Step one.......do you want to deal with condensation , wet canvas pack up and maybe noisy neighbors? Does the extra bunk space outweigh those issues? Think about the temps you like to camp in....
Decide on hybrid or hard sided.....
As said....TV will be a big determiner......
'08 Toyota Tundra 5.7L with tow package/Prodigy
'12 Evergreen EverLite 31 RLS Compositek construction
Do you want to live an sleep in a claustrophobic box? If so get a regular travel trailer. Most come with one (1) bed. Your kids can sleep on the floor, it's camping after all!
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland Our Photo pages
Chuck_S wrote: Do you want to live an sleep in a claustrophobic box? If so get a regular travel trailer. Most come with one (1) bed. Your kids can sleep on the floor, it's camping after all!
-- Chuck
Good one Chuck.......and I agree with you. Hybrid are so much more open.
Another thing to consider if you have the TV for it, is to get an HTT with a super slide out......you won't regret it.
Finally, take your time.....shop, shop, shop.....and you will save a lot of money. We just bought a 2011 Palomino Stampede s238 in October for $11,500. I did have to travel 650 miles to get it, but I saved over $7,000 from what the dealer was asking for it.
Lots to think about. First is the TV that was mentioned earlier - safety needs to be the #1 priority. Do you plan to keep this HTT for just a few years or an extended period of time. No children yet, but..... If you're planning to keep the trailer for a long time, plan to have 4 children and 2 dogs, that changes the recommendations considerably. Budget - makes a big difference. No need to tell us your top dollar, but knowing if previously owned is crucial, then we won't start suggesting new ones. You've come to a good place to get lots of info. Might suggest you also check out Hybrid Explorer if you haven't already. Many of us on both, but you might get some fresh input. Glad you're doing your homework before rather than after the purchase. All questions are good questions, so ask away. Good luck.
2013 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2604
2003 Ford F-150 with Blue Ox 1000 & Prodigy
5 doggies - We support Adopt/Rescue
Sam, you were the best!
Foxy is our new camping buddy
I would suggest that your hybrid would have enough beds for everyone in the "turtle" position. The reason is that during really cold weather you may not want to open the bunk-ends. This will conserve heat and will be more comfortable.
We camp a lot during the winter (mid 20's), and it's too cramped to sleep without opening the bunk-ends. If you only plan to camp in good weather, then disregard this post..........Dan
Guess what, everyone has the favorite in campers. Do as Chuck suggested and you won't be far off from what you finally decide on. Almost all of us think our brand is the best, and they are, for our particular needs. Good luck on your choice. If it's right for you then it's the right choice.
My hybrid floorplan list would comprise of this.
1. Storage, Storage, Storage
2. Slide out
3. Counter Space
4. Outdoor Grill
5. And finally more STORAGE!!!!
How many more hours till we get to eat bacon again???
2010 F150, 5.4
2003 Cub Hybrid
2009 Jack Russel(believe me,he is HELL on wheels).
I really can't add to what has already been covered but i will repeat this.
Get a hybrid with a slide so when the weather turns bad you have additional room.
Wait...you'll have additional room when the weather's nice too.
I read and searched as many forums I could find. One of the best pieces of advise I got was "buy your second TT first". I'm glad that was first on my mind. Floorplain was a big deal, making the wife happy was a big deal, I liked the tents so I went with HTT, the TT seamed too enclosed. Having a bit of extra $ was nice to buy new, the used ones had too many issues. Like was said above, I narrowed it down to Roo and Jayco. Both very equal with pros/cons on each side.