Questions to RV Camper Types

[ctechbob]

Couple things I didn't see addressed above.

Insurance. is usually fairly cheap depending on your coverage level. Our underwriter will allow ours to ride on the same policy as our autos and is around $200 a year give or take. Not all insurers will do that, but the rates are usually pretty reasonable.

As for what to budget for extras.

Well.

Here's a spreadsheet where I started tracking everything I bought. It isn't current, and not all of the stuff is completely necessary, but it all adds up quick.

I have a thread over on an RV forum that lists a bunch of the stuff I've done as far as upgrades to our trailer (Cherokee Grey Wolf 26DJSE)

https://rvthe.us/community/threads/travel-trailer-upgrades-grey-wolf-26djse-my-list-so-far.397/

I do echo what others have said. Yes, build quality can be sketch in a few places, but if you are a handy'ish type person the repairs usually aren't that bad. We've had a few things go wrong with ours, but nothing serious. Also, renting to see if you like the life is a good idea. We started in the summer of 2022 and so far have 42 nights to date with the rest of the summer being booked up with weekend trips and a 2 week trip to FL this fall.

Sponsored

 

[ctechbob]

Also, something to keep in mind. Everyone will have their opinion about weights.

Forest River built trailers include the weight of battery and propane, so their 'unloaded' weights will be closer to what is listed.

Thor built trailers (Jayco and a pile of others), last I checked, do not include propane, so they will list as being a little lighter on the nose.

 

[brroberts]

Thor and Forest River between the two of them make most of the brands. You can buy a higher quality niche brand, but generally the parts and appliances used will be the same as the cheapest trailers. I find fully molded fiberglass trailers last longer, have less maintenance, and have much higher resale. They are not for everybody, and cost significantly more up front. The top end fiberglass trailers are Bigfoot and Oliver. The middle tier has Escape, and some really small builders like Happier Canper and others. The lower end, but larger builder is Casita and at the bottom of the fiberglass market is Scamp. Even old Scamps hold their value fairly well. There are fiberglass trailer forums. The Escape, Oliver, and Casiuta forums are active. The Bigfoot forum is pretty dead.

 

[ctechbob]

Thor and Forest River between the two of them make most of the brands. You can buy a higher quality niche brand, but generally the parts and appliances used will be the same as the cheapest trailers. I find fully molded fiberglass trailers last longer, have less maintenance, and have much higher resale. They are not for everybody, and cost significantly more up front. The top end fiberglass trailers are Bigfoot and Oliver. The middle tier has Escape, and some really small builders like Happier Canper and others. The lower end, but larger builder is Casita and at the bottom of the fiberglass market is Scamp. Even old Scamps hold their value fairly well. There are fiberglass trailer forums. The Escape, Oliver, and Casiuta forums are active. The Bigfoot forum is pretty dead.

There's also the Sonic trailers, which I believe are still a 'KZ' (Escape and others) brand. I had my eye on one for a long time, but decided to not spend that much on my first one.

They're not bleeding expensive mind, just more than what I wanted at the time.

I do REALLY like the idea of a solid fiberglass roof though. Seems like a good idea in my mind.

 

[brroberts]

Escape Trailer Industries is not the KV stick built Escape you are referring to. It is a fully molded fiberglass trailer built in Chiliwak, BC. It’s a totally different level of price and build quality. I’m at the lake in mine right now.

 

[Lcr3000]

FIRST: To Post Patroller's, yes my questions have likely been asked before so no need for you to read any further. TIA

SECOND: To those willing to offer some advice and guidance, please continue reading and provide any and input / advice / lessons learned / food for thought as I'm new to these things.

THIRD: Wasn't sure where to post so I chose TOWING

So my wife wanted to out and look at campers and a local place has a FLAGSTAFF E-PRO 19FD with PKG D in stock and they're asking $29K for it. So now my questions.

1) No issues with a MY22 Lariat towing ? Weight is 3379 empty.

2) FLAGSTAFF a decent trailer? I know everyone has their preferences on things, like me and SIG SAUERS, and I'm learning. To quote Stephen Covey I'm " seeking to understand "

3) a SWAG how much I'll spend outfitting it? Gray / Black / Drinking Water hoses and I'm sure the list goes on......

4) any good sites or forums to look at to educate myself? OK, really for my wife to educate herself.

5) reoccurring costs; insurance, registration, excise tax here in Maine, off season storage, winterize, maintenance, and I'm sure I missed a few

I'm sure I've missed a bunch bunch but this is a starting point.

Many thanks

John

I'll reply to your first question (1) about the towing weight. You are well within the 7500lbs spec of the Ranger. I've had no issues towing around 2200lbs with my Bushwhacker Radical edition. Total length 16'. The Ranger pulls and handles great with a load behind it. Fuel economy for you will probably be around 11 to 13 mpg. I can get up to 15mpg towing 2000lbs if I keep it at 60mph or below.

 

[Grumpaw]

FIRST: To Post Patroller's, yes my questions have likely been asked before so no need for you to read any further. TIA

SECOND: To those willing to offer some advice and guidance, please continue reading and provide any and input / advice / lessons learned / food for thought as I'm new to these things.

THIRD: Wasn't sure where to post so I chose TOWING

So my wife wanted to out and look at campers and a local place has a FLAGSTAFF E-PRO 19FD with PKG D in stock and they're asking $29K for it. So now my questions.

1) No issues with a MY22 Lariat towing ? Weight is 3379 empty.

2) FLAGSTAFF a decent trailer? I know everyone has their preferences on things, like me and SIG SAUERS, and I'm learning. To quote Stephen Covey I'm " seeking to understand "

3) a SWAG how much I'll spend outfitting it? Gray / Black / Drinking Water hoses and I'm sure the list goes on......

4) any good sites or forums to look at to educate myself? OK, really for my wife to educate herself.

5) reoccurring costs; insurance, registration, excise tax here in Maine, off season storage, winterize, maintenance, and I'm sure I missed a few

I'm sure I've missed a bunch bunch but this is a starting point.

Many thanks

John

John, as you can see, we all have opinions as to rigs, set up, accessories, ect. all based on our own experiences.
One post you should follow up on is about visiting some RV owners sited. There you will find loads of info both in general, and some specific to the model your interested in.
One thing I would tell you to do....find the exact rig you interested in and spend an hour "trying it on for size".
Lay down on the bed, sit on the pottie, stand in the shower, ask your wife if the cooking area is adequate. These seem silly, but you would be surprised how important enough room you need to do simple everyday tasks.
We once bought a class c motor home that was less than a year old and had been used just one time, for about half of what it had sold for....he was short and wide, and the wife was thin and tall. Found out they could not sleep in the bed togather, he had trouble taking a shower and using the pottie due to its lay out. They had never tried it out before buying it...just figured it would be "just like a house". They had to sell, and dealer would not take it back.
For evenings or when weather is bad...is there enough room to sit and watch tv, read, relax, while inside....you may be stuck there for awhile.
Is there enough storage for you needs, both inside and out...enough for your clothes, bedding, un=fridge food.
Do you have pets that will travel with you...make sure there's room for them and their supplies.
Basically do your homework before you commit.
The Ranger will easily tow any type of rig in that size that you might look at, so don't tie yourself down to one make/model if it won't work for you.

 

[Davidjc]

Try this forum:
https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/
(I use the Jayco equivalent for my trailer)

The above has a Flagstaff specific forum.

The quality of that trailer is on par with most all the similar priced Forest River and Jayco travel trailers.

I was going to send him here also.
https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f33/

 

[Friday yet?]

Another thing to keep in mind... do you plan to boondock off the beaten path? That opens up a whole other can of worms as far as choosing a trailer. You drag one of the traditional trailers the least bit offroad and you'll end up with a bare chassis at the camp site.

I've been trying to decide on an offroad trailer for about 2 years now. And still haven't come up with the "one." Well, actually I did/do. But the one that I truly want was referred to by the warden as a "glorified tent." So needless to say it ain't an option! So the search continues. RV shows, dealers, renting RV's for vacation... and hours spent with my good buddy Google.

Trying to find an offroad capable trailer that will please both the warden and myself is proving to be a very pricy event. They are out there... but bring your check book!

 

[Deleted User 61245811]

We went through this phase about 3 years ago. Every one I looked at was really cheap for the price they're asking but I know I'm jaded from working on high end homes. In the end I just couldn't allow myself to spend that kind of money for something so poorly built. Like others have said be prepared to fix a lot of stuff yourself because the dealers usually take forever to do the repairs. Then you're stuck (usually during prime season) without your rv and still making payments on it.

Best advise would be to rent for the summer to see if you (and your wife) really like the whole rv experience. So many "think" they will only to spend a small fortune and then they just sit for a year or two before selling at a huge loss. If you do it was money well spent and if you don't it was a good learning experience.

I couldn't agree more with the concept of renting first, although I would say for two seasons. Here's why.

1- It gives you a chance to try different campers and floor plans. What you think you like on the lot might not be that practical when you take it out and actually camp in it. It will help you learn what is truly important and right for you.
2- it will give you a feel for what size is right for you. Not too big to tow where you want to take it but not to small to live with.
3- the reason I say rent for two seasons is that the first season will be a whirl wind and new adventure. The second season will be more indicative of what your actual usage for the camper will be. You may find in the second season that you'll probably only end up using it two long weekends a season. If that's the case, you're probably better off just continuing to rent and never buying. If you can start spend 4 full weeks a season in, then it will be time to consider buying.
4- renting gives you time to search for a good deal if you decide to buy and figure the right floor plan to buy. I've bought new and I've bought used and I would (never say never) never buy new again. With some searching, especially in the off season, you can find a great deal on a used one that has had all the new kinks worked out and will be in more reliable condition than a new one. Be the beneficiary of one of those huge losses azscorpion was talking about. Plus it will come with all that extra stuff you have to buy likely.

 

[ctechbob]

Escape Trailer Industries is not the KV stick built Escape you are referring to. It is a fully molded fiberglass trailer built in Chiliwak, BC. It’s a totally different level of price and build quality. I’m at the lake in mine right now.

Gotcha, wasn't aware of those.

 

[SigOris]

John, as you can see, we all have opinions as to rigs, set up, accessories, ect. all based on our own experiences.
One post you should follow up on is about visiting some RV owners sited. There you will find loads of info both in general, and some specific to the model your interested in.
One thing I would tell you to do....find the exact rig you interested in and spend an hour "trying it on for size".
Lay down on the bed, sit on the pottie, stand in the shower, ask your wife if the cooking area is adequate. These seem silly, but you would be surprised how important enough room you need to do simple everyday tasks.
We once bought a class c motor home that was less than a year old and had been used just one time, for about half of what it had sold for....he was short and wide, and the wife was thin and tall. Found out they could not sleep in the bed togather, he had trouble taking a shower and using the pottie due to its lay out. They had never tried it out before buying it...just figured it would be "just like a house". They had to sell, and dealer would not take it back.
For evenings or when weather is bad...is there enough room to sit and watch tv, read, relax, while inside....you may be stuck there for awhile.
Is there enough storage for you needs, both inside and out...enough for your clothes, bedding, un=fridge food.
Do you have pets that will travel with you...make sure there's room for them and their supplies.
Basically do your homework before you commit.
The Ranger will easily tow any type of rig in that size that you might look at, so don't tie yourself down to one make/model if it won't work for you.

Thanks. The wife is driving this bus so to say. She really liked the E Pro 19FD enough to purchase in a week. Funny, I got some answers to my questions and lectures on others I didn't ask. Well aware there's RV forums but I've read many posts by people who tow so I felt there was a wealth of knowledge on this forum. It's all good. My guess is in two tears she'll tire of it and it'll be an expensive ' I told you so "

 

[ylwjacket]

I went through all this. My wife was driving the process as well.

Due to her involvement, we bought an Airstream Interstate a year ago. Bought it 4 years old for a fraction of the price of new. When I found one that is 4WD, I relented. I doubt I will need 4WD, but hey, you know.

A year in, and she's making plans for an Airstream Atlas. She thinks I make more money than I do.

 

[ctechbob]

I went through all this. My wife was driving the process as well.

Due to her involvement, we bought an Airstream Interstate a year ago. Bought it 4 years old for a fraction of the price of new. When I found one that is 4WD, I relented. I doubt I will need 4WD, but hey, you know.

A year in, and she's making plans for an Airstream Atlas. She thinks I make more money than I do.

Mine just has no idea of what things like that cost.

She pointed out a diesel pusher that looked just about brand new on one of our last trips.

'when can we get one of those?'

'umm.....probably never?' She had no idea the thing was about double/triple what our house cost.

 

[Rock squirrel]

I’ve had a Rockwood GeoPro 20BHS for about 3.5 years and been very happy with it as my first RV. We paid about $30k out the door in 2020- tax, extended warranty, maintenance package, some basic supplies. The GeoPro is the same as the e-Pro with minor cosmetic differences, like a Chevy/GMC. When I was shopping, I saw these as a mid-range, aluminum frame, fiberglass, block foam insulation, and lots of nice things included like an inverter, dual propane, solar, etc.

We take it out about every other month. No major problems to speak of with regular maintenance. Lots of other answers, so let me know if you have any specific questions. A couple of comments, towing is fine without a weight distributing hitch, but the Ranger does squat a bit when I have full load and water tank filled. Still tows great except at night because my lights are too high, so I just avoid that. If you plan for no hookups, I wish I did have more battery/solar capacity. I think new models improved that?

CA insurance is about $260/year through good Sam/national general. Registration is $280. I bought a maintenance package and warranty, so only cost I had was $750 for brakes and brake drum (my fault I cracked it by waiting too long to replace). I am starting to see some cosmetic wear and tear from sun and use, but nothing that isn’t a minor fix. Don’t need to winterize or store, but if I had to winterize - doing it with air seemed like a good way:

Hope that helps!

Sponsored