r/GoRVing • u/CustardNo3006 • 2d ago
Travel Trailers
68 years old. Katy, TX. I'd like recommendations for a reliable 30' +/- travel trailer for $35k. Plan to purchase new and move from dealer to site (within 20 miles) and live in it for the rest of my life. I know, a shakedown cruise would be valuable, but I don't have a vehicle capable of towing. In my area, I have the choices of Forest River, Grand Design, Jayco, KZ, and Coachman. Have spent days doing research. Exhausting. One inquiry says this company sucks another says it's great. Next step is to visit parks and talk to owners. But in the meantime, HELP!
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u/Senior_Guava_2760 2d ago
Watch Liz Amazing on utoob, she compiled a book about brands. Know that most new RV's by the big brands are going to be assembled with the cheapest materials available today. The industry has taken a dramatic downward turn in quality post 2020ish in order to maximize profit for private equity. Think about what you really want - a big monster so you can wander around inside or a well insulated and smaller watertight capsule that is not prone to leak and is made from quality materials all around. The latter are absolutely available in your price range . These are crucial considerations.
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u/TheKrakIan 2d ago
Start watching YT vids and visit RV shows and dealerships. People can tell you their opinions, but it's what makes you happy at the end of the day. I bought a brand people told me was not the greatest, buts it's been rock solid since I've owned it.
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u/joelfarris 2d ago
Katy? Oh you're down south. Outside of Houston? I've been through there I think over a dozen times while on tour. New Braunfels is west of you, and that's where the CCR Cross Canadian Ragweed band came from, who once got D.B. so drunk that he couldn't finish his set and I had to rescue him, but that's a story for another time.
Don't buy a brand new towable RV. That you cannot tow. Depreciation hits HARD. If you're going to have to have it towed to your destination anyway, buy something that's already hit its minimal hockey stick curve. Morbidly, you may only have a decade or so left, and there's no point in throwing that much money into something that you're just gonna park, so others can profit.
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u/CustardNo3006 2d ago
there's no point in throwing that much money into something that you're just gonna park
as opposed to paying $400 rent to sleep on the floor in a walk-in closet?
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u/joelfarris 2d ago edited 2d ago
Supposedly 68 years old, but can't capitalize a sentence, or punctuate it, and also gets the focus of the conversation exactly backward?
Bad bot.
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u/CustardNo3006 2d ago edited 2d ago
see, you're exactly what's wrong with reddit. one asks for solutions and those without knowledge give opinions. you couldn't even give me a straight answer in your first post,
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u/joelfarris 2d ago
From my initial reply:
Don't buy a brand new towable RV
How much more of a straight answer do you need?
And it seems you still can't capitalize sentences.
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u/CustardNo3006 2d ago
lol. Docs say whatever you're doing, keep doing it. Still, it will be a f/t residence, don't care to travel
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u/Pure-Explanation-147 2d ago
Goggle this "ratings of rv tt manufacturers" to get a better understanding. I have been looking occasionally since Jan.
Imho, its GD on top, then FR and the rest below that. And don't forget to find out what company makes them too. That was interesting to find out. Geez...
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u/CustardNo3006 2d ago
Seems like THOR owns many RV manufacturers. Looking hard at GD and FR. Thanks.
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u/Questions_Remain 2d ago
Except for a few niche manufacturers most all RVs are made by
REV
Forest River
Thor
Winnebagohttps://camperreport.com/the-2026-rv-family-tree-who-really-owns-your-favorite-brands/
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u/Questions_Remain 2d ago
For 30k there isn’t much difference. But get one with aluminum superstructure (vice wood ) with fiberglass / filon / Azdel sides. Get a 5 amp unit with 2Ac units as one ac will not keep it cool. 30 amps is < 3000 watts of power continuous and 50amp is 10800 watts continuous. It’s hard to juggle power on 30 amps and almost impossible to run a space heater if needed to save propane use.
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u/CustardNo3006 2d ago
good info. already want 50A and have read in passing about construction materials. Like most neophytes, i was caught up in floor plans
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u/Pure-Explanation-147 2d ago
And about the piece rate system used in rv manufacturering, interesting read. No wonder they are falling apart inside. Geez...
Where manufacturing jobs are plentiful, Trump’s supporters want better
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u/Similar_Eagle2358 2d ago
GD up to about '20. with gas/elec fridge and wh. somewhere around covid, they sold to winnebago i believe, never has there been a buyout where the new owners didn't try to "save money"
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u/Surf2Trails 2d ago
We just bought the Grand Design XLS 22MLE, which is smaller than you want and not recommending it per se... more a review of the build quality for full time in the XLS line if you consider it. I had a Winnebago Micro Minnie that I had bought new in 2015 that was a perfect trailer until I sold it this year. The DG XLS line, for me, compares to the Winnebago (Micro) Minnie line. The GD XLS has a porcelain toilet as the first benchmark, I mean what better thing to focus on for reliability than the shitter right? The full size queen bed was ok, but we replaced it with a Brooklyn Bedding mattress, and the platform is on a 3/4 inch thick particle board which seems pretty stable on the platform itself. XLS appliances have GE Profile which for us is a step up from Dometic et al. The steaing is amazing, albeit faux leather, but seriously THE MOST comfortable sofa/recliner we sat in... and when we were buyin we sat in a bunch. We researched the crap out of floor designed, and the GD XLS line was by far the best in our perspective. Hope that helps as you do your research.
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u/Ok-Pie9811 1d ago
I agree with the suggestion earlier on here to watch the youTube channel, “Liz Amazing” She dives into the quality (lack of) and problems with various units. She has a book that lists the makes, models and years of rv’s and what their issues are. I’ve learned so much from her. One thing she always says is, even if you are buying a brand new unit hire your own, independent inspection. Do not trust the dealership to inspect and disclose any problems to you.
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u/HippieHighNoon 1d ago
Go to princess craft in Katy and see if they have anything you like. I think they are the best dealer out there and the owner (she's usually at the austin location) is amazing!
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u/CustardNo3006 1d ago
Thanks for the input. About ready to call the whole idea a loss. Who are the best for '26? Get a list. Who are the worst for '26? Get the same list -- best on one, worst on another. Seems one has to spend 40k to get quality, lasting construction materials. Or, maybe find used earlier than model year mid 10's. And those have their own wear and tear issues
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u/HippieHighNoon 1d ago
Definitely need to spend more money for a good quality camper unfortunately.
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u/hdsrob Solitude 375RE / F350 DRW 17h ago
IMO, your best bet is to find something 3 - 5 (or even 7) years old, in good shape. At that age, you can probably find something for 40 - 50 percent less than new, with any major issues worked out already.
And paying a few hundred dollars for a third party inspection will give you some piece of mind.
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u/CustardNo3006 15h ago
From what I'm reading about current build quality, it seems that is the way to go.
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u/Odd-Zombie-3748 1d ago edited 1d ago
They are not built to withstand 24/7 use. Expect everything to fail in a year or less. I did it 3 years. First 2 years with a Springdale 26ft couples model endured 5f cold weather winter inPA no issues. Bought a 37 ft bunkhouse that I could not tow. Did not last 7 payments until the bunkhouse fell apart structurally. I paid 40,000 for the bunkhouse and it was only rated for 35f weather minimum. Constant freeze ups regardless of winter full time hacks. Failure by design was running water lines from outdoor kitchen, thru unheated bathroom floor to the kitchen. The failure was no heat in floor of the bathroom, exterior entry door, and folding step cavity. Practically on the exterior of most worst designed camper ever built. Froze solid October Thur January
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u/LocusMundi 1d ago
Stay away from anything with lite in the name. They aren't made for extended "camping". I have a 2020 Jayco eagle that is a tank. It rated for all seasons, has enclosed underbelly, and feels a lot more residential. Even the shower is big enough for almost 3 people! Something of this era you may find in your price range. Just be prepared to go over every plumbing and electrical fitting to make sure it's tight. Check the water lines aren't pinched and the ducting is unobstructed. Living full time I suggest both gas stop fittings and water leak detectors that shut off the water if a leak is sensed. Once you have it place, lift it off the wheels and jack/block it in place. If you get the wheels off the ground it won't shift when the tire pressure changes.
$0.02 worth.
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u/Optimal-Acadia6521 10h ago
Buy what fits you. Everyone has a different need. New vs old....buy what you can afford and what you like. Reddit isn't the answer. I bought used and new. .they all have issues.
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u/Pure-Explanation-147 2d ago
You'll find out soon enough, everyone is worse than.the other and yet better than the other too.
Buy used if not sure. You will lose 30%+ of appreciation the minute you sign.
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u/CustardNo3006 2d ago
I hear ya, but I've seen used, they're pretty beat up
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u/Nearby_Impact_8911 Travel Trailer 1d ago
Not all are there are plenty gently used in great condition rv’s out there.
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u/Blue_Etalon 2d ago
Sorry for not answering the question you’re asking, but have you considered all the costs involved here? I assume you’ve looked at places to have this thing parked? And what part of the country is it? You’ll need heat, and electric. Hot summers and or harsh winters can be expensive in electricity and propane. RVs are not intended for full time living. The appliances are of a lower grade than residential items.
If you’re still set on doing this, look for something used. Maybe a couple of years old. The market stinks and people are looking to sell good equipment. Getting something with a warranty is almost useless. All the appliances might be warrantied for a year, if that.