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RE: Moving over from Hybrid Forum
Moved over ourselves last year from our 2008 Roo. We haven't looked back--we love the full TT. We've enjoyed being able to do more cold weather camping and longer trips with overnight stops enroute that doesn't involve dropping any bunks and the associated set-up. We're starting to count the days until our big trip out west to Yellowstone. We'll be doing several one night stops along our route through North Dakota, Montana, and back through South Dakota.
Enjoy your new TT!
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Andy F
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05/19/13 02:46pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Buying SUV and Trailer at the same time - what to get?
If you've liked your 4Runner, I'd highly recommend the Sequoia for an SUV tow vehicle, especially the latest generation from 08' to now for additional towing capacity. I would go with a "full" TT as compared to the Trail Manor which will involve more set-up and take-down. Any light-weight TT will tow well behind a Sequoia or similar-sized SUV. Our TT weighs in empty around 5200 lbs and has bunk beds in the rear for the kids with a queen bed up front for my wife and I.
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Andy F
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04/23/13 05:05pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Questions about dealer including a Fantastic Fan w/purchase
Our dealer last year readily agreed to include a Fantastic Fan in our TT deal. He actually gave us the upgraded Fan with the thermostat which ends up being pretty slick and I would recommend you specify it.
And the other posts about installing the fan where ever you have an existing vent hole are correct--can't imagine you wouldn't have at least one light close enough to run power from any existing vent hole. We had Fantastic Fan installed in the bathroom. We went the first year without upgraded vent covers like the Maxair. I am installing them myself this year as the 1st or 2nd mod of the upcoming camping season.
My experience has been that some dealers make excuses and down right lie to avoid adding anything/giving anything on a deal. Other dealers are honest and willing to deal back and forth.
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Andy F
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04/08/13 07:54pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 2012 Grey Wolf 26bh vs. 2012 I-Go 239h
When we looked at the 2012 iGo TT's, we were really disappointed to see that they had a rather cheap furnace with no ducting at all, let alone ducting in the floor. We had the same furnace in our pop-up camper back 9 years ago when we first started camping. I can't believe they put that in a TT. Make sure that Evergreen has upgraded the design before you buy an iGo.
The dealership that was selling the iGo's locally here in Mpls/St.Paul, Hilltop Trailer Sales, has been around a long time and is a very well established Jayco and Evergreen dealership. The salesman there admitted they were shocked at the poor heating/furnace design in the iGo's. They've since stopped stocking the iGo and they actually still have one of the trailers left in stock that we looked at last March of 2012 with a very reduced selling price:
http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b640/AndyandKaren_Fashant/2012iGoatHilltopTrailerSales_zps9855df57.jpg
Maybe heat and a furnace isn't a big deal to the OP--couldn't tell where you live. After having a TT with in-the-floor ducted heat, I'd never go without it.
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Andy F
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04/01/13 04:36pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Trash Cans
The trash can chute in our TT is one of the things we love about our floorplan:
http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b640/AndyandKaren_Fashant/281BHSFLOORPLANwithtrashcancircled_zps9a96e99b.jpg
A standard plastic trash can fits in the storage space underneath the opening in the kitchen counter. You access the trash can through an outside storage door to empty. It's unbelievably handy--unfortunately Keystone eliminated it when they changed the kitchen counter layout in late '12.
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Andy F
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03/31/13 06:08pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Towing trial?
Our dealer on our TT was fantastic and he let us do a test tow. He asked to ride with which was fine. We were able to even use our WDH set-up which at the time consisted of chain bars/snap-up brackets. I needed to know how our tow vehicle would handle the bigger trailer since we were entering the top end of tow limit. The experience sealed the deal for us.
I understand the comments already posted regarding a test tow not really being needed. But, when you stop and think about it, it does seem a bit crazy that we the customers would pay so much for a TT and have no idea how it tows until we've already paid for it and we're leaving the dealership.
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Andy F
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03/29/13 06:11am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Double Bunk vs Single Bunk Opinions
My presonal choice would be double over double. Gives both kids the option of bringing a friend. Gives each of them more room when its just the two of them. Gives the option of putting both kids in the top bunk and an adult couple (Grandparents?) in the bottom bunk for the occasional weekend.
My biggest concern with these is to make sure there is both a pantry as well as a full height ward for the kids clothes. Some of these corner bunk campers don't have a dedicated wardrobe for the kids clothes.
Very good point on pantry/wardrobe space. Some floor plans we looked at had no wardrobe or only a half wardrobe/cabinet hanging next to the single upper bunk and sometimes no pantry. We made sure we got a full size wardrobe and our dealer installed shelving for us in it so each of our 4 kids has space for their clothes. And we got a full pantry along with a pull-out drawer below it. Here's our floor plan as an example:
http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b640/AndyandKaren_Fashant/281BHSFLOORPLAN_zpsc6eb55b6.gif
On a side note regarding wardrobes, we also had our dealer install nice shelving in our wardrobes on either side of the bed in the front "master" bedroom. All of the shelving is adjustable and removable in case you need space to hang clothes--yet to happen for us. Any good dealer should be willing to include this in a purchase deal and expect them to do it with quality. We've done this with both of our new purchases, first with our HTT without the quality we should have got in hindsight, and second with our TT last year where the dealer did an excellent job.
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Andy F
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03/26/13 09:59am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Double Bunk vs Single Bunk Opinions
Here's a photo of our trailer's double bunk over double bunk on a similar unit (thanks RV Wholesale Superstore for the image--I couldn't find one of our actual trailer without my kids directly in the photo). We like all of the windows on the sides and the rear. It lets in a lot of light and creates a more open feel to the floor plan when looking to the rear.
http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b640/AndyandKaren_Fashant/38_zpsc4b746e5.jpg
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Andy F
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03/25/13 04:51pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Power tongue jack --Why ?
Makes it way easier and faster to hook up a wd hitch. Manual jacks have such slow gearing it takes a long time to crank up/ down.
Ours came as a special package on our TT and we wouldn't go without one now--very handy.
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Andy F
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03/14/13 01:15pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Second door with direct access to washroom
This was one feature we weren't necessarily looking for but ended up with and it turns out be something we really like. Besides the other points brought up by others already, there is another one that I have to admit I really like when we in a more "secluded" campsite--the view from the throne with the door open. We were up in the Apostle Islands last fall and I was sitting in the bathroom looking out over Lake Superior through some trees at our campsite--I'm being funny but also serious! Here's a photo to prove what I mean.
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Andy F
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03/12/13 06:39pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: legnth of finance terms?
How many years do most people finance their new trailer for ?
The rates are reallly low now, under 5%, so would it make sence to
go longer term and pay extra if you have it but not over commit on larger payment in shorter term?
You will probably get a lot of "I only pay cash" responses on this forum. I always find it hard to believe that all of these people buy their rigs outright, but that is what the bulk claim. For some reason people think it is a sign of weakness to finance anything (and/or admit they finance it). Must be nice to be so wealthy. ;-) I am sure some have paid with cash but again, hard to believe the large number here that I see say this.
I did finance mine, and don't remember the rate as that was quite awhile back, however, I would go with the best rate and shortest plan option.
Here is the original question and the best answer. The longer you finance, the more you will pay in interest. Thats how they make their money.The longer you finance, the more you will pay in interest. Thats how they make their money. CW wanted me to finance 21K for 20 years! I got a better deal with afforadable payments at BOA for 5 years - and still pay more on the principal every month.
Figure out just how much you will have paid when the loan comes to term - or ask the lender. It should be listed. Also, make sure there is no penalty for early repayment. Then pay as much a month as you are comfortable with. Amounts over the payment amount will go twoard the principal.
And really - paid cash or financed - who cares? Everyone has different circumstances. The OP asked a specific question and got 5 pages of what everyone else thought about their own situation was the best and lectures on what others can or cannot afford - really? Do you know me somehow? "I paid cash" is not an answer to the question "How many years do most people finance their new trailer for ?" If you paid cash, why are you even answering?
Off my soap box.
Unless you pay if off early--the longer term gives you flexibility in case dark times come financially. As long as you don't have a prepay penalty, you won't pay any more interest as long you make the extra payments and/or a balloon payment. If your disciplined in your finances, the extra payments will not be a problem. And because you have made the extra payments, if God forbid something happens to your finances, your lender would/should allow you to waive some payments or make interest only payments. The longer term provides flexibility for cash flow.
Great point about the original question and post--those that paid cash don't really have any reason to be posting.
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Andy F
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03/07/13 11:48am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: legnth of finance terms?
The last "Toy" I bought I paid 4.1% interest for 12 years. Over that same time period I made 4% - 6%+ on my investments; and at the end of the year I still got to right the interest I paid off. Maybe that's why Donald Trump never pays cash.
The "Toy" term that others have used seems silly to me--if your RV is a "Toy" than we're talking about two completely different things.
Our RV is our "cabin" on wheels. No, I realize it doesn't hold its value like a real cabin does, but for us the value that holds and even rapidly increases are all the family memories we have. My wife and I find we need to get away to truly focus on our children and our family at times. And with my often intense job in Law Enforcement, I need the ability to escape and getaway from it all.
For us, we have a real family cabin 5 miles away from our home on a gorgeous lake that we can use when we want so having the RV is the 2nd cabin on wheels to travel around our beautiful country. And with 4 kids, its a cheap and very pleasurable way to travel even with gas prices in the $3-4 dollar range. I priced out our upcoming 2 week trip to Yellowstone this summer and we're saving money with the RV, especially with a couple of the free overnights in the store parking lots that we'll have along the way. Meals make a huge difference also in the cost. We couldn't afford the lodging and eating out.
It would be different, I suppose, for those not spending the 30+ nights a year in their RV like us. Then perhaps the term "toy" would apply better. For us, it's a lifestyle, a way of life and a family hobby that we all enjoy. If it's a toy--buy with cash!
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Andy F
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03/07/13 09:38am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: legnth of finance terms?
We purchased our 2012 TT last March, 2012 and for the portion we financed we got 2.99% on a 15 year term through our credit union. We took the longer term for flexibility in case hard times come a knocking. We'll be paid off in 4 years, maybe 5 tops while using reward points to lower our rate a .25% every 10 months or so and while making many extra payments per year. We're dropping our rate to 2.74% very soon.
Don't settle for any rate over 3%. I'd suggest at least a 8 year term with extra payments thrown in by you each year to pay it off in 5-6 years max depending on how much you finance.
I understand some of you like to only pay cash--that's great, for you. Our car and tow vehicle are both paid for--with cars and trucks I am right with you in agreement on using cash. But used RV's are a lot different than used cars in regards to quality and problems. I'm not as handy as many of you are. We bought used for our first purchase and we ended up having to fix a lot of things that the buyer didn't tell us about or didn't know about--it was a nightmare.
Rates are so low right now that we wanted "new" for great experiences with our kids while our kids were still kids.
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Andy F
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03/06/13 04:37pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Financing options on used RVs
Credit unions are usually a little higher rate. Ally has good online banking if you want to check your account frequently.
I disagree--most credit unions will have lower rates. Our first Hybrid TT was used and the very large dealer we purchased from couldn't come even close to the interest rate our large credit union offered us, even with that dealer's extensive selection of possible banks to finance through.
Shop around--there are many large credit unions around the country that have opened up their membership nationwide, including ours.
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Andy F
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03/02/13 11:57am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Lightest Bumper Pull with Slide & Bunks?
I was going to suggest a Keystone Bullet--we've loved ours. I've seen a few used ones out there on the market but they were new in 2008-2009 so I doubt you'll find one as low as $10,000.
krobbe, I'd be interested to know how well your used 2009 Bullet has held up--any issues or does it appear to have "aged" well?
Andy, I've cleaned places the previous owner probably never knew about and have tested all the equipment. I haven't come across anything more than a couple burned out bulbs which I've replace almost all with LED. The frame around the wheel wells had some rust but I eliminated that. The roof still looks great and the windows are leak free. The interior upholstery looks great. I'm pretty sure I got a great value. The mods I've done to date are: Installed some new takeoff rims and tires the dealer had sitting on the floor. Enlarged the under bed lift board and new piano hinge to support a new standard queen memory foam 8" mattress. LED panels for all the ceiling fixtures. Replaced the Estone stereo with a Jensen I got on clearance at CW for 69bucks. Replaced all the speakers with PolkAudio 2-ways. Mounted 19"TV in the back bunkhouse. And added a power tongue jack. My next project is to add outlets after my son's pinewood derby.(The axles make the race) Sorry, got carried away...
Good to hear krobbe that the 09 Bullet has worked out well for you. We're hoping ours ages well for the next 6-7 years. We've been happy with the quality so far. I'm moving towards LED bulbs and bed-lift hydraulic arms this coming season along with roof vent covers if the camper capital improvement budget holds together! If you don't have one already, I'd strongly recommend ditching the stock cheap bathroom exhaust fan and going with a Fantastic Fan or the Vortex. Our dealer included one in our purchase and its a world of difference. They even went with the upgraded Fan model with the thermostat which allows for air flow on hot days when the interior temperature rises during driveway storage.
And I completely agree on the axles making the difference for the pinewood derby cars--we've got our races coming up in 3 weeks. I've got the graphite and sand paper ready to make sure the axles spin smoothly!
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Andy F
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02/27/13 11:13am |
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RE: Lightest Bumper Pull with Slide & Bunks?
Wow! Thanks for all of the great responses!!!
Its funny because I keep getting drawn to the Keystone Outback/Passport and the Shamrock campers! And even the Surveyor! They seem to have a slide and bunks and fairly nice for around 10k! Of course, Ill have to drive a few hours to get one at that price, but Im willing to do that!
Ive been concerned about the FEMA campers...I didnt know the years to watch for though, so thanks for letting me know!
I HAD totally put the hybrids out of my mind, but it looks like you could literally get a nice camper that is lightweight by going that route...I dont know! UGH! So many choices! lol...
One thing to watch out for with the hybrids is leaking around the bunk hatches. This was a widespread issue for awhile on these campers and some used ones have the water damage to show for it. Apparently newer models have better seals but it's just something to keep in mind when you are looking at used units.
I was strongly leaning towards a hybrid for my family as we do enjoy the canvas of our pop-up. But, as time goes on we're becoming much more inclined to go full hard sided TT as it will allow for more even temperature control (and less potential water leaking).
X2 on the Hybrids having a history of some leaking. We had a rough time with our 2008 Rockwood Roo. Rockwood was responsive and even took the Roo back to their factory for a complete repair but it was still a pain in the rear. I'd be very careful around any 07-08-09 Rockwood Roos/Shamrocks for the leak issues they had on the bunks.
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Andy F
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02/27/13 11:05am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Lightest Bumper Pull with Slide & Bunks?
The thing I noticed about the Lance, is that it looks like that model is relatively new...
I forgot to mention that Im looking for the above AND at 10k or less! lol...
Need to put ONE more stipulation on that...But I REALLY REALLY liked that Lance camper!
Ouch. 10k could be tough to find what you seek. I recently found the 2009 in my sig for 13k on craigslist from a dealer 3hrs away. I haven't found any within 5k of that on rvtrader. Maybe look for a 2010Bullet230BHS at 4370#dry or the sister passport. Your 1/2 ton should tow these without issues. You'll find specs on prev years on the KeystoneRV website. clicky
I pounded craigslist for quite a while before I found the ONE. I can spend alot on improvements and any minor repairs before getting close to the price of new. Just make sure there is no water leakage or damage when looking used. Rotten wood and mold/mildew in the walls and ceilings is a deal breaker! Happy searching :)
I was going to suggest a Keystone Bullet--we've loved ours. I've seen a few used ones out there on the market but they were new in 2008-2009 so I doubt you'll find one as low as $10,000.
krobbe, I'd be interested to know how well your used 2009 Bullet has held up--any issues or does it appear to have "aged" well?
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Andy F
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02/26/13 05:39pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Hensley Arrow hitch vs Pro Pride 3 hitch
We love towing with our ProPride 3P. Others love their Hensley Arrows. Either one will cost quite a bit new. We bought at the end of the camping season for a discount.
There are also more and more of both hitches showing up on the used market, more of the Arrows than the ProPrides but that should change the longer the ProPrides are out there. When either hitch is up for sale its usually due to the sale of the travel trailer--I've yet to see or hear of an unhappy hitch owner for either brand.
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Andy F
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02/17/13 12:50pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Pro Pride Hitches
Our first tow with our ProPride was in a rain storm after dark in October through Mpls/St.Paul on the interstate in heavy traffic and then a 2+ hour drive down into MN's bluff country. The tow experience was everything promised--no sway and a smoother ride. And the hooking up is very easy.
It's worth every penny. But it's still a lot of money. For us it was an easier decision because our tow vehicle was paid for and it was cheaper to upgrade to a top-of-the-line WDH than buying a new tow vehicle before some longer trips out west this year.
I echo the comment about Sean, the owner--he was great to deal with it.
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Andy F
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02/11/13 08:05pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Could Expedition tow Keystone Bullet 248RKS? JGC Diesel?
You'll be fine with a good weight distribution set-up. We're towing a 281BHS with our Sequoia. I upgraded our WDH to a ProPride and its a great towing experience with a tow vehicle that's paid for.
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Andy F
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02/09/13 08:35pm |
Travel Trailers
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