Hi guys and gals, Been doing a lot of research in preparation for full Timing. I want to hit the road with my wife and son who will be fifteen when I retire in four years. The plan is it give a try for two to three years before son goes to college seeing this country, hiking and fly fishing the west, making some life long memories with him and DW. DW and I will then re-evaluate whether or not we wan to continue or move back to a SandB. I've seen little on this question, so hitting the group up with it again.
Does anyone have an Evergreen Everlite or have experience about it as a full time rig? I know the limitations of a TT as a full time rig, but feel this rout may be a more economical way to figure out if I want to do this for more a couple of years. I can always upgrade later if DW wants to stay out on the road.
Thanks, Gunny.
Sushidog said
09:46 PM Jun 29, 2014
Gunny, I'm planning on using a TT for FT use too. I've been researching them for several years. Though I like the concept and Evergreens appear well made, none have sufficient carrying capacity for FT use for 3 people. IMHO you will probably want at least 3,500 lbs of CCC for 3 people. A 15 yr old will want a separate bedroom too, limiting your choices even more. A toy hauler might better suit your needs. Look at something like the Forest River Stealth RG2810, a Shockwave T27SADX, a Dutchman Razorback 2950 or something similar. I would select a unit that is at least a couple years old since you are uncertain as to the permanency of your plans.
Do you plan on snowbirding or are you looking for a 4 season camper?
Chip
bjoyce said
09:15 AM Jun 30, 2014
A repair place we know is not impressed with Evergreen. Not the build quality, the support for repairs. Their experience is that Evergreen is about the slowest RV manufacturer to ship parts and like most manufacturers, they do not always ship the correct parts the first time. 8 to 10 week turnaround was mentioned.
HabDaddy said
10:07 AM Jul 1, 2014
I own an Everlite (29'). Based on what you explained, I think it is a great idea. I used to travel with my parents during the summers and was lucky to see most of North America as a kid. As for space, just make sure you get a floor plan that works. A private bedroom would be nice but some layouts are quite private. I do not know all the floor plans for Evergreen but I selected the one that worked best for us.
As for the trailer, mine is fully composite which means when it leaks (all trailers will leak), I just need to find it and fix it. I do not have to worry about rotting wood, etc. The amenities within the trailer are what I would call standard. I replaced my faucets with "real" ones (not RV faucets) and the shower head. The rest of the appliances, etc are good enough.
As for support, when I have contacted the company personally, I have gotten a good response. My 2 year warranty runs out this fall so after that, all the repairs are on me vs. the dealer. I have taken it to the dealer but left it over the winter so I am not sure how long it takes them to get parts, etc. I have had to replace one fender (thanks to a neighbor) and it did take about 8-10 days to get it. The good news is that most things in the camper can be bought without having to go thru the manufacturer.
Personally I like the trailer. I selected it mainly for its construction. I have owned campers all my life and every one of them has had some type of rotting wood due to water leakage. Sure there are things I do not care for with the trailer but if it breaks or I get tired of it, I will replace it. Overall it is a good trailer. Tows great and so far has not given me any trouble that has hampered a trip.
Gunny said
06:39 PM Jul 1, 2014
HapDaddy, which TT do you have and what do you pull it with? I'm thinking of the 30BHPR and pull it with a Ford f250 Super Duty gas with a shell for extra storage. We won't need much. Clothes, boots, fly fishing tackle, mt bikes. The TT itself can carry 2k with a total GVWR of less than 9k. Planning on using Nat'l, State, ACE parks so will not carry water and waste. I will head Southerly as weather turns cooler. What reviews I have found on the Everlight are mostly positive, except what I read above.
Hi guys and gals, Been doing a lot of research in preparation for full Timing. I want to hit the road with my wife and son who will be fifteen when I retire in four years. The plan is it give a try for two to three years before son goes to college seeing this country, hiking and fly fishing the west, making some life long memories with him and DW. DW and I will then re-evaluate whether or not we wan to continue or move back to a SandB. I've seen little on this question, so hitting the group up with it again.
Does anyone have an Evergreen Everlite or have experience about it as a full time rig? I know the limitations of a TT as a full time rig, but feel this rout may be a more economical way to figure out if I want to do this for more a couple of years. I can always upgrade later if DW wants to stay out on the road.
Thanks, Gunny.
Do you plan on snowbirding or are you looking for a 4 season camper?
Chip
As for the trailer, mine is fully composite which means when it leaks (all trailers will leak), I just need to find it and fix it. I do not have to worry about rotting wood, etc. The amenities within the trailer are what I would call standard. I replaced my faucets with "real" ones (not RV faucets) and the shower head. The rest of the appliances, etc are good enough.
As for support, when I have contacted the company personally, I have gotten a good response. My 2 year warranty runs out this fall so after that, all the repairs are on me vs. the dealer. I have taken it to the dealer but left it over the winter so I am not sure how long it takes them to get parts, etc. I have had to replace one fender (thanks to a neighbor) and it did take about 8-10 days to get it. The good news is that most things in the camper can be bought without having to go thru the manufacturer.
Personally I like the trailer. I selected it mainly for its construction. I have owned campers all my life and every one of them has had some type of rotting wood due to water leakage. Sure there are things I do not care for with the trailer but if it breaks or I get tired of it, I will replace it. Overall it is a good trailer. Tows great and so far has not given me any trouble that has hampered a trip.