We bought an RV!

Decision Process

So first of all we had to agree on the fact that we stopped taking van trips because of lack of creature comforts. This is not entirely true, as we also stopped because we weren't planning the trips, but that can also be explained by lack of comfort. With that out of the way, I started to research what we could afford on a single income, and to make the most of the least expense.

Motorhomes were out, unfortunately - not only are they double the price of a trailer, but having one means an extra vehicle to insure - not something one looks forward to in New Jersey. Also another engine to maintain, winterize, etc.

Fifth wheels were out too - for much simpler reasons - we don't have a pickup truck, and don't want to spend money on changing vehicles either. Truck campers are obviously out - no truck.

That leaves popups and travel trailers. A popup involves considerable setup time, and is certainly not a dramatic increase in comforts and space over our van. That leaves travel trailers. These also break down into hybrids and non-hybrids, the former still requiring setup time to ... even have a bed - and we're in this for easy-of-use and comfort. So traditional travel trailer it is.

Decision Criteria

Age
Length
Slides
Weight and weight capacity
Capacities of water, waste and propane tanks
Floorplan
Condition


As for age - that's a pretty easy decision... just aim at the spot on the price drop curve where it just almost flattens out... It's mid Summer 2009, and it seems that 2001-2004 is basically the best value, depending on what you're buying of course.

The length is intimately tied with two other concepts: comfort and weight. As for comfort, we found that a 17-18' trailer was OK, but a 20+ was better (went to a few dealerships and sat in them). Anything above 20' seemed excessive. With regard to weight, my limit was 4000lbs - our conversion-conversion van is limited on towing capacity due to the weight of both conversions (something that could be now be reduced since we don't really need the van to be an RV any more).

Slides... again, weight. Anything with slides greatly increased price and added tons of weight, so we chose to pass. There are of course other issues with some slides - like not having much room when you can't open it...

Weight: My van has a 10000 GCWR, meaning van plus trailer plus us. Last time we went on a van trip I weighed it (loaded) and we were at 6000lbs. That means it can tow (as configured that day) up 4000lbs. Our trailer will be just about there with water in the tanks (3500lbs dry), may be just over with some extra stuff in cargo. But I have some ballast - I can take out the van bed, and the van sink now (I wonder if anyone will want to buy these?)... but then again, it's kind of a pity, we sort of have a two-bedroom rig this way

Capacities: Since I'd like to dry camp, capacities should be decent, however our trailer has a rather tiny water capacity (24G, plus two 28G waste tanks) and standard propane (2x20G). If we start taking long trips I will add a second fresh water tank, there is plenty of room for one under the bed. Should be trivial to do.

Floorplan: The significant aspects of the layout (to me) are ergonomics and separation. Separation entails not having your toilet next to your dining table or in the kitchen, stuff like that. In a van you obviously don't have much choice about this, but with the space of a trailer it becomes a possibility. This is the floorplan we got. The bathroom and bedroom have a semblance of separation from the kitchen, and the whole thing has a sequential layout: living room, kitchen, bed/bath.


Condition: The first trailer we looked at was roughly the same age, but was not maintained very well at all. Having nothing to compare it to we figured this was normal and even made a lowball offer, which was fortunately declined. The trailed had leaks, it was dirty and a few things didn't work right. More importantly, owing to neglect and water leaks (which always come with mold), just spending 5 minutes inside made us physically unwell - for several hours afterwards. We then looked at several dealer vehicles (in decent shape), and the trailer we bought was the culmination of our search - it was, as I mentioned, spotless, and barely used. It seemed as if the owner enjoyed maintaining it more than using it. We were so won over by its condition that we paid asking price (which, at $6400, was well deserved).

And here it is:

Mods

So there are a couple of things I'd like to add or improve, but that is a separate post, actually several, and these will become links as I do them:

Solar Power

Efficient Electronics and lights

Reduction of phantom loads

More water

Water expansion tank for smooth flow and less pump cycling