I'm just wondering if any of you have been here before. We're a family of 4 with 6-year old twin boys. We purchased our first travel trailer 3 seasons ago, and apart from some moderate issues that have all been addressed by Jayco, the rig has served us well. Our quad bunk configuration isn't all that convenient for our boys, as there isn't a slide in the bunkhouse, and my wife and I have to deal with a slide out, rear queen bed. As a result, we've been thinking about upgrading to something with a few more creature comforts.
On the other hand, there's something to be said for a unit that only weighs 6500lbs fully loaded and extends to 34'. All of the appliances work, and Jayco flipped the bill last season for a brand new floor and paid to have all of our roof, sidewall, and window seams re-caulked as a result of a leaky cargo storage hatch. In many ways, the unit really is "better than new." All of the issues have been worked out, and we've got her just about paid off.
So the question I've been toying with is, do we upgrade the trailer in a year or so and get something with bells and whistles, or do we live with what we have and put the money into something else; possibly a family boat. We live in the Seattle area, and there are TONS of lakes to pull high energy boys around on, not to mention world class fishing.
We have a 25' 5'er w/o a slide. We've had it 11 years and for the first few years we thought we would upgrade to bigger unit. Somewhere along the line we learned how to organize (2 of us and we travel with 3 dogs)and have had so many good memories with it that it will be our last unit. Like yours, ours is trouble free now and has been over the years with regular maintenance. The shorter length has given us sites we would have missed out on and driving through major cities is doable. By not making payments on another rig we can deal with the price of gas.
'06 Ford F350 V10 CC 4X4 SB auto 4.10
'01 Arctic Fox 235H (5'er)
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I am happy to have a unit that is paid for, and not one with slides that might start leaking, or the slide toppers that flap in the wind.
A rear slide out sounds like a good improvement, it expands the RV without adding to the overall weight nearly as much.
I was thinking for a retirement RV one with a 14 foot long garage, and build into that a 14' long siding room, that can be moved out when desired, and in a large enough campground space. Don't know if I will ever make that RV, but it is always interesting to thing about such things.
Probably better to wait about 4 or 5 more years, then decide. They will probably have perfected the outdoor kitchen by then, and upgrading will be easy.
It's just the wife 2 dogs and me in our TT; we just upgraded from a 23 foot TT. With no slides to a 27 with 2 slides and could not be happier!
We now have all the room we could need even when entertaining guest. I say if you want something better then get it; but as you said you have one now that you can live with so take your time to search for exactly what you want.
2008 Forest River Wildwood Le 27BHBS - 2010 Dodge 2500 Laramie Mega cab 6.7L Cummins diesel, Flo-Pro exhaust, XRT Pro tuner, Mygig Lock Pick, Access tonneau cover, Ranch Hand grill guard, KC daylighters.
I don't know if money is an issue for you, but if you think the camping lifestyle is expensive wait until you start boating!
I would keep what you have until it no longer works for you. No matter what you get, in a few years there will be something with more bells and whistles.
I notice those commenting above did not mention having any kids. Kids change the equation. You guys are out growing your current TT. As a result of being cramped camping is loosing its appeal otherwise you would not be considering boating or anything else.
Adequate space is a fundamental key to having the right floorplan. If the floorplan is not working camping gets to be too much work and less fun and relaxation.
I'm making these comments as a outsider, I don't truly know your situation but sounds like if you really enjoy camping an upgrade is in order. If you don't really enjoy camping alternative activities are fine.
07'Duramax dually,12'Open Range 399BHS
Hawkshead TPMS,Hensley BD3,Killerbee exhaust brake
Blue Ox Bedsaver,air bags w/compressor
Arvika pin box bike rack,Bak Flip tonneau cover
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Our 21' TT is going into its 9th season. Our kids are now teenagers, and have politely asked if they could not go on as many camping trips as we have in the past. So basically the TT is now perfect for just wife and I!
We really aren't in our camper all that much when we camp. It is a place to sleep mostly.
So, I am not thinking of getting a bigger TT.
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2008 F-250 CrewCab 5.4L,
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor
Yes my husband wants something smaller. We have friends who get something bigger every few years. Now they are very limited on where they can camp. Went to too many RV shows.
IMO if it's doing the job there is no point upgrading. Spend your money on other toys.
We have a 96 Southwind with no slides, it's great for two. The only reason I'm looking to change is because our GS's are with us full time.
I need something with bunks.
That is a decision only you can make.
I had to decide between a boat or a TT. I figured I would get much more family usage out of a TT than a boat.
We ended up buying 3 TT's in our first 4 years. We like to be comfortable when we camp, so we made sure to have enough TT for our family.
Others are quite happy with a smaller, no slide TT and having the kids camp in a tent. I do not fault them . Different strokes for different folks.
SEMPER FI
Joe,Joyce 4 kids & 3 dogs
2004 Ford Excursion LTD 4x4 V-10 3.73 Gears, Hellwig Swaybar, Bilstein Shocks & Steering Stabilizer, Roadmaster Active Suspension, Super Duty Tow Mirrors
Reese Dual Cam & Prodigy Brake Controller
2010 Jayco G2 32BHDS.
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