Thanks in advance for any help on this.

I want to buy a new/used (not more than one owner or ~5 years old) travel trailer. Pull behind. Not a fifth wheel. It is what I want/need at this stage in my life. Want to keep at deer lease for the season and then keep in the hill country at my family's place to use as overflow housing in the summer and also as a staging point to grab and head to Colorado/Idaho etc. in the summer for weeks/month. This way don't have to pay to store it anywhere.

It seems like a good time to buy as most RV places seem to have full lots and large discounts (20-40% off).

Looking for nothing larger than 30' and sleeps at least 4 adults comfortably.

Do I get an "entry" model knowing it will depreciate faster and after 8-10 years will need/want a new one. Or buy an Airstream or similar (twice as expensive if not 3x) knowing I can keep it forever or hand down/sell?

I will try to cover it at the deer lease and in storage with tarp or something as I know sun is the cause of most damage long term.

Will be pulled with F150 ecoboost for now.

Just looking for any advice on what to buy and "entry" models versus Airstreams or higher end versions assuming my budget if flexible?

Rubber roof. Laminate sides. Don't mess with the tin exterior junk, especially if it's going to be in the elements.

There's only about 3 manufacturers of these things. Each has a ton of brands.

Start with Keystone, jayco, Dutchmen, grand design.

4 adults, comfortably, will need to be a bunk house model. Plenty out there <30' or right at it.

Get one with an electric fireplace to help with heating when plugged into shore power. If you plan on doing boondocking, get a gas fridge.

2 AC units - necessity in Texas.

Be prepared to fix these things. Even brand new ones are hunksnof junk.

Look for a used one - there are some Autotrader like websites. Start with bunkhouses at 30' or less and go from there.

ChoppinDs40 said:

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Be prepared to fix these things. Even brand new ones are hunksnof junk.

Look for a used one

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words of wisdom....once a new unit leaves the lot and it starts getting some use, stuff inevitably starts to break.......lots of stuff..........if you can find a used one where the previous owner replaced all of the broken gadgets & widgets with upgrades, it would be like owning a new model...........

try RV Trader and you can filter on NEW/USED.......should help in your search.....

RV Trader

We bought a Keystone last year and really like it. Wish I could tell you the model number right now but it's a 23 footer. Has a queen sized bed and then the table converts to a bed. Candidly, someone over 5 foot 8 inches would probably struggle with the length of the bed on the converted table.

For what it's worth, in our experience, the local dealers may just not negotiate...that was the situation with us. We opted to drive up to Elkhart, Indiana (where 85% of the RV's are manufactured), and work with a local dealer up there. We saved big bucks, but then had to drive it home (550 miles) to our home in Tennessee. That was 'fun' as I'd never pulled something that big and wasn't prepared for the 'swerve' from the 18 wheelers that zoomed by us.

All in all, my point is...Keystone is a quality manufacturer. Secondly, the local dealers were worse than used car salesman.

If you live in Texas, Elkhardt may not be an option. That said, Keystone, in my opinion, is the BEST when contemplating the Good, Better, Best category.

Good Luck.

Oh, and P.S.....by all means, get the Sway bars! It's $1000 but a MUST have.

Never buy a used travel trailer.

I would try to stay away from 2021 or 2022 models. Covid put out a bunch of shoddy parts, combine that with shoddy labor force putting them together and increased demand.

thanks for far.

What about this one? Other than the cosmetic hail damage, seems like a great deal. 2018 Airstream. i really like the split twin main bedroom.


https://www.transwestrv.com/product/used-2018-airstream-rv-flying-cloud-25rb-2280068-29

If you're pulling it with an F150, double check ALL your numbers, not just tow capacity and the dry weight of the trailer.

This is the best video I've seen explaining all of that

https://www.keepyourdaydream.com/payload/

You may be able to physically drag it along....but it may not actually be safe.

I agree with the above, if you're storing it outside for years and years I would not spend the money on an airstream. If you do, double check what the subfloor is made of because you will very likely have a leak at some point. They started using a composite subfloor in '20 or '21 (can't remember) to help avoid floor rot from water damage.

Thanks. Looked at an Elkhart, Indiana rv sales place and found this one. Looks like a good deal on a Keystone Bullet. $34,000 for a 36' that sleeps 8 or so.

https://www.tiararvsales.com/product/2022-keystone-bullet-312bhs-467/

DDub74 said:

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Thanks. Looked at an Elkhart, Indiana rv sales place and found this one. Looks like a good deal on a Keystone Bullet. $34,000 for a 36' that sleeps 8 or so.

https://www.tiararvsales.com/product/2022-keystone-bullet-312bhs-467/

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we nearly bought that exact model. Decided against it.

I was deathly afraid of the lifting/motorized bed in the back. The huge door for storage was a big plus.

EDIT I see you've got a half ton. You'll realllllly want a 3/4 ton for that trailer. A perfectly dialed-in and properly equipped 1/2 ton can do it but you'll need to do you research (as listed above) on payload, gears, and maybe even after market parts (RAS suspension, airbags, etc.). If you have the 3.5 with max tow package, you could do it. Invest in a very good WDhitch and be patient when pulling something that long and heavy.

We have this from Keystone and love it. Will be in College Station this weekend with it. I've done guys trips with 4-5 and it sleeps comfortably. The king in the master is plenty of room for 2 dudes. Recliners are nice and outdoor kitchen is adequate. The bunks in the back are big enough for adults. Table/dinette can be converted into a bed with some room for people's feet to hang off if tall (traditional dinette beds you're kind of stuck).

Cougar Half-Ton Luxury Travel Trailers - Model 30BHS Floorplan - Keystone RV

DDub74 said:

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Will be pulled with F150 ecoboost for now.

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Which boost are you pulling with? 2.7 or 3.5? Big difference between the two.

Browse here for used

https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/

We have this and I'll address a couple of comments.

https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2021-dutchmen-kodiak-ultra-lite-travel-trailer-floorplan-ultra-lite-283bhsl-tr48033

I would not tow it with a 1/2 ton ecoboost. Had a 2014 Ford F-150 EB and upgraded to a 2021 Nissan Titan XD Pro4X gasser and it is a night and day difference. Titan pulls it so much better. Not the fastest truck out there nor does it get the best gas mileage, but also didn't cost near what a 3/4 ton cost and it is designed for towing and has all the creature comforts that the higher end 3/4 tons have.

I did a lot of research and very happy with my choice. Now, if we move up to a 5th wheel, I'll be forced to upgrade, but until the kiddos go off to college we'll be in this one for awhile.

Also, I second watching the KYD video. I learned a lot and there are a lot of people out there that tow beyond the capability of their truck and at too high of speeds also.

3.5 so should be okay I would hope. Not buying a F250.

What's your payload? What year?

Look at the yellow sticker on your driver door jamb.

2022 F150 4x4

Payload 1550
GVWR 7050
GAWR Front 3600 Rear 4150

Watch videos on how to calculate weight.

For reference, take the trailer weight (with gear in it) and multiply by 15%. That's the weight of the trailer on your payload. 7000lb trailer = 1000 lbs payload. Leaves you with 500lbs in the truck before you're overweight.

For reference, my f150 max tow has 1800lbs payload.

You need to be looking at a trailer with dry weight of 5k lbs. and max 6500.

Do not trust the "hitch weight" these websites tell you. Hitch weight varies and can change based on where you pack things.

If you're pulling this thing on flat ground and going 50mph, you can push your limits.

Mountain passes, going long distances? Be safe.

DDub74 said:

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3.5 so should be okay I would hope. Not buying a F250.

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From what you posted you can tow anywhere between 11,300 and 13,800. Depending on the payload. That is just taking a quick look at the towing guide.

Ford Towing Guide 2022 Page 22

I have towed with a campers with a 2.7, 3.5, and the 7.3.

My first camper was a Jayco 23ft bunkhouse that was easily towed with my 2.7. I had no issues with it and it towed well.

The second camper was 33ft and weighed closer to 10k fully loaded. I towed it with a 3.5 and did not have any issue with power, but you have to give yourself a lot of room for braking with the 150 with that much trailer behind you. It also did not take much wind to get sway from the trailer to the truck.

This. Towed a 30' couple times a year to Colorado, Wyoming, Utah from central Texas for several years.

It always got dicey between the mountains and Amarillo. Always seemed to be wind there blowing you around

Great family trips in that phase of my life

The 3.5 will move it no problem, but it won't be a an enjoyable drive by any means especially on the interstates. You have a fairly light truck, short wheelbase, not much payload capacity and all factor into the ability for that truck to keep the trailer in control when the wind is gusting, trucks are passing you, or you roll through road construction and 18 wheelers are passing you at 80 mph and there are barriers on both sides with no margin of error. The WDH helps out a lot, but they have their limitations. I would stick with a sub 25 ft trailer with a 1/2 ton or upgrade your truck.

drewbie96 said:

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The 3.5 will move it no problem, but it won't be a an enjoyable drive by any means especially on the interstates. You have a fairly light truck, short wheelbase, not much payload capacity and all factor into the ability for that truck to keep the trailer in control when the wind is gusting, trucks are passing you, or you roll through road construction and 18 wheelers are passing you at 80 mph and there are barriers on both sides with no margin of error. The WDH helps out a lot, but they have their limitations. I would stick with a sub 25 ft trailer with a 1/2 ton or upgrade your truck.

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Indeed. First time buyer pulling a 36' trailer on an interstate terrifies me. The first time a bigrig passes you and sucks you in is an eye opening experience.

I have a ProPride 3P hitch that massively reduces sway from the trailer and I still feel it on days like that.

I'm pulling a 34' 7100lb dry rig with my 21 3.5 EB it has max tow and I've added the RAS suspension system. Basically done everything I can to get a stock 1/2 ton where it needs to be for a bigger rig. I've pulled it probably 5,000 miles with that setup and it's still an adventure on days.

Gusting winds in the panhandle? Buckle up, you're dropping speed to 50mph and feeling every inch of the road.

I also meticulously plan my routes now. Scope out gas stations that can easily accommodate rigs of that size , construction zones, etc.

Luckily, our main path to Colorado is 287 which is (now) a nice, lightly traveled (relatively to interstates), 4 lane divided highway with shoulders on both sides. I just plop down in the right lane, set adaptive cruise to 63 and enjoy the ride.

Also factor in the weight of the WDH into your numbers....thise things aren't light and if you're up tight against your max it may make a difference

ChoppinDs40 said:

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drewbie96 said:

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The 3.5 will move it no problem, but it won't be a an enjoyable drive by any means especially on the interstates. You have a fairly light truck, short wheelbase, not much payload capacity and all factor into the ability for that truck to keep the trailer in control when the wind is gusting, trucks are passing you, or you roll through road construction and 18 wheelers are passing you at 80 mph and there are barriers on both sides with no margin of error. The WDH helps out a lot, but they have their limitations. I would stick with a sub 25 ft trailer with a 1/2 ton or upgrade your truck.

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Indeed. First time buyer pulling a 36' trailer on an interstate terrifies me. The first time a bigrig passes you and sucks you in is an eye opening experience.

I have a ProPride 3P hitch that massively reduces sway from the trailer and I still feel it on days like that.

I'm pulling a 34' 7100lb dry rig with my 21 3.5 EB it has max tow and I've added the RAS suspension system. Basically done everything I can to get a stock 1/2 ton where it needs to be for a bigger rig. I've pulled it probably 5,000 miles with that setup and it's still an adventure on days.

Gusting winds in the panhandle? Buckle up, you're dropping speed to 50mph and feeling every inch of the road.

I also meticulously plan my routes now. Scope out gas stations that can easily accommodate rigs of that size , construction zones, etc.

Luckily, our main path to Colorado is 287 which is (now) a nice, lightly traveled (relatively to interstates), 4 lane divided highway with shoulders on both sides. I just plop down in the right lane, set adaptive cruise to 63 and enjoy the ride.

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With a trailer that size and my 250 I still had to fight the trailer wanting to make love to passing trucks. I am so glad that I never towed it far with the 150.

n_touch said:

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ChoppinDs40 said:

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drewbie96 said:

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The 3.5 will move it no problem, but it won't be a an enjoyable drive by any means especially on the interstates. You have a fairly light truck, short wheelbase, not much payload capacity and all factor into the ability for that truck to keep the trailer in control when the wind is gusting, trucks are passing you, or you roll through road construction and 18 wheelers are passing you at 80 mph and there are barriers on both sides with no margin of error. The WDH helps out a lot, but they have their limitations. I would stick with a sub 25 ft trailer with a 1/2 ton or upgrade your truck.

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Indeed. First time buyer pulling a 36' trailer on an interstate terrifies me. The first time a bigrig passes you and sucks you in is an eye opening experience.

I have a ProPride 3P hitch that massively reduces sway from the trailer and I still feel it on days like that.

I'm pulling a 34' 7100lb dry rig with my 21 3.5 EB it has max tow and I've added the RAS suspension system. Basically done everything I can to get a stock 1/2 ton where it needs to be for a bigger rig. I've pulled it probably 5,000 miles with that setup and it's still an adventure on days.

Gusting winds in the panhandle? Buckle up, you're dropping speed to 50mph and feeling every inch of the road.

I also meticulously plan my routes now. Scope out gas stations that can easily accommodate rigs of that size , construction zones, etc.

Luckily, our main path to Colorado is 287 which is (now) a nice, lightly traveled (relatively to interstates), 4 lane divided highway with shoulders on both sides. I just plop down in the right lane, set adaptive cruise to 63 and enjoy the ride.

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With a trailer that size and my 250 I still had to fight the trailer wanting to make love to passing trucks. I am so glad that I never towed it far with the 150.

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I can't emphasize how much the ProPride hitch has saved my tail with concrete barriers and 18wheelers.

I bought the truck first to pull a trailer so getting a new rig is out of the question for me.

We went back and forth a ton and wanted to get as much as we could reasonably pull. Would a 26' TT be more enjoyable driving? Sure, but I love my King bed, recliners, table, outdoor kitchen, walkthrough bathroom, and huge bunks.

Having pulled it as far as I have, I wish we had something a little smaller. Our rig is kind of unique in that so much of the weight is behind the axle so it wants to wiggle on us more.

My brother just bought a 29' TT and his pulls like a dream (we have the same truck). They have a couples coach not a bunkhouse family rig like us.

ChoppinDs40 said:

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4 adults, comfortably, will need to be a bunk house model. Plenty out there <30' or right at it.

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We have a keystone bunkhouse with double size bunks.

I'm 5-11, 170lbs. (not a big dude),
I slept in the bottom bunk once.. would not say it's comfortable. Major claustro, and can't even lift up torso/head enough to adjust pillow and such.

Don't even try to get a full grown man in the top bunk.

Some people take out the top bunk for all that extra room, but then you're just sleeping 3, 4th would have to be on dinette.