Travel Trailer recommendations?

Hello all, I was finally able to reserve a seasonal RV site on the north end of Mille lacs, but now the search starts for a trailer (bumper pull) to buy. I think I’ve definitely settled on a bumper pull over a 5th wheel, as I would like to occasionally be able to pull it with my 1/2 ton. I’m a trailer life rookie basically and am kinda overwhelmed with all the brands and layouts. I’m open to new or used, but curious as to what you guys have to say concerning what brands/models to stay away from, or personal experiences with certain brands that have been trouble. Obviously you get what you pay for, as some of these seem to be cheaply made. One thing for certain is that it’s got to be a bunkhouse to accommodate the adult kids on occasion. I know this is a very general question to post, but I’m just looking for first hand reviews of what you guys like/dislike on the brand/model you have. Thanks for any replies!

Here is my nickels worth.

Search and search and search some more. Find a unit with a full size bathroom. Stand up shower, flush full size toilet. These will also have a full size refrigerator. Also get one with a patio style door as the entry door. You can find used which I suggest you do if possible. Save your money on the trailer and use it for the deck. Build the largest deck you can. Build it level with the entry door. Build steps to access the deck, not to get in the door. Trailers get small, especially if there are kids involved. You will spend most of your time when not sleeping out on the deck so plan accordingly. I also like the bedroom to the rear as it’s generally quieter back there.

Let your wife look at the inside, she is the one who will need to like it. You spend your time checking out the roof. Thats where the issues almost always come from. Look for water spots on the ceiling everywhere, including the closets & cabinets.

You are correct, they all are cheaply made so you have to check them over. If you get a chance stop in at Patton RV repair just North of Princeton. He has a bunch of used stuff there and since he repairs them you can pick his brain on things to look for and what to avoid.

The biggest thing to decide on is whether you really need it portable or not. I know the idea sounds good but you will have a much more comfortable set up with a park model style. Most people at our resort with the smaller travel styles really don’t pull them out very often at all and end up changing out in a year or two to a Park model.

Agree with Dutch on the rest. Space is a premium build a nice deck and shed too.

Dick’s RV out of Durand, WI is highly recommended. We don’t own an RV currently, but we always had one growing up as did our relatives.

They can get their hands on anything and their service department was always top notch.

We got a new one last year and our first one had a bunk house for the kids. In theory it was great but it was always too hot back there and they ended up sleeping on the couch and the table that turned into a bed. The new one has a 2nd ac in the bunk house. Game Changer. Like everyone says, unless it is raining out the deck is a must have and it cannot be big enough. The permanent spot has been the best thing our family has ever done!

I was lucky enough to talk the wife into trying glamping, and we were so fortunate to get in on the front end of all the covid issues, and get a seasonal site. We “upgraded” to a Forest River 26FKBS. I was able to pull with a Suburban. You will never get everything you “want” in a camper, so you will have to be flexible enough to try and get 80% of what you would like. I agree with OP to “park” it and build a deck and enjoy it. We had conversations about pulling the camper around to different areas, but we are very satisfied with our decision to leave it parked. We don’t have the stress of pulling it around and experiencing breakdowns, etc.

We had to give up camping a few years back. Just too many things going on to enjoy it.
But, we will get back into it when things slow down.
I wouldn’t go the camper route again.
Park Models are so much better IMO.
Yep, probably cost a little more but at least check them out.

If we end up going with a seasonal spot again, it’ll be with a Park Model on it…oh, and the big deck and a shed it a must have.

I do not own, nor have I owned a travel trailer. However, we are also in the market and I have spent many hours online reading and watching videos. We have also spent quite a bit of time walking through many different brands. Here is what I have concluded:
1. We will be buying one with a slide, even though there’s extra cost and weight, I do not think we could go without one.
2. We will be buying a Jayco. Jayco just seems to do EVERYTHING just a touch better then the last guy. You may find some brands that do one thing better then the next or vice versa, but across the board Jayco seems to be a step above, while being priced competitively.
I’d start with spending time online to narrow down what you want, then go find somewhere to walk through them. Watch the youtube channel “HappilyEverHanks”, they have some good videos for newer camping peeps like us.
Good Luck!

One thing I forgot to add, when you are actually walking through what ever model you are interested in, kick the sales person out and just sit in it, and get the real feel for it, without them showing you “how much storage it has”!

Thanks for the replies. Made a huge mistake and looked at a 5th wheel with bunkhouse. I sure do like the high ceiling and it just feels bigger.

brian_peterson wrote:

Thanks for the replies. Made a huge mistake and looked at a 5th wheel with bunkhouse. I sure do like the high ceiling and it just feels bigger.

If you get the fifth wheel just frame in the area around the pin for storage. It cleans it up and makes it look good if you bring the deck up to it also. Nice thing about todays fifth wheels, momma won’t complain anymore about what boats cost.

Paul D wrote:

You will never get everything you “want” in a camper,

That’s what I told the FW and she proved me wrong…but I won’t go into those details.

Jayco make quality built campers. Keep in mind that it’s still the dealer you will be dealing with (unless there’s a problem your dealer blows you off on).

My sister bought a camper trailer to use traveling. They didn’t make it 500 miles before they blew 2 tires. Being out of spares, they had it towed in to a dealer that service whatever brand it was. They were told they needed to order the Heavy Duty undercarriage if they were going to travel with it. The manufacturer lowered the price and they covered the labor, but it still cost them $500 more then they were planning and three days for a motel.

Basically if your going to pull it to a campground and leave it, no problem. If your going to travel, check of the better suspension.

On another note- I will be buying another camper someday and it will have the “Northern Kit” or whatever the brand calls its insulated models. I use them in the winter months. One camper I owned, warmed up nicely and retained it’s heat except for the real windy days. After heating for 3 days, I could open a cabinet on another camper and it was ice cold. Insulated or even better insulated and covered floor will be a must.