In the process of upgrading to a LifePO4 battery. I have it narrowed down to two budget options:

Vatrer 300ah $599

WattCycle 280ah - $479

I'm torn as the Vatrer is self heating/Bluetooth but a larger size meaning I'll probably need to modify my tongue and or run the wires into the front pass through.

The WattCycle is smaller so it should fit much easier onto my tongue. It also lacks Bluetooth but there is a Bluetooth option for $529 but back ordered.

The less modifications all around the better as I have limited spare time. The self heating would be nice as we typically boondock in New England and prefer fall camping. It's rarely below freezing but always a possibility but probably just in the early morning if anything. In short is the extra $120 worth it to get the self heating and Bluetooth monitoring.

P.S. I know these are Chinese tl trash essentially but the build quality seems like a good value based off Will Prowse teardowns. Thanks again in advance!

As I research getting a light trailer that I can tow with my 2019 Honda Ridgeline I’m shock at all the bad reviews for just about any one I look at. I realize any camper may have issues. They aren’t built like trucks yet we haul them all over the place. Are there any high quality manufacturers?

Hello folks—I’m deep in the research phase for my family’s first travel trailer, and would love some additional eyes on what I’m debating before I go too far down the wrong road. I want to do this once and correctly.

Car
We currently have a ‘20 Volvo XC90 T5, towing capacity is 4,000 lbs. (sadly it’s a FWD, not AWD, as the latter has 5,000 lbs.). Tongue weight is 400 lbs. We’re open to looking at other vehicles, however ideally we keep the current one.

Trailer
We’re opting for a bunkhouse layout for our little guy, and are currently looking at the Jayco 170BHW Sport Edition (305 hitch, 2,920 UVW and 3,750 GVWR) or Coachmen Clipper 17BH (300 hitch, 2,896 UVW and GVWR 3,943). Both seem to be feasible, albeit approaching the maximum capacity for the car (assuming we hit GVWR), so I’d love some thoughts here (or alternative lighter bunkhouse options we should consider). We’d be installing a WDH and sway system given the weight of the car in relation to the TT.

Am I already headed for trouble here? Are there things I’m not considering? Thanks for the input. Excited to get started.

Howdy folks, looking to get my families (2 adults, 2 young kids) first camper. I drive a 2024 Tundra that can tow 12k pounds but only has 1300lb payload. Anyone have an opinion on it I can swing a Grand Design 2400BH? 15% of the 7495 lb GVWR is 1124lbs. So about 200lb remaining after worst case scenario.

If not, any other bunkhouse models I could consider?

Hoping to get some input from more experienced folks here, thanks!

Hey There! So looking to purchase a used bumper pull travel trailer (first time).

Its going to mainly be used as an additional living space for myself, wife, 1dog, While living on some family land for awhile between relocating. I can see possibly using it to camp/sight see for a few days here and there, but mainly stationary.

Going to have access to food, water, bathroom, storage etc through the families home, so not of upmost importance in camper. Idea is to have some private/getaway space and sleeping quarters away from family home.

Looking for a "couples camper" with a regular queen and open floor plan. Don't need additional sleeping or entertaining space. Would love a slide out as well. Am thinking somewhere in the 20-25ft range?

I like the the bed and bathroom on opposite ends layout, but not necessary.

Tow vehicle is a 08 Ram 1500 5.7/tow package... Budget would $10-12k, hopefully.

Any recommendations, input, advice etc?

Thank you in advance!

My wife and I bought a new fifth wheel at the Tampa show. We put a decent amount of money down and financed a portion. We had the right inspected and only a few minor issues to resolve. We are trading in a tt. The inspector noted the CCC seemed low at 1206 lbs. I then noted the gvwr was exactly 1000 lbs less than what was advertised on the website. After speaking with the manufacturer they just upgraded their axles and now moving forward all rigs are the increased gvwr and CCC. The question I have is what are our options at this point after financing and putting money down? Also we are youngish and have 2 sons and will realistically never full time, boondock or go farther than a week trip from Florida. Should I try to cancel the purchase? Request freebies/credit from dealer? Request a newer model? Not sweat it? Any advice is appreciated.

Hello,

I'm new to RVing and just got a Salem FSX 266BHLE. We have a house that we booked last year for the month of May in New Smyrna, and the plan is to take the camper down the East coast and enjoy the trip. Where I need your help is; once I get there, where can I keep the camper for the month? We won't be in it, because we have a house for the month. I'm not sure there will be room at the house, or if that is allowed.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

My wife I just bought our first camper and we are getting different numbers for the weight of the camper. We bought a 2020 19bhs apex nano. On the website of the dealer it says it has a weight of 3600 lbs however on the inside of the door it says the dry weight is 2100lbs. Which one of these should we trust. Either way out vehicle can tow it but we trying to determine how much stuff we can put in it

I’m interested in hearing from anyone who has bought a Thor Motorhome from Cruise America. They have a lot of miles on them. However, when we stayed in one for 10 days, the RV seemed solid. Please tell me about your experience buying from Cruise America. Thanks in advance.

Have a week off in April and can’t decide what to do with it. Anyone recommend any fun trips or places they have been in spring before? Live near Baltimore and wouldn’t want to drive more than 8 hours or so. TIA

Hey friends!

This is Michael. For years, I was the resident RV Service Director here on the GoRVing subreddit, hosting a bunch of AMA's that I will link here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/GoRVing/comments/dtiyg8/i_am_a_service_manager_for_a_very_large_rv/

My first AMA^^ Four Years ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/GoRVing/comments/nud38v/i_am_a_service_director_at_a_very_large_rv/

My second AMA^^ Three Years ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/GoRVing/comments/gpdar2/do_you_want_to_know_why_there_are_so_few_good_rv/

A rant about the RV Service Industry ^^ Four years ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/GoRVing/comments/usfz1m/i_am_the_parts_and_service_director_at_a_very/

My third (and last) AMA ^^ Two Years ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/GoRVing/comments/18lftg4/i_am_a_service_director_at_a_very_large_rv/

Last years post ^^ where I announced that I was going into business for myself and opening my own dealership.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GoRVing/comments/1hal52x/ama_i_am_a_service_director_for_a_very_large_mega/

A post two months ago on my one year anniversary since getting keys to my building and beginning the journey.

Here today with another update. We had a great first year as I said before, so we decided that it was worth the investment to bring in a full time social media manager, and launch a YouTube channel. Our first video went live this evening and I've had such an amazing experience on this sub, I wanted to share it all with you. Please feel free to ask me any and all questions, as always and I'd love to answer any RV Related questions whatsoever. Here it is! https://youtu.be/BbyUpWgp7CY

Wondering what specific details I should be checking and what to look for. I’ve only ever purchased a popup before so I kind of get the basics. Any help is appreciated.

So I posted on here a while ago about my funny little truck situation and long story short I’m gonna build a trailer myself! None of the customizing companies I spoke to let me do things how I wanted (not plumbing or electric wise, I listened to them on that stuff for locations etc), but they didn’t want me to have a floating tv etc bc they thought it would get in the way in the kitchen (that’s why you get them to flip up, especially for traveling but whatever). I’m not gonna be watching tv while I cook. They didn’t like the fact I wanted a wardrobe, they didn’t like that I wanted a desk and then they didn’t like how I wanted it oriented, and then they tried putting in group seating. I LIVE ALONE. And I don’t particularly want a bunch of guests. I want a home for myself. And just little stuff like that added up to me. So I’m wondering how much other people’s builds added on to the initial trailer weight. Not the GVWR, not the UVW, the weight of sinks/plumbing/electrical/insulation/furniture without the trailer shell+chassis.

My wife drives a handicap vehicle, which requires a ramp. This ramp is normally powered by a motor from an RV. Below are the ones used for this particular van. (2010 Chrysler Town and Country)

KO1375A300 Klauber Gear Motor Or its predecessor K01276B300.

About 3 months ago, the motor broke, and l've had to come along with her to manually pick up and let down the ramp, which drains gas because that means I have to drive back and forth to pick her up after she gets off work. It also pains her mentally not to be able to go anywhere alone, even to get some gas.

The only places I can find these parts are bank breakers. I was wondering if anyone had any of these parts locally or if they had a spare(that I could pay for) so I could give her back the independence of using her van alone.

Hi, in May I will be flying from Poland for two weeks to spend them on the west coast of the USA. We are landing in LA. I plan to visit Yosemite, Sequoias, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and Grand Canyon and parks in the area (Zion, Bryce, etc.) by camper.

My question is - what is the best thing to do with the camper while in Las Vegas? We want a hotel downtown for two nights to treat ourselves to some luxury, relaxation and gambling. I would appreciate any tips!

Hey everyone,

I recently bought my first truck and am heading to an RV show this weekend. My wife and I originally thought we wanted a travel trailer when we got the truck, but after checking out some campers, we’re now leaning toward a 5th wheel. I’d like to get a sanity check on my towing math.

Truck Info

• 2024 F-250 7.3L SWR Lariat (3.73E Axle Ratio)
• GVWR: 10,500 lbs
• Curb Weight: 6,480 lbs
• Max Payload (per door sticker): 3,279 lbs
• GCWR: 24,600 lbs
• Max 5th Wheel Trailer Weight: 17,400 lbs

Trailer Info

• Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 11,886 lbs
• Carrying Capacity: 2,114 lbs
• GVWR: 14,000 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 1,954 lbs

Math Time

• GVWR: 10,500 lbs
• (-) Curb Weight: 6,480 lbs
• (-) Hitch Weight: 1,954 lbs
• (-) Passengers: 650 lbs
• (-) 5th Wheel Hitch: 250 lbs
• (-) Cargo: 250 lbs
• Remaining GVWR: 966 lbs

Payload:

• Max Payload: 3,279 lbs
• Loaded Payload: 3,054 lbs
• Remaining Payload: 225 lbs

Concerns

• With only 225 lbs of remaining payload, are my margins too thin?
• Should I aim for a larger buffer for safety?

Would love to hear from those with experience towing 5th wheels with a similar setup. Am I pushing the limits too much, or is this reasonable?

Example Trailer: 3553MBP

Just curious what you all think I could easily/safely haul with a 2011 F150. Has the 5.0 coyote engine. Bought used so it's difficult to figure out based on the owners manual since it gives info for so many models.

We are buying a 2018 Rockwood 5th wheel this weekend. It will be delivered to a seasonal site and will never move. They are offering an XtraRide extended warranty. Thoughts about whether to buy the warranty? It’s around $3500.

I see a lot of people who remove their RV decals, but I like mine and think it would look very plain if I removed them. I just am not a huge fan of the color combo, I’m looking to repaint the dark blue stripes to black and the lighter blue stripes a terracotta type color.

Also how should I prep them? Just use mineral spirits or alcohol on them > light sand > primer > paint?

Thanks!

Hi there everyone!

Not new to camping, am in the market for a used camper and truck.

I've been a lurker on this sub for quite some time, many many helpful posts by you fellow redditors, so I thank you.

I'm looking to get my first rv (travel trailer, or even a fifth wheel). I also would need to purchase the correct vehicle, of course, to tow this thing around safely and efficiently.

But the thought just struck me, could I just pay someone to tow my camper from campground to campground, as needed? Does anyone do that?

For reference, I'm considering doing this full-time, while also having my Honda Accord in order to get myself around when necessary once I'm at the site.

I'm not unaccustomed to towing trailers, driving large vehicles, etc. But it just seems like I'm only going to be buying my truck to move my camper from campground to campground, when practicality tells me that it actually might be easier for me to hire it out. Like Uber, or whatever is equivalent. Then I can still travel with my car too.

Maybe campgrounds don't allow this type of arrangement? Maybe they always want you to have your own vehicles so that it can be towed out in case anything happens in an emergency?

Ideally, I'd love to be able to travel around the US with this type of convenience, but know the further the distance, the more the cost.

And if this is doable, and has been done, the question is, what's the cost per mile and will it actually save me money over buying my own truck, at least for a few years?

Maybe I just came up with a new business idea.

Would love feedback. Thoughts? Questions?

Hey guys bought a 2024 Grand Design 2903RL that we pick up Tuesday. Dealer said it would be $800ish. How important is this to get, specifically on a new RV? It looks a little tricky to do ourselves. This will be our long term/forever RV. Can we wait a year or two to do it? Thanks for all your help.

I had to sell my truck due ot finances, but we kept the trailer. We are looking at using the cash we have to buy a Suburban, Conversion Van(GM) or Tahoe (or like vehicle).

I have a 2021 Kodiak Ultra Lite M-283BHSL that is 32'10" long, the wheel base on a Tahoe is 116" (9.6), the Suburban is 125" (10.4')
https://www.jdpower.com/rvs/2021/kodiak-by-dutchmen/m-283bhsl/6601843/specs

Anyone have experience with a yukon/escalade/tahoe with a similarly sized trailer? Anyone have advice on NOT going the smaller route?

Ideally I'd like the suburban, but I can get a significantly lower milage tahoe for the same price. (25k).

I'm doing all the work myself and I'm at just under $3500 total to get this in our 1975 Argosy 26ft.

560Ah lithium (2x280 Litime)
800W solar (8x100 Renogy)
2x Victron MPPT 100|30 solar controllers
18A Victron DC-DC
Victron shunt
Victron Cerbo GX
2000W Renogy inverter (for now, couldn't pass the deal up, likely Victron later)
all the associated disconnects, breakers, fuse

For a similar install by a shop, about where would it be? $15,000? I know Battleborn 270Ah GC3 batteries are over $2000 each, so just 2 of them would be more than my entire cost.

Part of the low cost is the deals I've gotten on the inverter ($250 NIB) and solar panels ($340 for all 8).

I'm just glad I have the knowledge and skill to do it properly. No, I have ZERO interest in going into business - I'm not a fan of being contorted on the bathroom floor wiring up most of this.

I live in CO and am in the market for a travel trailer. Where is the best place to buy new/used? Willing to travel for the right trailer, just wondering if anyone has any recommendations if they’re in the state!

I'm interested in buying a class b camper van. Anyone know which vehicle manufacturer I should be looking at or avoiding? I personally don't like German engineering nowadays, but would consider a Mercedes Sprinter if they are higher quality and dependable. From my little research though, the parts availability for Mercedes Sprinters aren't good. Part availability is huge when buying anything vehicle related imo, so I don't think this would be a good choice, but maybe I'm wrong?

I'm looking for AWD, good part availability, reasonable to work on, and overall has good engine reliability. Should I even bother buying new or just get used? I also don't want a bigger class B van. Which Class B van brand holds their value you more?

I'm curious how many people in this sub either still have, or did have (but paid off) a loan with a long maturity date. I would consider anything over 120mo (10yrs) a long maturity date, especially for a quickly depreciating asset like a camper.

My wife and I bought a camper a while back and got the 180mo (15yrs) loan to get a slightly better interest rate. Even with both of us having 800+ credit scores, we still only got something like 9.81% on the loan; probably due to the high risk on their end because it's a camper. We planned on making significantly more than the minimum payment so it would be paid off in something closer to 60-72mo.

I recently got a bonus and decided to just use the bonus + some savings to pay off the entire camper because I really hated having that ~10% interest loan. I think over the past few years, only about 25% of the payments ended up going to the principle....so 75% "loss" on my end wince it was early in the loan.

How many of you either paid your loan off very quickly, didn't take out a loan at all, or are just making minimum payments for the next 10+ years?

Doing the math on the loan, we would end up paying about 190% of the original loan amount if we just made minimum payments over 15yrs. So if you had a $50,000 loan, you'd end up paying back ~$95,000 by making minimum payments with a 9.8% interest loan.