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Any Quality Built Travel Trailers Under $20k?

Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:05 pm
Posted by SirSaintly
Uptown, New Orleans
Member since Feb 2013
3129 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:05 pm
The wife wants a travel trailer as she refuses to tent camp but does enjoy activities like kayaking, mtbing, hiking etc. She wants a queen bed, microwave, and full bathroom. Luckily she isn't looking for some huge luxury RV with top of the line everything. She just wants something basic, but semi-nice to sleep in National and State parks.

Since I'll be towing it, i'd like something under 20 feet long that is built well. We'd like this thing to last if at all possible, although I'm not sure that is possible for under $20k after reading reviews. They ALL seem shitty.

We're looking at Jayco Hummingbird, Mini Winnie, Winnie Drop, and StarCraft Satellite.
They all look great, but I'm concerned about whether they'll leak, fall apart etc in 5 yrs.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166025 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:07 pm to
quote:

t whether they'll leak, fall apart etc in 5 yrs.


they all require maintenance. i have a jayco.
Posted by TU Rob
Birmingham
Member since Nov 2008
12721 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:07 pm to
Buy a used one. Try it out for a season. If she really likes it, tell her you'll sell the used one and buy a new/newer one with nicer features.
Posted by DownSouthDave
Beau, Bro, Baw
Member since Jan 2013
7365 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:11 pm to
Not sure about the price, but check out livin lite... they make smaller, all aluminum campers. I've rented them before and they seemed to be well built.
Posted by SaltyNutSnack
Stillwater
Member since Jun 2016
1197 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:16 pm to
They are all somewhat made the same way anymore. All require maintenance. For 20K and under 20ft you should be able to get a real nice trailer with a lot of features. I have a 26.5ft Jayco.
Posted by SirSaintly
Uptown, New Orleans
Member since Feb 2013
3129 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:25 pm to
quote:

They are all somewhat made the same way anymore. All require maintenance. For 20K and under 20ft you should be able to get a real nice trailer with a lot of features. I have a 26.5ft Jayco.



I'm ok with maintenance. I just don't want the slide out to break at 2 yrs, or roof leaks and inside of camper rots etc. Will look into that all aluminum one. I really like Airstreams, but don't have $45k for their tiny one. Also like the 100% fiberglass campers like Oliver, but also $45k.
Posted by Bolivar Shagnasty
Your mothers corner
Member since Aug 2017
654 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:30 pm to
When it comes to leaks, and/or preventing them. The most important thing is having the trailer covered when not in use. If you have a shed you can put it under, that is best. They make canvas trailer covers, but some type of cover is necessary to the longevity of whatever you buy.
Posted by bayoudude
Member since Dec 2007
24940 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:33 pm to
Definitely cover it! Mine has been covered all it's life and I am starting to see some delamination at the rear corners. 2009 Forrest river wildcat 32' 5th wheel. Bought new in 2010 for $29k. Sticker was $42 they have plenty of wiggle room on price and often sell prior year models for a good price
Posted by GCTigahs
Member since Oct 2014
2021 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:56 pm to
It doesn't matter if you spent 15k or 115k, it will have problems. Just be ok with it going in and you'll enjoy it.
Posted by ctiger69
Member since May 2005
30576 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 12:58 pm to
No
Posted by Drop4Loss
Birds Eye Of Deaf Valley
Member since Oct 2007
3846 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 1:11 pm to
Your gonna be lucky if ya can find under 20 foot with a queen bed...

Posted by ccard257
Fort Worth, TX
Member since Oct 2012
1307 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 1:21 pm to
quote:

Not sure about the price, but check out livin lite... they make smaller, all aluminum campers. I've rented them before and they seemed to be well built.


where'd you rent that? I'd like to do the same.
Posted by kywildcatfanone
Wildcat Country!
Member since Oct 2012
118764 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 1:52 pm to
quote:

sleep in National and State parks.


Unless you are camping for months out of the year, there are hotels and cabins for this kind of enjoyment that someone else upkeeps.
Posted by Tbooux
Member since Oct 2011
1680 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 7:05 pm to
quote:

Unless you are camping for months out of the year, there are hotels and cabins for this kind of enjoyment that someone else upkeeps.


This, I don't understand the camper craze. U pay for a highly depreciatable item that requires constant maintenance as well as constant work to setup and use. Can rent hotel rooms rest of your life for $20k
Posted by Dwf7303
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2015
40 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 7:13 pm to
Ive rented from campers to go in port vincent. Id try that first before buying to see if its worth the larger investment.
Posted by Kashmir
Member since Dec 2014
7538 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 8:30 pm to
i bought a 21ft jayco last year and love it. $15k. has the things you listed.
Posted by AuburnCPA
Member since May 2008
18821 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 9:15 pm to
quote:

Your gonna be lucky if ya can find under 20 foot with a queen bed...


Um, there are a lot. Coleman 17fq. Aspen trail 1700bh. Those are 2 we are looking at. Love the bigger bunk beds for the kids
Posted by AUCE05
Member since Dec 2009
42548 posts
Posted on 8/21/17 at 9:31 pm to
Tons of parks have cabins for around $100 per night. Just do that.
Posted by 007mag
Death Valley, Sec. 408
Member since Dec 2011
3873 posts
Posted on 8/22/17 at 7:27 am to
Slow down, take a deep breath.

First estimate out how much you're going to spend annually on payments, maintenance, park fees, additional fuel/vehicle for towing, storage, insurance and miscellaneous supplies like dishes and linens. Also consider your labor for maintenance and cleaning, time is money.

Second make a realistic assessment of how often you'll actually use it annually. Compare to same usage of a cabin or hotel.

I feel like I take weekend trips to hunt and fish more than the average person and even in my situation renting a cabin or hotel is easier and more economical than a camper.

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