Ready to buy an RV but need help!

Hey there,

I have been looking at FR R-pods for a few years and I like the design but since I'll be living in my trailer 9 months out of the year - in both summer and winter - I want to expand my search for a very towable RV that also has a great floor plan.

I also could use some help figuring out exactly what modifications I'll need to do since at least half of the time, I will be boondocking on BLM land.

I am looking at buying used but not old - 2017 - 2022ish. I am looking to go as light as possible to stay within 65-70% of my Taco's max payload and towing capacity.

I have not done any modifications to my truck yet.

I have a 2017 SR5 4x4. Door sticker says GVWR is 5600 lb and I have no idea what the payload is (Google says 1440 lb but Google also says my towing capacity is 6800 lb so I venture it is less than 1440 but not sure how to find out exactly.)

To complicate things, I'm also planning to buy a SnugTop camper shell - which will def. affect payload.

RVers - anyone have suggestions for other brands/models in the 3000 lb range?

Suggestions for modifications that are a)necessary and b)nice to have?

I will be traveling up and down the west coast - Mexico to Canada essentially with some time in the deserts.

 

Stick built trailers, they don't have much of a durability or longevity reputation. Don't get hung up on the interior accommodations, look more for quality builds. Fiberglass or sandwich construction is what you need to look for in a trailer you will live in.

If you were buying a rig for the occasional family vacation a stick built could work.

I would look at Escape, Big foot, casita, just to name a few. They cost more but their resale value is outstanding.

I was told recently that the trailer market is sluggish right now so shopping for a used quality rig is how I would go.

Yes, I owned a stick built, nothing but leaks! now I own a fiberglass one, never a drop of rain enters it.

Good luck.

 

Thanks, I'll look into those brands. I am only familiar with the Casita. I lived in a Northwood trailer for almost 2 years but I never towed it. It was used, I actually sold it for 5k more than I bought it for so resale value is a bonus.

I think the problem is weight and cost. My Taco limits me to what I can comfortably tow.

Thanks for your input

 

Cost is big, quality rigs cost 2-3 times more, I completely understand. There are a few ultra light non stick built rigs made that might work for you. If you go stick built pay close attention to the roof maintenance.

Enjoy the hunt...

 

Just make sure you get a trailer brake controller installed before you tow with the Tacoma. The RedArc towpro liberty is a good option if you don't have one installed yet.

 

Thank you. I am starting a list of modifications and upgrades to make to both my truck and (eventual) trailer. This is definitely on the list so I appreciate the brand recc!

 

If you look up the unit you will see that when you install it the only part that will show in the dash is a knob/switch thing that will fit in one of the switch blanks in your dash. I will look almost factory installed unlike the Tekonsha controller that hang off the lower dash for you to bang your knee on.

 

I've had a Casita. Nice concept but I didn't like the single axle/torsion/rubber suspension. Maybe all the roads on the west coast are smooth but I saw that thing a foot up in the air more times than made me comfortable.

I also got real sick of the carpeted interior walls and fiberglass does not garantee leakproof. You don't ever want to need to replace the 'fridge !!

 

2X on the RedArc

Easy to install, clean factory look, easy to adjust and it works very nicely.

 

My wife and just went through the looking process on rvs. What can tell you is I was truly disappointed in the quality of build and materials on all the main builders like Forest River which literally owns just about every brand you can think of. Price is a joke. You’ll see 4Ok rv on sale for 25k it’s actually a 25k rv and never a 40k. Warranties are horrible they pretty only warranty their “40k” rv for 12months. All
The components like fridge , solar panels etc have to go through the manufacturer for warranty and not the rv manufacturer. Needless to say we put the whole rv thing on hold.

 

I’ve been looking at the RoveLite trailers for a while.
https://travelliterv.com/rvs/rove-lite-travel-trailers/
Aluminum frame and they have a braking system that somehow acts as an anti sway system as well.

 

Look at a GeoPro. Very well made and good room. Know a lady that pulls one with her Tacoma. She lives in it year round.

 

I have a 2009 Coachman Clipper pop up. the thing is in good shape all except the door acts a bit silly if the camper is not leveled up perfect with the jacks firmly planted. I look at new stuff and can't imagine buying new at MSRP or at any price and taking out a 10 year loan like they try to sell you. best bet is to buy used for cash if possible. I am not looking forward to selling the pop up but the other half wants something with a bathroom. I been looking but not seriously at this point. I want to stay under 4000 pounds with whatever I eventually get. There is a Lance model I really like but its almost 50k new now which is insane. I seen a 2016 for $15k once if I could find that kinda deal that would work as Lance has a rep for being one of the better stick built RVs

 

I'm jealous.....

 

I have the 16' Geo Pro bunk house. It's great! But my truck is heavily modified (see links here), which makes it easier to pull. Another geo pro thread here. There's also a big camper thread over here.

Biggest tip, find a good youtube channel .

Ideally, for boondocking, you'll want to conserve greywater by washing outside, have a portable blackwater tank on hand, install a ton of solar and lithium batteries, stay away from using propane if you can, install an inverter, cook with electric, and install a 24v heat pump heat/AC unit (replaces the existing rooftop A/C unit).
GL!

Don't forget the load leveling hitch, and starlink!

Spoiler: Picture here

Check out my redarc elite install here

 

Check out an RV show. It’s prime season for those. Ask LOTS of questions

 

Go down the GeoPro rabbit hole for your prescribed use.

 

If possible find a unit that has a propane fridge - the 12v dc outfits don't work out well for rustic "out in the boonies" stops. Those fridges work really well and only need to be leveled when parked. Do look into solar panel dc for charging batteries though - tough to beat the convenience. I put air springs on my truck to have an easy way to handle variable loads. Do get the outfit equipped with an equalizing hitch. You didn't say if the truck has the Toyota towing package? I hope it does. The wiring for the trailer connection needs to be "bullet proof" and the Toyota package includes the electric brake wiring with a simple pigtail under the dash to fit the controllers.

 

Interesting feedback about the Forest River product line. I liked a lot of their stuff. Agree that overall quality on most travel trailers and rv's isn't the greatest.
Airstream also has some neat builds, but very expensive.

The choices are very limited when towing with the Tacoma. If you're planning on rv-ing that many months of the year you should consider a full size truck or suv. A diesel would be best.

 

I support the fibreglass unit RV for longer term occupation. You will deal with less water issues. As for wood units, I personally hate the construction of modern units. They seem so cheaply thrown together.

I personally have an older '88 Fleerwood Prowler Lynx that is 17 foot and 19' 8" bumper to hitch. ( I prefer older tandem axle trailers ) It is 3800lbs unloaded and 4200 loaded. I have a Redarc Tow-Pro Elite brake controller. I haven't towed with a load distribution hitch yet but I picked one up and will get it on this year.

I easly towed up into the Cariboo of B.C. and then down the Duffy Lake Road to Whistler, which has a 5 kms over 10% grade stretch.