Advice on travel trailers & tow vehicles please...

Aerkuld · Aerkuld's Garage

My parents are looking into buying a travel trailer and tow vehicle to keep here in the USA. It isn't going to be used more than four or five times a year, but they want a new trailer and a used truck.
They have a couple of brands of trailer in mind and are trying to decide on exactly which one to pick. It does seem to be one of those situations where every decision needs half-a-dozen more, so I was hoping the brains trust on Pelican can help out.
1. Brands - Jayco seems to be the prefered choice at the moment, but the other one they have seen that they like is Keystone/Outback. The dealer that they have been speaking to has said that they have had warranty issues in the past with Keystone and no longer stock them. If anyone has any opinions on these manufacturers or any others that are worth considering then please let me know.
2. Layouts - There are a couple that have most of what they want but there doesn't seem to be one model that has everything they need. Custom specifying may be an option though. Again, any experience would be appreciated.
3. Construction - We seem to be leaning towards a fiberglass outer shell construction as opposed to aluminum panels. Is there much to choose between the two?
4. Pricing - Does anyone have any idea what these would cost to build, probable dealer invoice price, and what the profit margin might be? Basically, what should they aim at as a negotiating price?
5. Tow vehicle - Probably looking at something in the region of a 8500lbs towing weight and will need a decent truck that can haul that and seat five people. Any great suggestions for reliable used trucks to look at in the $10-15k price range.

We'll probably think of some more questions but this should kick it off for starters.

Thanks in advance!

Rot 911 · 10-24-2007, 04:55 PM

Unless they just like throwing away their money, but a used trailer. There are probably just as many 1-2 year old trailers that they will like as there are new ones. And they will look brand new. Most trailer dealers have plenty of used trailers on the lot. The depreciation on trailers makes new cars look like a good deal.

Aerkuld · Aerkuld's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt V

Unless they just like throwing away their money, but a used trailer. There are probably just as many 1-2 year old trailers that they will like as there are new ones. And they will look brand new. Most trailer dealers have plenty of used trailers on the lot. The depreciation on trailers makes new cars look like a good deal.

Good point and good advice but I can only answer it from what they tell me. They have looked at used but they have found the prices, at a dealer at least, aren't that much lower. Just to put it into perspective, they are bringing money over from the UK, so the favorable exchange rate makes everything appear half-price to them. On top of that, a comparable trailer in England would cost twice as much in pounds as it does in dollars, so they are effectively looking at a trailer for a quarter of the price they could pick one up at home - if you see what I mean.
Basically I think they have decided that it is worth spending the money on a new trailer to them.

rouxroux · 10-24-2007, 05:39 PM

AMEN on used! They are going for pennies on the dollar here in Louisiana...So many people (who were able to) bought trailers before FEMA started passing them out, and the market is OVER-saturated with them now. Trust me, my in-laws bought one(a large Dutchman w/slideouts), and we can't give the thing away now even though it is perfect and never moved out of their driveway. Just check the papers down here and look at the RV lots for TONS that are on consignment.

Aerkuld · Aerkuld's Garage

You have managed to get them thinking about the possibility of used. I guess a lot of the same questions stand, construction, brands, etc. Assuming they start looking at used is there any advice you could offer?
rouxroux - for example, what is the size and model of your in-laws trailer and what sort of figure were they expecting it to sell for, if you don't mind me asking?

johndglynn · johndglynn's Garage

+1 more on used - same rationale as buying a caravan in the UK Mark. You can buy an ex-show or ex-demo model for a lot less than new. Go on eBay to judge residuals a few years down the line, and to find discounted 2007 models. The 2008 lines are on sale now so 07s will be on a clearout.

Are they not keen on an RV rather than a trailer - they do Sprinter conversions over there now with the proper CDI motors IIRC. They are silly cheap compared to the UK - the Winnebago View is on twin-wheel Sprinter and is about 40 grand, with great running costs. Plus they can sell it to the UK when they are done and make some more money! Look into buying where there is no tax - Montana I think is pretty cheap for RVs ( I might be wrong!).

Sign up for the Good Sam Club magazine, there are sometimes useful small ads in the back of that and it is cheap to join. They will hook up with the club sooner or later anyway for the campsites.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Oh, a caravan. Another reason to buy used is they use all sorts of nasty stuff in the construction of trailers and manufactured housing. Used one will have had time to air out some, so to speak.

Get a diesel tow vehicle. I personally like the newer GM turbo diesel(V-8 made by Isuzu I believe) Don't know if you could pick one up in your price range though. Dodge has a fine turbo diesel truck too.

Nice thing about an RV over a caravan is that when you get where you are going, the air conditioner or heater has already done its thing to your living space.

Aerkuld · Aerkuld's Garage

The disadvantage of the RV though is that you have to pack eveything up if you want to go out for the day and they're significantly more expensive. At least with the trailer (OK, its a caravan) the tow vehicle is independent and useable as transport without having to pack up the camp.
Good advice so far though, please keep it coming. They are already reconsidering the new/used decision.

Thanks.

futuresoptions · 10-25-2007, 04:51 AM

+1 on the 1-2yr old trailers. Good value because they have already depreciated quite a bit and are still in good as new condition in many cases. I would recommend the Dodge with a Cummins turbo diesel. If it is only going to be used 4-5 times a year, I would recommend finding a good clean 10yr old truck with approximately 100 - 150K miles on it. We use these trucks quite a bit at work and they routinely rack up upwards of 500k miles with only needing oil/lube jobs as routine maintenance. Another idea to consider is possibly having them purchase a motor home that has this chasis. They would be able to travel the 4-5 times a year and I would think have less maintenance and headaches than having two items taking up space in their yard. These can also be had at bargain prices. The area I live in (Deep south Texas) is a good market for picking up these bargains due to the winter Texans coming down each year and upgrading while they are here. This leaves many trade ins at bargain prices. I would think that Florida would also be a good venue for finding bargains in this particular market. Hope this helps.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

You get an RV with a tow vehicle on a dolly, little Honda or something, for knocking around town.

+1 on the deals in Texas, especially if you go somewhere on the outskirts of a big city like Houston or Big D

daepp · 10-25-2007, 07:24 AM

Please recommend a tow vehicle with a long wheel base - plus 5th wheel if you can. There are so many horror stories about trailers getting squirrely behind a short wheel base tow vehicle. Kinda the tail wagging the dog.

Check out some of the RV forums (rv.net) for example.

legion · 10-25-2007, 07:34 AM

You can get on of those RV's that has a Mini that drives up into the rear...

Seahawk · 10-25-2007, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerkuld

The disadvantage of the RV though is that you have to pack eveything up if you want to go out for the day and they're significantly more expensive. At least with the trailer (OK, its a caravan) the tow vehicle is independent and useable as transport without having to pack up the camp.
Good advice so far though, please keep it coming. They are already reconsidering the new/used decision.

Thanks.

You may want to check out in-bed truck campers...they have come a long way in materials, design (lower center of gravity) and ease of use.

The ability to separate an in-bed unit from the truck is now almost trailer like.

rouxroux · 10-25-2007, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerkuld

rouxroux - for example, what is the size and model of your in-laws trailer and what sort of figure were they expecting it to sell for, if you don't mind me asking?

Just for grins, the trailer they bought is 32' with slideouts...Top of the line furnishings, 2 years old, sat in their driveway. Original cost over $30,000 and you can't sell it for half that today. Father-in-law passed away and we sold their place in Slidell and moved Mother-in-Law in with us. Trailer is sitting on an RV consignment lot along with dozens like it. I'm telling you, there are bargains to be had. I'd love to have it, but it is too big for just my wife & I (We have a 16' fiberglass "egg" trailer that fits our needs just fine). The deals are here in Louisiana, trust me.