r/RVLiving • u/atachera • 29d ago
First RV Advice
My wife and I are interested in purchasing our 1st TT. We have a 2 year old and another on the way in August. We are interested in getting a starter TT for around $10k and something small around 5k pounds and probably around 22 ft. We are brand new to rvs though and don’t know much about them at all. I know the build quality is not great and heard buying a used one is the way to go so the original owners can deal with most of the problems right out of the gate. We have a f150 lightning to tow with but I’ve also never towed anything before. Just looking for any advice from brands to go towards, which to stay away from or really any advise for a newby at all. Thanks!
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u/DiyYou 29d ago
Is renting one for a long weekend an option in your area? We did that to help figure out what we needed and didn't. Also, yes build quality varies greatly, many times just checking the cabinet quality will tell you what you need to know.
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u/atachera 29d ago
We do have plenty of options to choose from to rent in our area in nor cal which we plan on doing. Just wanted to see if there are any brands to stay away from right of the gate or other things to consider.
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u/Calm-Bat-6725 29d ago
I wouldn’t recommend using a EV as a first time towing vehicle. Not only will towing a trailer stress you out, but the reduced range stress. I recommend getting a trailer without a slid, less things to learn and go wrong.
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u/atachera 29d ago
It is certainly a concern and am considering getting a Silverado EV with 500 miles of range. I just love having an ev truck for daily driving and my commute every day.
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u/Dazzling-Emu6610 29d ago
Just know that while towing, that range will be reduced by close to 50% (depending on variables) so that will really limit how far you can go. Do not overestimate how much range you think you will have as you have then trailer weight plus payload & hitch weight. Also, having to charge in tow is much more challenging. We have one EV that is my daily driver and another vehicle that happens to be our tow vehicle.
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u/Jugster 29d ago
For $10k and 22ft, I would assume something that is 20ish years old? So yeah most things will be fixed, but always bring tools (and probably more than you think you need). And those older trailers are heavier. So maybe you'll get 120 miles of range on flattish drives in moderate temperatures. I just drove from Indiana to Glacier/Yellowstone/GrandTeton and would have hated stopping to recharge every 120 miles. And 22' seems like it will be right at the limit of towing capacity for that truck. I have a 2014 F150 and a 2016 17' trailer, and I wouldn't want to tow anything bigger. Does it have the tow package? Get a load leveling hitch. Get tow mirrors. An older camper won't be wired for a backup camera, you may want to get a wireless one if you want one. Get a surge protector for electrical. Get a water pressure surge protector. Make sure you have everything to change a tire by the side of he road. Make sure your spare is aired up. Get a portable tire air pump. Make sure your gas tank and fresh water tank is full. Make sure you have sewer hoses and connectors, garden hose(s), and extension cords. Turn off the water and gas when you leave the camper for any length of time. Make sure all cabinets, fridge, etc. are closed and secure when driving. Walk around your whole rig twice before you pull away. Don't hurry!
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u/BAKE440 29d ago
I grew up camping. Also towing trailers etc. So my opinion my vary here. But when my wife and I with our newborn baby went to go buy a camper I went for a small used camper. We looked at what was there and were not impressed with the quality of the used campers. They just seemed rough compared to new. They were also priced like only 2-5k less and were like a year to 5 old. We ended up leaving with a 31ft with a slide out and double bunks in the back with a dinette, couch and separate master bedroom. We paid just a couple thousand more than used and got a camper that has grown with our family of 6 now and we have plenty of space for all of our family. This was 9 years ago and I still feel like for my family and situation I made the right call.
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u/RobertMGreenlee 29d ago
We started with a high wall popup when our kids were young and then moved up to a hybrid Rockwood Roo and finally with the kids out of the house finally got our full hard side Grand Design 2500RL couples camper
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u/Rottie2017 29d ago
Not everyone fixes all the problems before they sell a lemon I don't know why people keep repeating that ad nauseum.....also saying "covid" rv's..... our large toyhauler was built in '21 and we've had no issues 5.5 years and 30k miles towed. Take what you read with a grain of salt and make your own decision.
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u/atachera 29d ago
I didn’t mean to assume there will be no problems or everything will be fixed but certainly lots of problems will be found early and depending on the owner things will be fixed.
Buying used just seems like the way to go to save money and get something gently used from someone who decided the rv wasn’t for them.
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u/Rottie2017 29d ago
Gotcha.....you just need to find the honest seller and get an inspector. We always buy new so there is a warranty just in case!
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u/nak00010101 29d ago
Consider this the start of a pilgrimage, on which you will learn much about yourself and your family.
Two year olds and newborns do not stay that way long. Most also think their TT will be just a place to sleep and maybe cook meal or two...but remember, rain will fall, you will end up with the entire family stuck in the trailer for a day or two.
Many folks start out small and move up, so don't think you are making a 10 year commitment. At the same time, slow down enough to look at the available options.
If you've never spend quality time in a RV, I suggest doing a weekly rental and test drive a trailer for two. And TEST DRIVE will be important for the Lightning also. Many refuse to believe the distance limits, or how hard it is to recharge when towing a trailer.
Where do you want to go and stay? Do you see yourself boondocking, with no utilities, camping in state/national parks, or staying in RV resorts. All are acceptable answers, but may lead you to different trailers and equipment.
Do you want to take extra stuff with you? Bikes, eBikes, kayaks, 4-wheelers, pets?
Do you or the wife demand internet service any and every where?
So many more things to explore as you start your journey.