View Full Version : Opinion
I'm new to RA (see introduce yourself page) and I just wanted to state my opinion on trailers and stimulate some discussion.
I have owned 6 trailers over the last 12 years. I think I finally found what works best for me. I spent a lot of money on trailers and tow vehicles over the years and could never find the perfect match for my lifestyle. I have had pop-ups, travel trailers and 5th wheels. I have had Blazers, Suburbans, C3500, F350, Expeditions and Excursions.
My discovery over the years is basic but I'm not sure if other people are wasting time and money doing the same stupid stuff that I have done.
Buy First trailer find out pop ups suck in cold weather as semi frozen glass of water goes down my neck into bedding.
Buy travel trailer (26') and find out I need a bigger rig to tow safely.
Discover travel trailer isn't right for family of five.
Buy bigger trailer (35') that better fits family.
Buy bigger rig to tow safely
Realize I have too much invested in trailer being used 6 times a year and driving a 1-ton truck to my downtown office looking for spaces big enough in the parking garage for my truck.
Sell both and down size to a travel trailer and a full size SUV. Let wife drive SUV and buy a jeep XJ for office commute.
Realize that I have a family of five that all want quads, sell travel trailer.
Buy a car hauler since nothing but the biggest toy haulers can handle 5 quads and gear.
Miss sleeping indoors and fabricate fold down beds, shelves for boots and helmets, clothes racks for clothes and riding armor and build wall mounted pull out drawers for food, plates, cups, gloves, trash bags, etc.
Perfect finally. 26'x8' of hauling space, back quads out, pull out stoves, tables and awning and roll out carpet fold down beds and poof I have a trailer to sleep and dress and an out side area to cook and relax. I never liked cooking in my trailers while camping anyway. Plus when inactive sitting on the side of my house I have a secure "extra" mobile garage to store all my toys without cluttering up my garage. Another benifit is a car hauler is half the price of a RV trailer even after you buy all the external stuff.
Ahhhh done finally! Riding all winter at the dunes and Cinders OHV during the summer. See you there.
Glad you found what works for you and your family.:) However, it would not work for us.:(
I think the perfect system for us is a nice motorhome (28 ½ foot, slideout, bathroom with shower, generator, microwave, A/C, etc., etc.) with a 18’ flatbed car hauler (7000# capacity). There is also less preparation time in order to go camping since we keep it pretty much loaded with housewares, hardware, etc. all of the time and virtually no set up time, except to push the button that sends the slideout to the out position. During travel time, it is very convenient as well with the inside kitchen, bath, frig, TV, table, beds, etc. This seems to keep most of us happy most of the time.
We’ve been through a few other systems of camping gear/tow vehicles/trailers, etc. over the last 25 years as well, but we don’t just go to the dunes or cinders.
The motorhome works well on short or long trips (vacations) pulling our TJ when we are not going riding. If it is a day trip, I’ll just take my suburban and utility trailer.
Of course, it is somewhat expensive having several vehicles and two trailers sitting in the back yard most of the time. The motorhome gets about 8 mpg, so you got to be willing to live with that.[xx(]
I think it all boils down to what your interests are, what your family/friend situation is, what you can afford and your willingness to spend the money you have on toys. I hope everyone finds their nirvana. Then as soon as you do, something will change.;)
quote:Originally posted by BrianT
Plus when inactive sitting on the side of my house I have a secure "extra" mobile garage to store all my toys without cluttering up my garage.
I'm sure you are careful about this, but there have been many posts on RA from people who have had their trailers and quads stolen at one time.[V] They have been locked and in back yards, etc.
Just a lock on your coupler and a chain around your wheels may not do it. It sounds like you've got a great rig and some jerk may want it bad enough to take it.
Cletus,
I Considered the motorhome route when I got the F350 PS and 35' 5th. You either pull your house with your transportation or drive your transportation and pull your house. I couldn't justify the extra house payment sitting every week empty. At least with the 5th wheel I could use my puller as a vehicle, but still couldn't justify a $40k 5th wheel sitting on the side of the house. Maybe when I'm retired. Theft wise I'm okay. Very secure and monitored 24x7 on my property.
Redneck, were you talking about my rig or the Cletus rig?
quote:Originally posted by BrianT
Cletus,
I Considered the motorhome route when I got the F350 PS and 35' 5th. You either pull your house with your transportation or drive your transportation and pull your house. I couldn't justify the extra house payment sitting every week empty. At least with the 5th wheel I could use my puller as a vehicle, but still couldn't justify a $40k 5th wheel sitting on the side of the house. Maybe when I'm retired. Theft wise I'm okay. Very secure and monitored 24x7 on my property.
Redneck, were you talking about my rig or the Cletus rig?
Brian,
I am sure Redneck is talking about your rig. There is really nothing special about mine, but it seems as though you have put a lot of original work into yours.
I'd like to see pics or your trailer, as well. Sounds like you've put a lot of thought (and work) into the fold down beds, boot and clothes racks etc. A lot of guys are going with the enclosed car haulers and really like them. Some have a work area in the front in order to repair breakdowns. That seems like a pretty good idea.
Now thinking about it, an enclosed car hauler seems like a really good idea. How heavy is it?
Arizona Griz
08/06/05, 3:12 PM
...... or you can just have three different types of trailers, tent trailer, flat bed trailer or toyhauler like I do. :D
With regard to the big pickup Brian, I use my truck all year long as I would think most outdoor people do. A little vehicle in town just gets swallowed up by all the traffic. Bigger is better.
Desert Hawk
08/06/05, 8:54 PM
Thanks Brian T :D
Thats A good Idea ;)
paulnick
08/07/05, 8:01 AM
Unfortunately, it is an expensive lesson many of us have been through.:(
Arizona Griz
I have a big truck. Ford Excursion V10. Family of 5 in comfort and Pulls the trailer like it didn't exist. But driving that 8.6 MPG 50 miles a day to work and back noway. That's almost $15 bucks in gas a day of $75 a week. Crap it's $110 just to fill the tank.
All, I will take picks Loaded and unload next trip. All oictures I have now are of the bikes in it.
I like your idea but, my wife has to have the bathroom. I to hate the payment. I do like the truck less the fuel prices.
quote:Originally posted by BrianT
Ford Excursion V10......and Pulls the trailer like it didn't exist.
An 8' x 26' enclosed trailer loaded with quads and you don't know its back there[:0][:0][:0] What kind of mods have you done?;)
BrianT....I know you are just kidding....I'm sure the Excursion pulls it pretty well with the V10 but you've got to know the trailer is there. I've got a V10 in my motorhome and really like it.:D
A lot of us would really like to see the pics of the trailer....sounds like you've put a lot of time and effort in it.
Also, there are a few trips lined up in the "Find Riding Partners-Announce Rides-Ride Updates".....
quote:[i]
A lot of us would really like to see the pics of the trailer....sounds like you've put a lot of time and effort in it.
Also, there are a few trips lined up in the "Find Riding Partners-Announce Rides-Ride Updates".....
I second that
I started out with a 4 person tent and loved it. Well me and my son did anyways, but my wife didnt care for the lack of facilities. I purchased my RV 31' Funmover and love having it. Mods I am looking into changing are 28gal freshwater tank needs to be bigger. I added a second deep cycle battery. My son is a firm believer that PS2 is required when camping with an RV. I can fit 4 quads in the back with gear. I get 6.4MPG at 65MPH and 7.8MPG at 75MPH with a triton V10. I took the rv to san diego and drove it at 65 then returned at 75. I usually haul a 5X8 trailer behind me and carry my Bombardier on it with fuel and propane. put my sons quad in the rv with all the required camping items. makes for lots of room. I like the shower and I love the quiet and comfort of the RV now.
Before I purchased I opened a discussion on here about what I can pull behind me with my truck and it turned out a pop up was safest. well I dont like those and so I continued research nad decided I like the Fun Mover Toy Hauler.
Anyone know of a location that can change my water tank out to a more suitable size?
The trailer mods (Pulling wise) ar load levelers and anti-sway bars so the wife feels comfortable driving it too. As far as not knowing it's back there behind the Excusion, I have eliminated semi truck suction and sway unless I get stupid. Even with four electric trailers brakes I can feel a reduction in stopping power but the Excursion actually stops better with the trailer then my F3550 with the 5th wheel. Perhaps I'm basing my "not knowing it's back there" is because I came from a bigger higher longer rig. Detailed pictures of fold down beds storage etc. to follow. Where do I post them? On my site linked or on the RA site. Any suggestions from the folks in gear?
Arizona Griz
08/08/05, 6:08 PM
Add them right to this topic Brian. [:p]
cnord, here is a place that sells tanks: https://www.rvsurplussalvage.com/catalog/display.php?category_id=117
There are others on the net too. You can figure out how big and have one made to fit also.
Thanks V10 thats a very good site for many other items as well.
Carl
holrbak
08/09/05, 12:09 PM
I'm by no means a pampered princess, but if we didn't have a motorhome my camping days would be over. I enjoy how your vacactions begin the minute you start your engine and pull out of your driveway.[^] Also with two kids a restroom is a must. I love the convience of being able to make lunch for my family while crusing down the hwy. I think my favorite part of owning a motorhome is I DON'T HAVE TO SIT THE ENTIRE TRAVEL TIME, I like to be free to move about the cabin:D. I usually walk around with my glass cleaner & clean windows, counter tops, floors, and mirrors....makes the drive time fly by!;):D:)
quote:Originally posted by motomom
I'm by no means a pampered princess, but if we didn't have a motorhome my camping days would be over. I enjoy how your vacactions begin the minute you start your engine and pull out of your driveway.[^] Also with two kids a restroom is a must. I love the convience of being able to make lunch for my family while crusing down the hwy. I think my favorite part of owning a motorhome is I DON'T HAVE TO SIT THE ENTIRE TRAVEL TIME, I like to be free to move about the cabin:D. I usually walk around with my glass cleaner & clean windows, counter tops, floors, and mirrors....makes the drive time fly by!;):D:)
And don't forget the "Hollywood Showers" you get to take in the morning!!! [:X]
quote:Originally posted by motomom
I'm by no means a pampered princess, but if we didn't have a motor home my camping days would be over. I enjoy how your vacations begin the minute you start your engine and pull out of your driveway.[^] Also with two kids a restroom is a must. I love the convince of being able to make lunch for my family while cruising down the hwy. I think my favorite part of owning a motor home is I DON'T HAVE TO SIT THE ENTIRE TRAVEL TIME, I like to be free to move about the cabin:D. I usually walk around with my glass cleaner & clean windows, counter tops, floors, and mirrors....makes the drive time fly by!;):D:)
Sweetheart.....If times got bad and you had to sell that POS motor home, we'd come to Stinky Chino, grab you and the kids and your POS husband (I guess ;)) and drag you to the campsite........make no mistake about it!!!:D [:X]
Motomom thats my wifes idea also, except she is a true beliver in sleeping the trip away now thazt we have a motor home.
Gdavis I got odds on Motomom winning that one, but I will contribute for a front row seat. : )
I went out looking at the new 39ft Fun mover its a huge mortgage compared to the 31c but its nice.
quote:Originally posted by gdavis
quote:Originally posted by motomom
I'm by no means a pampered princess, but if we didn't have a motor home my camping days would be over. I enjoy how your vacations begin the minute you start your engine and pull out of your driveway.[^] Also with two kids a restroom is a must. I love the convince of being able to make lunch for my family while cruising down the hwy. I think my favorite part of owning a motor home is I DON'T HAVE TO SIT THE ENTIRE TRAVEL TIME, I like to be free to move about the cabin:D. I usually walk around with my glass cleaner & clean windows, counter tops, floors, and mirrors....makes the drive time fly by!;):D:)
Sweetheart.....If times got bad and you had to sell that POS motor home, we'd come to Stinky Chino, grab you and the kids and your POS husband (I guess ;)) and drag you to the campsite........make no mistake about it!!!:D [:X]
gdavis, what does POS mean before I thank you?;):D[:X]
Carl, hope to see you & the family at t-week....it's been a long time!
I'm going to pull the trailer out Saturday and unload photograph, re-load and photograph and go for a quick tune up ride at lake Pleasant sunday. I-17 to carefree highway turn towards the White Horse Saloon and take a right after you cross a wash (about a mile south from Whitehorse), drive down chain link fence road over the hill and down to the meadow on the left (south)
I have considered investing in a "funhauler". I seen some nice used diesel funhauler reasonably priced. Granted storage isnt huge, but nuff room for two quads. For as much as they want for these ford/dodge diesel crewcab truck, might as well get a nice funhauler; and drive my gf car that gets 50 mpg to work and back.... Any thoughts on this???
You have to ask yourself a few questions I didn't ask myself prior to buying.
If that's all the quad (2)storage you need for now in the term duraton of the loan. Also if you can handle the unit sitting in storage or next to your house 90% percent of the time. Furthermore you have the registration fee's and insurance for a motorized vehicle then go for it. Seems to be a good unit. If it fits your needs. That's what it's all about. I have made the mistakes of buying whats cool or what I think is a good deal not considering use and functionality.
BrianT....were you able to take the pics?
mlbelden
08/15/05, 6:15 AM
The funmover looks like a sweet setup. When I buy a motorhome that is what it will be. With the diesel you can pull a trailer if needing the extra room.
matt
BrianT,
What ever happened to our pictures of the enclosed trailer???
Funmovers are interesting, 31ft and below are priced the same basically and the 33ft adn abouve are priced the same, only difference is what accessories you want, I am personlly interested in getting into the 39ft one in a few more years.
price is 70K-188K new I bought used nad I am not disappointed but as Zhvonte pointed out, the cost of a truck to haul nad the cost of a trailer exceeds that, and I cant justify it since I have no need for the truck by itself.
Carl
I took the pics yesterday when I was loading for Labor Day. Will Post tonight if I can figure it out. I have some stuff to do right now. If anyone wants closeups of hinge structures on the folding bunks let me know.
Okay I have tried to load pics 3 times and lost my posting and had the pics upload time out. How do I reduce or where do I post my large pics. If anybody wants close ups of the home made fold down/up bunks or want to see it set up let me know or go to the ride section and look at my Cinders labor day post. Also I just bought a Carefree of Colorado extend a room(80sq ft more), so I have 208 towing floor space and 288 camping space. Try that in a toy hauler!
Okay I read the RA FAQ on pics....let me give it another try. Sorry about the mess and all the dry food bins are empty, and the folding chairs are all over the place....but you get the idea. Empty cargo trailer for hauling lots of crap for a family of 5. I will take pics loaded and straight before we leave for labor day cinders and then I will take pics set up as a trailer with all 5 beds down tables, chairs, etc
http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/briant/20058312137_tn_bunk1.JPG
http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/briant/200583121341_tn_f1.JPG
http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/briant/20058312145_tn_q1.JPG
http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/briant/200583121429_tn_q2.JPG
http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/briant/200583121448_tn_q3.JPG
http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/briant/20058312156_tn_T1.JPG
http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/briant/200583121523_tn_t2.JPG
http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/briant/200583121543_tn_t4.JPG
Nice looking rig......thanks for the pics. I'd like to see is unloaded as you mentioned.
Obviously, you have put a lot of time and effort into that project.
I am going to be up at the Cinders also will look for you.
Thanks Lucky, I will take pics at the Cinders this weekend. Yes Like my original post it took me a several trailers before I found something that WORKED for my families lifestyle of riding, storage, haulage, and liveability.
Im a wuss!!! i need ny bed and kitchen. Where is the A/C Where is the SHOWER !!! AHHHHHH i cant take this. But it looks good though.
I forgot to take pics in the 5 days at the cinders this weekend. GORDONS WEEL DUNES for HOLLOWEEN!
campinginaz
09/09/05, 2:27 PM
Where is the toilet/sink? I think I will stick with a luxury TOY HAULER all the way. The convience of home and yet still able to unhook and go exporing in the truck. Our TOY HAULER does not sit parked in the back yard we use it every other w/e all year around. [:p] AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
quote:Originally posted by cynthia
Where is the toilet/sink? I think I will stick with a luxury TOY HAULER all the way. The convience of home and yet still able to unhook and go exporing in the truck. Our TOY HAULER does not sit parked in the back yard we use it every other w/e all year around. [:p] AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
That's my goal.....LOL
EVERY OTHER WEEKEND? Wow that is my goal too!
FLAGSTAFF_2
09/22/05, 9:48 PM
This is what I want and the weight is under 4000lb.
http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/scorpion/
At 15K you have other options that aren't tent sided. Check out the baja line by Jayco at Kemptons or the Starcraft in the other thread here. Both would be better choices than an overpriced popup IMO.
quote:Originally posted by FLAGSTAFF_2
This is what I want and the weight is under 4000lb.
http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/scorpion/
XR BARRY
10/10/05, 9:33 PM
quote:Originally posted by FLAGSTAFF_2
This is what I want and the weight is under 4000lb.
http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/scorpion/
Ahh, dont buy that. Its really ugly.
I just bought a Pioneer Toy Hauler made by Fleetwood too. I like it and it weights alot less then the Gear Box, and its nicer inside.