration?

I would suggest getting a unit with two air conditioners if you'll be in the Texas sun.  A shaded site makes a huge difference though so if you can count on that maybe you can get by with just one.

I always suggest that people new to RVing rent an RV for a while to see if they like it before committing real money
 
We have a Keystone Outback.  Keystone advertises it as a mid-level trailer.  I think that's a stretch but that's just my opinion.  We've used our extensively in the four years we've owned it.  Probably have had it on the road from time to time a total of 12 months.  We have not had any problems with any of our appliances or the plumbing.  I'm not sure but think using them periodically is better than letting them sit for extended periods.  That said, I don't know if it would hold up over three years of continuous use.  If I were looking for a replacement trailer, I'd consider an older high end model.  Something maybe 5+ years old.  A few brands are Carriage, Alfa, Teton Homes, Newmar, Glendale, Peterson Excel and NuWa.  If it was maintained properly, a used high end trailer might outlast a new entry level model.  Every trailer has had issues.  Definitely do your homework and if you zero in on a specific unit you're interested in.  Find out if there is a Yahoo Group for that manufacturer and if so, join and do a bit of research.       
 
Wow, thanks for the wonderful advice everyone. What a wealth of information! This info is really going to help me as I move forward with buying at TT. Thank you!  ;D
 
Another idea is hit some of the local RV dealers and look at the used RV's . Like myself I got lucky and found a nice entry level 2000 Jayco Eagle (31 foot) which is like a huge upgrade form from a 20 foot Dodge Jamboree motorhome I had. You have to ask yourself what you looking to do with your RV? Are you planning on living in it? Are you using it for relaxation? Etc. Then that will have a bearing on the options you going to need. Like if you going to be living in it at a RV park then you most likely won't need a generator but if you like to boondock a lot you might actual want a generator. There more to it that picking a brand name or entry level RV its about finding that comfort level you want because this will now be your home either on the road or in a RV park.
 

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