My husband and I have decided to start our quest to purchase a travel trailer for year round camping. We live in Michigan, so we need something to withstand the cold. This will be our first RV purchase, so any help with any part of the buying process would be very much appreciated. But I really need a solid trailer for winter.
Thank you,
-- Edited by raven429 on Friday 5th of August 2016 12:31:11 PM
kb0zke said
06:01 PM Aug 5, 2016
Welcome, Nicole. If I understand you correctly, you plan to go camping in Michigan at various times of the year, including the winter, NOT full-timing. I'd suggest that you take a look at Arctic Fox trailers. The only coaches that are really well insulated are the DRV fifth wheels. They have thicker walls than others.
I'd suggest that you strongly consider buying a USED trailer, rather than brand new. The reason is that there is quite a depreciation on recreational vehicles, especially at first, and very few people get it absolutely correct the first time. Most people trade once or twice in the first couple of years, as they figure out what they really need.
You will also need to consider your tow vehicle. There are quite a few threads here about matching tow vehicle and trailer. Search them out and study them. Winter in Michigan means snow, so you probably will want to have 4WD. That increases the weight of the truck, but doesn't change the gross weight, which means that a truck with 4WD can't tow as much as a 2WD truck. If you are considering buying a new truck, don't depend on what a sales person tells you. Their job is to sell you a vehicle from their lot, NOT sell you the RIGHT vehicle for your needs. Depending on the size of trailer you are considering, you will probably need to have an F250 or similar truck. Take the VIN to the dealer for whatever brand you are considering and they can look up the actual weight capacities of that particular vehicle.
Do your research and ask lots of questions. Join the owners' forums for any brands you are considering and ask specific questions there.
My husband and I have decided to start our quest to purchase a travel trailer for year round camping. We live in Michigan, so we need something to withstand the cold. This will be our first RV purchase, so any help with any part of the buying process would be very much appreciated. But I really need a solid trailer for winter.
Thank you,
-- Edited by raven429 on Friday 5th of August 2016 12:31:11 PM
I'd suggest that you strongly consider buying a USED trailer, rather than brand new. The reason is that there is quite a depreciation on recreational vehicles, especially at first, and very few people get it absolutely correct the first time. Most people trade once or twice in the first couple of years, as they figure out what they really need.
You will also need to consider your tow vehicle. There are quite a few threads here about matching tow vehicle and trailer. Search them out and study them. Winter in Michigan means snow, so you probably will want to have 4WD. That increases the weight of the truck, but doesn't change the gross weight, which means that a truck with 4WD can't tow as much as a 2WD truck. If you are considering buying a new truck, don't depend on what a sales person tells you. Their job is to sell you a vehicle from their lot, NOT sell you the RIGHT vehicle for your needs. Depending on the size of trailer you are considering, you will probably need to have an F250 or similar truck. Take the VIN to the dealer for whatever brand you are considering and they can look up the actual weight capacities of that particular vehicle.
Do your research and ask lots of questions. Join the owners' forums for any brands you are considering and ask specific questions there.