Post by: jackelope on January 17, 2021, 10:48:11 AM
I like the layout along the lines of this one.
Forest River Evo 177BQ
https://hr4kf.app.goo.gl/6xCKK
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210117/3faa4e1814ac01189d8a2ecf99140bff.jpg)
Which I guess brings up the question of single axle or dual axle.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Post by: Buckhunter24 on January 17, 2021, 11:00:00 AM
Post by: Igor on January 17, 2021, 11:06:24 AM
Sounds like your already looking close at the bed lengths, but measure for yourself. My dad has a Springdale that looks identical to that and the bunks are only about 5' 9".
That is a good point......measure the beds yourself. What the RV manufacturers call a "Queen size" is not a normal queen size....it is considerably shorter.
Post by: Old Dog on January 17, 2021, 11:09:04 AM
Post by: Sandberm on January 17, 2021, 11:13:19 AM
Seriously...sit on the toilet and pretend to use it. I'm 5ft 10in tall. In my old 20 ft Nash its a tight fit. My knees almost hit the opposite wall and leaning over to do a right hand wipe is much easier with the door thats on my left open. Ive been married a long time, but that doesnt mean my wife wants to see me wipe my butt.
Lay in the bed next to your wife and roll around to make sure there is enough room. Again, my old Nash is a tight fit for me and the wife. Its doable but we keep eachother up at night when each of us rolls around. Our bed measures about 49 inches wide wall to wall. I really wish it had another 10-12 inches of width
Stand in the shower. Again, if I was much taller the hair that is left on my head would be getting cut off by the exhaust fan.
Ours holds 40 gallons of fresh water. Thats about 3 nights stays worth for us(2 people, 2 showers total?)
Post by: hiway_99 on January 17, 2021, 11:15:16 AM
Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
Post by: jackelope on January 17, 2021, 11:23:10 AM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on January 17, 2021, 11:24:15 AM
Outside:
Shower nozzle with hot water
QD propane spigot
Electric awning
Lots of LED lights
Speakers
Backup camera
Electric tongue jack (I installed that)
Dual battery system (I installed that, there are some things to be careful of)
Anti sway hitch system (I installed that too)
Inside:
Tons of storage and closets
Microwave
Oven (for baking cookies and frozen pizzas mostly)
TV/entertainment system
Shower
Big fridge and freezer
A/C (never thought we'd need it until camping in E. WA in August)
Clothes line to dry out clothes (I installed that)
There are other things I'm sure that I am missing.
A couple things I would like that I've yet to upgrade:
Larger propane tanks
Additional counter space for the "kitchen"
Hope that helps.
Post by: BD1 on January 17, 2021, 11:32:02 AM
Post by: Igor on January 17, 2021, 11:54:49 AM
Depending on how many trailers you look at, I would recommend taking notes on things you find out that you like, and things you dislike. We looked at so many trailers over a 3-day period that it was hard to remember what we had liked in specific trailers.
Post by: MADMAX on January 17, 2021, 12:14:38 PM
Queen
Slide
Power awning
TV/dvd
20ft
4K on weight loaded
Run everything with a 500 watt generator
Post by: JKEEN33 on January 17, 2021, 12:15:16 PM
Don’t max out the truck. I see it a lot and it becomes a truck repair nightmare fast. Get the most space you can, you will appreciate it down the road. Showers do become more important down the road.
I bought the UL this time. Even with a one ton truck, there is a lot of weight back there. This UL does have a lower ceiling height, I’m 5’10, so not an issue. You can get 4 season UL, this one is. Heated tanks is nice if your going to be in cold weather. Big tanks are nice if you are going to be out for any length of time. First thing I look at is the roof. Some of the older models have the seam between the roof and the wall on top of the roof. I never understood that. Standing water on the roof eventually works into the seam no matter how well you caulk my new one wraps the roof over to the side of the wall
I went with a slide this time. I was worried about leaks also, but have been in a few heavy downpours already. So far I’m impressed and LOVE the extra space.
We have a great time RVing especially now that recreation and vacation options are limited.
I’ll add, a good quality cover is a must. The sun is just as bad as the rain on trailers. Keeping it covered while storing helps keep them dry and in good shape. I’ve seen new trailers that are junk in 4-5 years from just sitting uncovered.
Post by: Sandberm on January 17, 2021, 12:35:35 PM
Post by: Mudman on January 17, 2021, 12:54:12 PM
Post by: jackelope on January 17, 2021, 02:20:47 PM
What brand did you buy?
Post by: KFhunter on January 17, 2021, 02:24:21 PM
I'd give Northwood products a hard look
https://northwoodmfg.com/travel-trailers/
Post by: turkeyfeather on January 17, 2021, 03:42:26 PM
Post by: Mudman on January 17, 2021, 03:46:24 PM
I’m totally concerned about quality of construction.https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/rvd/d/boise-warranty-forever-2021-work-play/7256315537.html
What brand did you buy?
Post by: Old Man8383 on January 17, 2021, 03:52:12 PM
Post by: Mudman on January 17, 2021, 03:56:18 PM
Post by: Old Man8383 on January 17, 2021, 05:09:37 PM
Post by: Mudman on January 17, 2021, 05:55:02 PM
Post by: MADMAX on January 17, 2021, 05:57:22 PM
Get an airstream
Post by: Moose Master on January 17, 2021, 07:01:36 PM
Stay away from Forrest River Products. Good luck and listen to wife when it comes to storage and kitchen. Most RV mattress are not good so be prepared to change them out or upgrade. Lots of good suggestions here
Forgot to add making beds and bunks depending on what you use for bedding and getting in and out of them.
If you use a cpap machine 12 volt adapter close to the bed and where to put it.
Convert to use of 6 volt batteries instead 12 volt batteries. Power last longer.
Look at clearance might want to flip the springs. Depending where you take it.
Post by: jackelope on January 17, 2021, 07:04:32 PM
Post by: Moose Master on January 17, 2021, 07:16:13 PM
Truck is factory equipped to tow. Auxiliary trans cooler, heavy duty cooling, etc.
Great
Post by: elksnout on January 17, 2021, 07:35:55 PM
Tandem axle for sure.
Elksnout
Post by: Rob on January 17, 2021, 10:14:39 PM
Post by: follow maggie on January 18, 2021, 04:15:48 PM
Post by: Encore 280 on January 18, 2021, 06:13:46 PM
Post by: Hunter mike on January 18, 2021, 07:44:04 PM
One thing to think about with those smaller single axle trailers is the very low payloads. Often they’re rated for under 1000 lbs including the water tank. Also watch for ultralight construction - things can be pretty flimsy. Try to get a 5/8” t&g plywood floor and walkable roof.
Good maintenance goes a long ways toward making it last. Get an Equalizer hitch and maybe look at Sumo springs for a 1/2 ton - supposed to be really good.
Invest in good batteries and a small generator - tons of great free dry camping in WA. It’s fun to set up camp off the grid with all of the comforts for the family.
Post by: Idighuntin on March 16, 2021, 06:27:51 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 16, 2021, 07:53:22 AM
After having one with and one without I wouldn't even consider a traveler trailer without a slide out. Especially with a family.
Tandem axle for sure.
Elksnout
:yeah: X 100
Post by: gutsnthegrass on March 16, 2021, 09:08:31 AM
Post by: walter351 on March 16, 2021, 09:16:18 AM
My bet is the market will flood with used units for sale once covid restrictions lighten up. I also believe you will see precovid units sell for more than 2020 models.
If I HAD to buy I would stick with outdoors rv, or northwood. They are smaller manufactures that do not experience the level of corporate influences other manufactures have. Just my 2 cents.
Post by: ucwarden on March 16, 2021, 09:26:53 AM
Look into Outdoors Rv and Northwood mfg. both quality Rv made in Oregon built for camping in the Northwest. If you’re interested in quality you have to look into there models. :twocents:
Outdoors RV trailers are awesome. They are well built, rugged, and very well designed.
Post by: Robinhood on March 16, 2021, 01:02:49 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on March 16, 2021, 01:38:17 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 16, 2021, 01:50:14 PM
I looked at a bunch of trailers and the best quality IMO were Jayco, and Grand design. I ended up with a Grand Design, 31' and love it.
Grand Design is top notch ! Their 5th wheels are awesome.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on March 16, 2021, 02:04:53 PM
I've had a pretty good time with our Jayco.
The biggest thing you have to wrap your head around is that these things are going to break no matter how good you are. You're essentially putting a lightly built house on wheels and giving it the same effect as a continuous earthquake while rolling down the highway. Stuff happens. Get good at Google and be ok with spending some cash every now and then on spare parts and tools to throw in the trailer after learning hard lessons. Be comfortable with dealing with your family's poop (literally) because black water tanks can get involved.
Go into it with the right mindset and you'll be fine. You're an outdoorsy guy who is pretty handy so I'm sure you'll do just fine.
Post by: Special T on March 16, 2021, 02:46:20 PM
The fiberglass shells are expensive but made right. Less leak prone, stiffer and hold value. Buddy had his PU camper burn up, to try and replace it with another he was gonna pay the same price for a 20 year old one... same age and cost he purchased new 20 years ago...
Good luck with your search.
@HappyGillmore has a small tow behind. I think it is a Casita.
Post by: huntandjeep on March 16, 2021, 07:58:44 PM
Post by: M_ray on March 16, 2021, 08:28:53 PM
Western Washington is brutal on RV's, they will all leak and usually doesn't take them long. Unless you have a roof to store them under. Otherwise the two best days of your RV life will be the day you buy it and the day you sell it. Sorry if this has been covered I didn't read the whole thread. :twocents:
Post by: Netminder01 on March 24, 2021, 11:24:51 AM
The problem I'm having is quality inventory; I was going out to Boulder, CO to find one that fit my specs.
Post by: Hitsman3 on March 26, 2021, 07:59:50 AM
Post by: lee on April 04, 2021, 08:01:10 AM
Which ever manufacture RV you choose,... it is vital that you get up on the roof at least x2 a year and perform an inspection. Every seam, every roof pentation must be inspected to see if the DICOR sealant is still intact. Touch up suspect spots by cleaning with Simple Green, rinse with water soaked cloth, let dry then apply DICOR self-leveling sealant (when over 50* degrees). Every time that I inspect, I find a spot that needs attention.
Also, inspect sealant around every light (clearance, brake, etc.) and every window and doors.
After inspection/repair then apply a protectant (I use Areospace 303) to the roof membrane (including slide out) also apply to the slide out seals, all door seals.
Water intrusion is every RV owners worst enemy.... especially here in the Great North-Wet!!!!!
Finally,... if you plan on keeping the RV for a long time,... and plan on putting a lot of miles on it.... install a wet bolt suspension kit.... and most important... replace those stock "China-Bomb" tires with quality tires.
Lee
Post by: 280ackley on April 04, 2021, 08:08:20 AM
https://www.outdoorsrvmfg.com
Does anyone have any experience with them?
Post by: trophyhunt on April 04, 2021, 08:14:26 AM
Post by: Buckhunter24 on April 04, 2021, 08:31:43 AM
Post by: lee on April 04, 2021, 08:49:10 AM
Being an RV owner for over 20years,... I haunt many RV forums. Since I own a Keystone product, I haunt a Keystone forum the most (BTW: Not affiliated with Keystone RV Manufacturing). One of the Moderators is a repair technician at an RV repair facility. His recommendation is to NEVER cover your RV with one of the advertised RV covers. He states they do more harm than good through abrasion to the roof membrane from wind and also the fact they trap water and moisture under them causing more problems.
He recommends what I stated in my post earlier on this subject. Inspect, Inspect, Inspect. At least x2 yearly.
Lee
Post by: Pnwrider on April 04, 2021, 09:39:31 AM
I've been looking at Outdoors RV which are made in LaGrande I think. They look well built but I haven't seen one in person yet.My neighbor just bought the outdoors rv 28’ bunkhouse. Said he did tons of research and narrowed it down to them. He wanted one that he could use throughout the winter for skiing. Seems like a solid unit from the time I’ve spent checking it out. His biggest issue is trying to find storage for it. He called everywhere within 20 miles and no one has space.
https://www.outdoorsrvmfg.com
Does anyone have any experience with them?
Post by: Mudman on April 04, 2021, 09:41:25 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on April 04, 2021, 09:53:30 AM
Post by: Mudman on April 04, 2021, 10:03:05 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 04, 2021, 10:05:05 AM
My neighbor just bought the outdoors rv 28’ bunkhouse. Said he did tons of research and narrowed it down to them. He wanted one that he could use throughout the winter for skiing. Seems like a solid unit from the time I’ve spent checking it out. His biggest issue is trying to find storage for it. He called everywhere within 20 miles and no one has space.
Yea finding storage space for anything is crazy - most storage places are 100% full - don't even have a 4x10 much less a 40 x 10 ! check out neighbors.com?
Post by: jackelope on April 04, 2021, 10:06:47 AM
Post by: Craig on April 04, 2021, 08:59:44 PM
Post by: C-Money on April 05, 2021, 10:16:30 AM
Post by: KFhunter on April 05, 2021, 06:53:14 PM
wish I would have read this thread before I bought it, would have known to look at the wooden rafters and not bought. Seriously need a 120lb kid up there to do the dicor
Post by: browney5er on April 09, 2021, 08:29:26 PM
All really good info. We’ve decided to hold off a year. We’re thinking about renting one a few times just to make sure we all like it. I know I will, I grew up RV’ing with my grandparents and have used one several times as an adult. I don’t think my wife ever has and my kid definitely has not. Only tents. Because of our driveway situation we don’t have a good place to store one so we’d also have to pay storage somewhere too. Not a dealbreaker but also not ideal. I appreciate all the awesome advice though. Those Outdoors trailers look pretty great. They’ll be near the top of the list for sure.
I don’t know if you’re looking to buy a brand new trailer when you decide to buy but I would definitely consider buying a used one. You can find 1 and 2 year old trailers a whole lot cheaper and most are like brand new. I think you’re on the right track with Outdoors Rv. My wife and I researched for over a year and came up with Outdoors Rv and Northwood manufacturing. We ended up saving half on a 2018 Outdoors Rv Glacier Peak 5th wheel. If you can be patient and watch Craigslist, Facebook and other classified pages you will be able to get more trailer for your dollar, I promise.
Post by: BD1 on April 09, 2021, 08:34:20 PM
[/quote]
My 12 year ls it my roof detailer :tup:
Post by: lee on April 10, 2021, 07:26:41 AM
I have read that some owners buy a sheet of 4" thick high density foam and cut it in half. Put these on the roof to walk on thus spreading the load.
Lee
Post by: Sandberm on April 10, 2021, 09:55:04 AM
Ill have to try that foam trick :tup: