One thing you really need to pay attention to is the size of the tanks. You are talking about 4 people boondocking. The grey tank will fill up fast. You need to watch fresh water and grey tank size for this. Some of the floorplans/weights that match what you are asking for have extremely tiny tanks. Based upon what you are asking for and what you want to do, I like this Evo for you. Happy hunting.
We have the littlest Fun Finder -- about 12 feet -- and we really like it!
2012 Fun Finder X-139 "Boondock Style" (axle-flipped and extra insulation)
2013 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road (semi-beefy tires and components) Our trips -- pix and text About our trailer
I don't know your buget so here is a few choices from the entry level TTs
Our Amerilite 25bh is a bit longer and heaver than you mentioned (25ft and 4200 lb dry) but we have had no issues towing it in the Rockies with our 07 Expedition without a tow package and rated for 7000 lb towing.
It has a queen bed up front, two bunks in the back and both the couch and dinette convert for sleeping.
They do also have a 19 ft with a slide, a bed, 2 bunks ( one is a double). The slide makes it feel as roomy as ours but shorter. I don't have the numbers on that one.
Being entry level TTs mean they are not 4 season type with enclosed and heated tanks. That said we have had out 11 days with night temps in the 20s every night and never froze up. We also saw 9 days in the high 90s with no issues.
They may not be as fancy as some of the more expensive units. The interior has the feel of a camper more than a RV but we are campers not RVs so we like it that way. Plus the extra money is paying for solar and battery upgrades so we can go off grid for weeks at a time.
2011 GulfStream Amerilite 25BH
2007/2003 Ford Expedition
Nights camped in 2011 21
Nights camped in 2012 16
I want to thank you all for your insight! I wasn't expecting such a big and rapid response, but I guess I needed to remember how helpful this board is.
Since it would take up more bandwidth than the board should allow, I can't respond to everyone in kind. First of all, the tips on what to look for when buying are really helpful. Didn't know spare tires could be an option! I will say I learned of quite a few trailers that I had not researched. The Koala has a great layout and I'd not previously seen those. The Lance 2185 I had seen (not in person), and agree that it is on the short list. I love the Camplites! Even went to a local dealer who only had a 13 in stock just to check it out. Wife loved it because of the utility and clean look of the interior (yup, made sure to sign that one to a long term contract years ago- she's a keeper), but we're concerned with the boys growing that even the 16 may be a bit too small. Not to mention they may be a bit out of the price range new. They aren't cheap (the trailer, not the boys. Wait, let me think about that...). Wife likes the Fun Finders, but they don't make a floor plan we fit in very well.
So I've started to narrow it down. The Lance is definitely one to look at. The aforementioned Koala goes on the list. Also, based on recommendation for K-Z, the Spree 220ks is appealing, as is its floorplan counterparts the Jacyco X213, Rockwood Roo 23rs, and Surveyor SV-235 (the big issue with these four is my OCD on the quality- floor plans being equal, which is the best to buy?). The Evo 2150 I had overlooked and will take another gander at that as well. And that's just to start. I've got some others I need to check out.
Again, thank you all so much for the recommendations. And if I've missed anything please make sure to point it out. Or anything else I may need to know. This board is better than any buyer's guide I've seen!
Those young boys won't stay young for long. No matter what get a trailer with bunks for those boys. Converting tables & sofas into beds gets very old very fast.
Just about every major TT manufacturer makes these floorplans. Both of which can found in the 1/2 ton towable category:
68 Me & DW - 93 DD - 03 DD
06 F150 Screw, 6.5' Bed, 4x4, 5.4, 3.73
04 Tahoe 23RB-GL
01 VFR800fi A day without fusion is like a day without sunshine.
There are some ultralight trailers that may be a good choice. We used to have a 2001 28ft Aerolite trailer and loved it. They tend to be lower to the ground so certain steep sloped driveways can cause some anxiety. The only other thing(and it is just my 2 cents) is bunks are over rated. We had bunks in prior trailer and during the day my thought was "wasted space". We have two kids also. Our current trailer has no bunks, our son would rather sleep on the sofa without converting it and our daughter loves converting the dinette. They have more than half of the trailer including kitchen and entertainment system to themselves at night. Wife and I have peace in the bedroom. Check the Jayco 242 as an example in your weight range. Anyway hope you find what you feel will give your family years of memories and fun.
* This post was
edited 05/04/12 07:56pm by kbroadnax *
2004 F350 6.0L 4x4 Powerstroke King Ranch Diesel Dually (Have Hitch Will Tow)
2010 31ft Forest River Flagstaff 831FLSS
2001 20ft Starcraft Aurora 2009 Fish-n-Ski Deck Boat w/ 200hp Mercury
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