the big ones are fleetwood, forest river,dutchman,r-vision,
winnebago are a few. but for example forest river has a few
different brands under their banner like salem,wild cat among
others as does fleetwood. are you looking at buying new?

randy

No, it would be used, if at all. Just exploring the pros and cons right now. Nice to know which ones to look at though.

check out the dealers, they want clear their lots of used stuff.
probaly get a better deal. they got to make room for the 2009s

randy

Go kick some tires. Look for things like fit and finish. When we were looking there were some really poorly taken care of trailers. Seen one where some must have left a chair in the wrong spot when they brought the slide in and pushed out part of the wall.

Ouch! That will lessen the resale value!

I think I'm leaning away from a motor home. As far as 5th wheels, or trailers go, how are these brands: Jayco, Palomino, Holiday Rambler, Cherokee, Coachman, Keystone?

I have to say, the nicest 5th wheels I have seen are Montana's. These seem to be the caddy of caddy's, not the GMC of caddy's if you know what I mean.

Choosing a camper, whether it be a tag trailer, 5th wheel, motorhome, slide in......it always comes down to how much you are willing to spend, and your personal needs. Not all, but most will always choose a trailer of some type because they are less expensive.

Have fun shopping and I hope you are happy with your final decision. You are using it and it's your money. Just don't get anything too big for your tow vehicle, otherwise you are shopping and spending again.

one good thing with a trailer, you can unhook and still
have a vehicle to get around with. with a motorhome you
have to tow a vehicle. the wife loved the motorhome, she
could use the bathroom on the road.

randy

I completely disagree. when you say "money pit" yes it takes money to own and operate a camper. but the camper itself is not a money pit. Mine is paid for and I spend around $100 a year for insurance and next to nothing for maintainance, other than elbow grease. I don't think the original poster wants to take into consideration, gas, camping fees, firewood, and the many, many other incidentals that go with camping. I believe his post was just wondering about the camping unit itself.

Yup, just the unit itself. Stuff breaking, or wearing out. Window issues, roof sealing, heater & A/C units going out, water heater, etc.

Can't get away from fuel costs and camping fees.

roof and window sealing is maintenance whether a trailer
or motorhome. cheap to do, just takes time. sure you will
have vent covers that weather and crack, window cranks break
ect. just hope a refer dont puke on you.. big money there.
all in all they are pretty reliable if taken care of.

randy

If you can find some back issues of Trailer Life magazine, either online or at a library, they do reviews on all kinds of trailers and brands. This will help you learn what floor plans are available whether you buy used or new. Also a lot of articles on do it yourself maintenance.

I've had both and in my opinion you get a lot more bang for your buck with a trailer if you already have a suitable tow vehicle and you have the tow vehicle for cruising around while you are at the campground. We didn't like being stuck at the campground once we got there.

I own a pop-up and don't regret buying it for a second. The very little money I have spent on it has gone into improvements, not into fixing broken stuff. The rewards (being with family) far outweigh the costs.