Hello. This is my first thread in here, so be kind! First off, I've been lurking and researching for a while here. However, I did search but wasn't able to find anything specific to our situation, so I'm asking you guys directly. There are several points, so please be patient.
My wife and I are looking at TTs for us, our three-year-old son and an old Great Dane. We'll be pulling it with an '06 GMC Yukon Denali XL (6.0l AWD). We live at 4700' and will be weekending (usually dry camping) in the Rockies (up to 10,000') with maybe a once-a-summer roadtrip.
We've been focusing on 24-28' lightweights with one slide and seperate sleeping quarters for the boy (any any future "additions"). Used TT's in good condition aren't "plentiful" around here and, when we DO find one we're interested in, there's usually negligable price difference between it and a new unit. We seem to be gravitating toward new, especially considering warranties.
I really like the Keystone Bullets but the couches don't fold into a bed and we haven't found the 281BHS yet (which looks very tempting).
We've also looked at the Rockwoods and found a 2701SS that we really liked.
Lastly, we found a "leftover" 2007 Holiday Rambler Alumalite 8311S at a dealer about 20mins away. It's in great shape for having sat on the lot for at least a couple years. Is there any particular concerns based solely on the TT sitting for that long? Like tire age, etc?
In the end, we like all three of these trailers. The Bullets are higher priced since the Alumalite and Rockwood are both "on sale" in the low to mid 20's: I know we can get the Alumalite even lower and I THINK the Rockwood guy would come down too. However, the Bullet dealer will come off some too, but not to the point of "competing with the other two (and we haven't even found the model we are really interested in nearby).
Also, the Rockwood dealer is three minutes away while the other two are 20-40 minutes away. I'm leaining toward the local guy (Rockwood) just for ease of service.
The Bullets weigh in from 4700 to 5100lbs dry (415-540lb hitch), the Rockwood at 5593lbs dry (620 hitch) and the Alumalite at 4739lbs (605 hitch) dry......all brochure weights.
We've considered smaller TTs but we don't want to grow out of them in a year or two, especially considering that we'll be financing any of these units.
I weighed the TV yesterday at 6360lbs (3360fr/3000rr) with a full tank and the family (minus the 140lb dog ) The manual lists the hitch weight as 600lbs or 1000lbs w/ WD. Also, the GVWR for the truck 14,000lbs.
From what I've read, I'm planning on the Reese DC set-up and a tranny cooler already.
1. Are we looking in the right TT weight range, considering the base altitude, weight ratings and the fact that we'll be heading into the "lower" Rockies?
2. Are there any specific concerns or "heads-up" on the three models we're currently considering?
Can't comment on the trailers, however a buddy has the exact same TV. He also has a 01 Dodge Cummins. We regularly travel from Vancouver (sea level) over the Coquihalla Pass (elevation 4068ft). He pulls a Jayco 27bh, and it is always a flip of a coin which TV he uses, that tells you how well the Yukon does.
Trailer: 07 Tango 299BHS
TV: 2004.5 Dodge 610 CTD 3500 QC 48RE 2wd Laramie SRW, FP Gauge, FASS 95/95, Rhino Lining, Hensley Arrow, Reese Signature Series 5er Hitch, Air Bags & Compressor, Canopy, AL Boat Rack.
Been running B100 home brew June 2008!
eric james wrote: To keep it short, from what I read you should go for the Rockwood. Dealer nearby that you like and you seem to get a good deal.
The '07 HR will always be the "leftover" and not a "new" trailer.
The Bullet is a great trailer but if you can't get the dealer to negotiate, move on.
You should be able to get the new ones 25% off MSRP, maybe more going into winter.
Finally, since you're dry camping, look for the largest water capacity or ask the dealer about a larger aftermarket fresh water tank.
Good choice on WD hitch set up.
Thanks guys. Honestly, I'm kinda leaning toward the Rockwood too. The guy seams "trusty", the service dept is "right here" and the TT has what we want...I'm just not sure on the weight at 5,000lbs dry. The listing shows it's under $20K, which seems more than reasonable but I'll see if I can find a quote online from one of RVWholsalers or RVDirect and maybe he'll go even lower...
Thanks for the suggestions guys, please keep them coming. It is your job to make me feel comfortable!
J/K: Just looking for some guidance from the experienced folks here.
Look for a more open floor plan, and perhaps a small slide out. With a big dog and a boy, you will be stepping over each other constantly if you don't.
You didn't list a factory towing pkg so the addition of a good trans cooler would be a big plus. Also, the TT weights you mention should be no problem but note that most manufacture's listed weight usually does not include the weight of the battery, propane bottles or the tanks.
tomdrobin wrote: Look for a more open floor plan, and perhaps a small slide out. With a big dog and a boy, you will be stepping over each other constantly if you don't.
While we spend the great majority of our time outside, I have considered the room issue (especially with the big, dumb dog) on the chance that we're stuck inside due to rain, bugs or what-have-you. All of the three plans I listed above have decent sized slides, with the Rockwood 2701SS and the Bullet 281BHS having a "superslide" for the Kitchen/Sofa and the AlumaLite having a smaller slide with just the sofa.
Lobo2 wrote: You didn't list a factory towing pkg so the addition of a good trans cooler would be a big plus. Also, the TT weights you mention should be no problem but note that most manufacture's listed weight usually does not include the weight of the battery, propane bottles or the tanks.
Sorry, I don't know about an actual tow package but it has the factory hitch, 7-pin socket and cooler (with temp gauge), all of whihc are standard on the Denali's. I planned on a good plate cooler to piggy-back the factory cooler though. I have the factory brake controller wiring harness from my traded-in '05 Sierra.
Thanks for the suggestions folks, it's much appreciated. Any others?
Click this link and check out this Bullet. In particular, look long and hard at the bathroom shower pics. I wouldn't even consider buying an RV that didn't have this type of shower. I also think the weight of the Bullet 250RKS is better suited for your TV and the mountains you'll be towing in.
JConatser wrote: Click this link and check out this Bullet. In particular, look long and hard at the bathroom shower pics. I wouldn't even consider buying an RV that didn't have this type of shower. I also think the weight of the Bullet 250RKS is better suited for your TV and the mountains you'll be towing in.
Like I said, I LOVE the Bullets. I also like the shower enclosure pictured. Our issue is that their sofa's don't fold into a bed. With the 3YO (4 by next camping season), we'd really like a bed for him, without having to make down the dinette every night. Also, our Bullet dealer doesn't have the huge discounts the linked site does, but I'm sure we could show them a pinted quote and get some lovin' on that. However, they don't have the 281BHS... I also prefer to deal at least semi-local becuase of the service/warranty issues documented on this forum. Again, I'm quite disappointed because the Bullet line is probably my first choice thus far.
Quick update. The delaer with the "new" '07 Holiday Rambler Alumalite called today and the'ye offering the trailer at $19,999 with a WD hitch. The salesman mailed a brochure and details out yesterday, so we'll see where this goes.
We really liked the AlumaLite but I'm worried about it sitting on the lot "new" for two or three years. Other than maybe tires, does anyone have any issues with that (the time sitting)?
Offline
) The manual lists the hitch weight as 600lbs or 1000lbs w/ WD. Also, the GVWR for the truck 14,000lbs. 
Online
