We really like our Outback by Keystone but the brand or type of trailer for you will depend a great deal on how you're going to use it. Things like number of kids, if any, regular trailer or toy hauler, and lots of other choices. Once you figure out what's important to you in a trailer then you can start narrowing down the models and brands based on what you're truck will tow. As far as used ones, if they've been maintained and everything is in good working order they can last a long time.
Hi,
I answered this question for myself recently. I opted for a 17' Casita fiberglass travel trailer, ease of towing and resale value, as well a fitting my needs were key points of puchase. Check the casita forums as well as company website for more info.
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I would suggest you shy away from a slide in camper unless it's a very light one. Those things are typically quite heavy and you will overload your rear axle. You also need to be very carefull of the weight of any trailer that you consider. In my opinion stick with a trailer that has a GVW less than the GCVW minus your trucks max GVW.
As the others have stated you need to know what you want to do with the trailer, where you will go, how many people, what length of trips, etc. Give this some serious thought, you don't want to buy the wrong trailer for your needs.
I have an Aerolite Cub, which is a hybrid travel trailer. This means that it has tent ends like a tent trailer with a hard sides like a conventional travel trailer. There are many manufacturers of Hybrids and they all have there advantages and disadvantages, I would suppose. The benefits, it is very light and gives us up to 4 full queen sized beds. I doubt there is another type of trailer that has that much sleeping capacity and can be pulled by a 1st gen Tundra. The cons, not good for cooler weather or in bear country.
Go to an RV show and walk through all the floor plans. I always tell folks, buy the floor plan you like (antually, the one your better half likes), from the dealer you like at the price you can afford. The right floorplan from a good dealer will go a long way towards enjoying your new trailer.
When you look at weights, look at trailers with a GVWR less than 6000 lbs. THe dealer will tell you you can tow anything. I was at a dealer yesterday getting a new switch for my slider. Looked at a couple of travel trailers. We like toy haulers and he showed us one with a GVWR of over 9000 lbs. Said I could tow it, no problem. I said my max tow limit was 6800 lbs. He said "no problem, that trailer is 5600 lbs dry. No way you're gonna load more than 1,000 lbs of stuff in it." Ok, ignore all salesman. Look for a trailer with a GVWR less than 6000 lbs. (I have the exact same truck as you do). The GVWR is ALWAYS on a sticker on the front roadside (driver's side, per se) on the outside.
As far as brands, I have been watching rv.net for nearly 4 years now and have not seen a brand pop out as stellar or horrible. At least not in the affordable price ranges. They all have about the same workmanship (average to shoddy, depending on the day it was built) and nearly identical appliances and pieces parts inside.
1. Floorplan
2. Dealer
3. Price
We have a 23' Hybrid travel trailer (Rockwood Roo 23SS) that we love. I am max'd out on all my weights by my Tundra does fine for us. I had to stop by a big RV dealer to get a part for my trailer and had the family with me. I came out after getting my part and they are crawling through all the travel trailers. I get the dreaded "Honey, can we tow this?" question and knew I was doomed. We'll probably be getting a new trailer next spring, if I know my wife.
Anyway, I would recommend joining rv.net and surfing the forums over there. It's free and loads of good people willing to give all of their opinions.
We pull a 25' Mallard Lite from Fleetwood. You can definitely find a substantially better deal from a private seller, as opposed to a dealer. You just need to be careful on your inspection.
REcommended First Travel Trailer?
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