Post by: jrebel on May 23, 2012, 04:46:34 PM
I plan on hunting and camping year round and was wondering what a good 4 season trailer is? I love the arctic fox, but it is slightly out of my price range and I there don't seem to be many used ones out there.
What do you guys think about slides???? I like the room, but what about the maintenance / up keep, reliability of mechanisms, etc. etc...
There are thousands of trailers out there, so what do you have and how do you like it?
Thanks
Johnny
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on May 23, 2012, 04:48:49 PM
Post by: whacker1 on May 23, 2012, 04:53:36 PM
Cougar by Keystone makes a 4 season in a 1/2 ton series.
Slides are plenty reliable.
How big of a trailer are you looking to buy?
Post by: Special T on May 23, 2012, 05:00:22 PM
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on May 23, 2012, 06:34:29 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1210.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc413%2Fdbhawthorne%2FTrailer.jpg&hash=4741c8ca29e0adeab7500554cc018b65f2bada36)
Post by: trophyhunt on May 23, 2012, 06:48:52 PM
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on May 23, 2012, 06:52:15 PM
Do some research on the brand your looking at before you buy, there are a lot of manufacture's that come and go when it comes to making trailers. Stay with the one's that have been around for many years, like Arctic fox. We have a Skyline (layton) built trailer and find it's holding up pretty well for being 11 years old. I would not buy new, there are too many nice used one's out there. Good luck
:yeah:
Ours is a 10 year old skyline and it's in great condition.
Post by: SnakeEyes on May 23, 2012, 07:03:28 PM
I purchased an Outdoors RV product which is a sister company to Northwood manufacturing that makes Arctic Fox and Nash. After doing my research I was concerned that some of the larger production builders were using frames built by companies that were subpar. Northwood makes their own frames which are very stout. Something to consider when you want your trailer to last a long time. Arctic Fox is a heavier built trailer but has one of the best reputations. The Outdoors RV products seem to be comparable. Both companies have great websites with videos of their products.
If you buy used make sure you do a thorough inspection. Leaks are the big issues. Everything else can be fixed. It would be nice to find an RV that was stored under cover.
Do you want aluminum or fiberglass type siding? If you decide on the fiberglass type siding look for delamination usually caused by leaks.
Have fun in your search.
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on May 23, 2012, 07:09:17 PM
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on May 23, 2012, 07:14:46 PM
Post by: jrebel on May 23, 2012, 07:31:01 PM
1. Weight is not an issue. I will be towing it with a 3/4 ton dodge diesle with a 6 speed manual.
2. Size. I want a 26-30' trailer, preferabley in a bunkhouse model. I have two kids and it would be really nice to have them set up with their own beds.
3. Semperfidelis97....I couldn't agree more about the wall tent. I already own a 16x20 wall tent that we hunt with. It is just to much of a pain for me and my wife to set up for a couple days.
4. An inclosed underbelly is a must. It seams that most manufacturers are enclosing their underbelly's now.
5. I really like the fiberglass siding, but it is not a deal breaker if I find the rite trailer with aluminum siding.
Post by: jrebel on May 23, 2012, 07:32:07 PM
Post by: SnakeEyes on May 23, 2012, 07:50:31 PM
If you find a trailer you like I would do a search for recalls. Some brands of trailers have had recalls for different things like axles, frames, etc.
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on May 23, 2012, 07:56:22 PM
Thanks for the good information...keep it coming. To answer a few questions that have been posed;
1. Weight is not an issue. I will be towing it with a 3/4 ton dodge diesle with a 6 speed manual.
2. Size. I want a 26-30' trailer, preferabley in a bunkhouse model. I have two kids and it would be really nice to have them set up with their own beds.
3. Semperfidelis97....I couldn't agree more about the wall tent. I already own a 16x20 wall tent that we hunt with. It is just to much of a pain for me and my wife to set up for a couple days.
4. An inclosed underbelly is a must. It seams that most manufacturers are enclosing their underbelly's now.
5. I really like the fiberglass siding, but it is not a deal breaker if I find the rite trailer with aluminum siding.
The one we bought has a triple bunk and it has worked out great with our two children (ages 8 and 3). I was also looking for a fiberglass model but the deal we got on this one was too good to pass up. Most of the ones I looked at had a enclosed or insulated underbelly of some form. Wall tents are great but they can certainly be a PITA compared to travel trailer...that being said I actually use a tent vs the travel trailer if I am only going for a couple days because it gets expense hauling that thing all over the state. Mine is primarily used for camping near my hunting areas for scouting/hunting so I haul mine up and pay a monthly rate $350 for the campground and leave it there. Since I scout/hunt every chance I get it actually works out to be much cheaper than hauling that thing around all the time (not to mention the expense of paying a daily rate vs a monthly rate if you chose to stay at a campground).
Post by: Blacklab on May 23, 2012, 08:14:17 PM
Post by: Special T on May 23, 2012, 08:45:00 PM
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on May 23, 2012, 08:50:48 PM
Post by: YellowDog on May 23, 2012, 09:01:15 PM
Post by: jrebel on May 23, 2012, 09:02:18 PM
Post by: Rick on May 23, 2012, 09:03:03 PM
We have a 31 foot Cougar 5th wheel. If i was to buy another i would stay with the cougar.
My Cougar is 33',but I agree with buying another Cougar. I think Keystone in general makes good rigs.
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on May 23, 2012, 09:06:00 PM
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on May 23, 2012, 09:07:21 PM
I looked at them all and if I could justify the expense I would go with the Arctic Fox... there was a lot of nice trailers but the Arctic Fox seemed to be of the highest quality.
...aside from the newer airstreams...which were really nice.
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on May 23, 2012, 09:14:19 PM
Post by: huntlakewood on May 23, 2012, 09:17:39 PM
Post by: Humptulips on May 23, 2012, 11:08:35 PM
I just pulled the trigger on a new small jayco this past weekend. Large water tanks fully enclosed underbelly upgraded insulation package with factory 2year warranty. My cousin is the expert in the family and reccomends northwoods/nash and jayco followed by dutchmen/thor and forest river
Do not! I repeat do not buy a Thor! I am in the process of fixing one. It's hard to believe what kind of materials go into them where you can't see. :bash:
Post by: whacker1 on May 24, 2012, 06:13:26 AM
Post by: GoldTip on May 24, 2012, 06:47:16 AM
Post by: YellowDog on May 24, 2012, 08:04:26 AM
I just pulled the trigger on a new small jayco this past weekend. Large water fully enclosed underbelly upgraded insulation package with factory 2year warranty. My cousin is the expert in the family and reccomends northwoods/nash and jayco followed by dutchmen/thor and forest river
Do not! I repeat do not buy a Thor! I am in the process of fixing one. It's hard to believe what kind of materials go into them where you can't see. :bashjust curious if it is a newer one. They used to have major problems but rumor is they had fixed them
Post by: Heavily Armed Hiker on May 24, 2012, 08:34:07 AM
Post by: MADMAX on May 24, 2012, 09:06:06 AM
went to a canopy
went to an 8ft camper
went to class C motorhome
went to 5ht wheel
went back to a really nice camper
Ended with a bumper mount 28ft Fleetwood Prowler extreme edition with fiberglass exterior and a super slide
fricken love it
Elk camp is the ritz :twocents:
Post by: luv2hunt on May 24, 2012, 10:15:55 AM
Post by: bearpaw on May 24, 2012, 10:21:19 AM
I have worn out 4 campers pulling them all over the northwest including a lot of rough roads. I've been watching for a good deal on another hunting camper for a couple years. I knew what I wanted to spend and have been looking for the best camper I could get within that budget. Last night I found a great deal, we went and looked at it immediately and bought a camper for less than half of what I planned on spending. :)
If you are buyng a used camp trailer, here is a list of all the things I checked for.
- Check the four outside corners and around all doors and windows for separation, leakage, or other damage.
- Push on the front corner of the camper hard enough to rock it, you are checking to see if there is any looseness in the front of the frame.
- Check the lower panel on the front of the trailer, you can judge usage by the amount of chips from road grime coming off the towing vehicle rear wheels.
- Check for how the tires are worn, uneven wear indicates axle problems.
- Check for stains on the ceiling inside, if it leaks there will likely be stains.
- Check the floor for any softspots, indicates a water leak inside the trailer.
- Push on the walls throughout checking for weak spots.
- Make sure fridge, range, oven, water heater, air conditioning, water pump, and furnace all work.
- Check inside lights all work.
- Check that all the windows open and close tighly.
- Check that vents on top of the camper close tightly and are in good contition, not broken.
- Look under the camper for any damage.
- Check running lights, turn signals, and brake lights.
- Ask if the sewage drain valve works correctly.
I suggest watching craigslist (better deals), but be cautious and try to buy a camper from a dry climate area or one that has been kept covered from rainy weather when not in use. :twocents:
Post by: Kowsrule30 on May 24, 2012, 10:22:53 AM
If you can afford an Arctic Fox with slideouts then definitely go for it. I can't think of a better four season trailer. That being said we ended up going with a 2002 28" trailer that was in near mint condition. We picked it up for 7K and have been very happy with it. I couldn't justify spending much more than that on a travel trailer because there would come a point where it would be more cost effective to just stay in hotels (even at hotel room rate of $100 a night it takes whole lot of camping to make up for a $20K+ trailer, extra gas from towing, maintenance, time invested, campground fees (if you choose to stay in campgrounds) etc....... Even though our trailer is not considered "four season" on par with an Arctic Fox we had no issues camping in it from Oct-Dec last year. We stayed at a campground that had bathrooms (near our hunting areas) so we didn't hook up the water/sewage (though I am confident we could have and would have been fine...just more hassle than it was worth in my mind).
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1210.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc413%2Fdbhawthorne%2FTrailer.jpg&hash=4741c8ca29e0adeab7500554cc018b65f2bada36)
The biggest 28" trailer I've ever seen!!!! :chuckle:
Post by: bearpaw on May 24, 2012, 10:24:00 AM
Post by: Alchase on May 24, 2012, 11:54:13 AM
You guys with the trailers if you could provide pictures of your layouts and descriptions on why they work well would be awesome! LOL
Hard to tell looking at advertisements which layouts work and which do not.
Post by: bearpaw on May 24, 2012, 11:58:55 AM
Any review on the airstreams and how they hold up?
You guys with the trailers if you could provide pictures of your layouts and descriptions on why they work well would be awesome! LOL
Hard to tell looking at advertisements which layouts work and which do not.
Best layouts really depends on the purpose of the camper. Hunting, summer recreation, for family, for a bunch of guys, that all makes quite a difference in what type of beds and accessories are needed.
Post by: MADMAX on May 24, 2012, 12:17:59 PM
Looks like a good deal
look on craigslist theres a bunch with pictures
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on May 24, 2012, 12:28:57 PM
Any review on the airstreams and how they hold up?
You guys with the trailers if you could provide pictures of your layouts and descriptions on why they work well would be awesome! LOL
Hard to tell looking at advertisements which layouts work and which do not.
My parents have a vintage 1957 Airstream. Theirs has been refurbished on the inside a couple of times but the fact that it's still on the road and looks great is a testimony to the quality.....but you will pay dearly for that quality...that being said theirs could be sold for far more today than the original purchase price.
Post by: whacker1 on May 24, 2012, 02:02:50 PM
Just part of the decision making process.
Post by: jrebel on May 24, 2012, 04:02:59 PM
Keep the suggestions / information coming, I am not the only one that can use this helpful information.
Bearpaw
Especially big thanks for a great checklist to use when buying used.
Thanks
Johnny
Post by: medic6 on May 24, 2012, 04:51:38 PM
1. Buy new- any "issues" will be under warranty for at least 1-2 years no questions asked. The resale of used trailers is surprisingly high and you can brake even or close when you trade up.
2. Get a floor plan your wife likes! If this is your first trailer I am willing to bet in less then 4 years you will upgrade to either a bigger model or you will have identified the cons and pros of the trailer and will purchase another accordingly. If she loves using it and being in it, you win. Believe me on this one :chuckle:
3. Get a slide
4. Consider getting a Generator it allows you to go off the grid for a week without any issues.
5. Go trailer for your first.
6. Look at every model and make to compare the floor plans, but purchase at a large repeatable RV dealership that will do warranty work on-site. Outback and Cougar have my vote for affordability and comfort. The wife loved the white interiors to the outbacks. Good Luck
Post by: jrebel on May 24, 2012, 07:00:42 PM
Post by: Humptulips on May 25, 2012, 11:58:14 PM
I just pulled the trigger on a new small jayco this past weekend. Large water fully enclosed underbelly upgraded insulation package with factory 2year warranty. My cousin is the expert in the family and reccomends northwoods/nash and jayco followed by dutchmen/thor and forest river
Do not! I repeat do not buy a Thor! I am in the process of fixing one. It's hard to believe what kind of materials go into them where you can't see. :bashjust curious if it is a newer one. They used to have major problems but rumor is they had fixed them
It is not new. It is a 24 foot toyhauler I bought from a private party. I thought I checked it out well but apparently not well enough. It obviously had had the floor partly replaced.The main problem is chip board in the floor. At the factory it had chip board and it is like a cancer infecting anything it touches with a fungus. It doesn't leak and is dry but the chip board just grows that fungus. I'm half done. Replaced the floor and up the walls about 6 inches to clean out all the infected wood. The floor joist all had to go and they looked like they were the scraps from a pallet factory. None of it made out of durable wood.
It's a big job but I think I will have a good one when I'm done. Made a mistake buying it though. Saved some money but if I had realized the full story I would have passed or asked them to cut the price in half.
Post by: smdave on May 26, 2012, 01:24:17 AM
Here is a question??? What are the pro's and con's to aluminum construction vs wood construction? Other than weight..... Which is stronger / more durable? or is it a wash?
If wood gets wet it rots, and if aluminum gets wet well it gets wet.
Post by: Icdeadelk on May 26, 2012, 02:07:30 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 26, 2012, 02:25:17 PM
If you don't mind driving, check out http://www.ksl.com/?nid=47, I think there are some better deals in SLC than most areas.
Post by: jrebel on May 26, 2012, 09:15:16 PM
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on May 26, 2012, 09:17:15 PM
If you can afford an Arctic Fox with slideouts then definitely go for it. I can't think of a better four season trailer. That being said we ended up going with a 2002 28" trailer that was in near mint condition. We picked it up for 7K and have been very happy with it. I couldn't justify spending much more than that on a travel trailer because there would come a point where it would be more cost effective to just stay in hotels (even at hotel room rate of $100 a night it takes whole lot of camping to make up for a $20K+ trailer, extra gas from towing, maintenance, time invested, campground fees (if you choose to stay in campgrounds) etc....... Even though our trailer is not considered "four season" on par with an Arctic Fox we had no issues camping in it from Oct-Dec last year. We stayed at a campground that had bathrooms (near our hunting areas) so we didn't hook up the water/sewage (though I am confident we could have and would have been fine...just more hassle than it was worth in my mind).
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1210.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc413%2Fdbhawthorne%2FTrailer.jpg&hash=4741c8ca29e0adeab7500554cc018b65f2bada36)
The biggest 28" trailer I've ever seen!!!! :chuckle:
I just double checked...it's actually only 27" :chuckle:
Post by: jrebel on June 02, 2012, 09:24:19 PM
Post by: jrebel on June 02, 2012, 09:25:32 PM
Post by: bearpaw on June 02, 2012, 09:42:35 PM
Post by: KFhunter on June 02, 2012, 09:48:46 PM
I got a slide in truck camper I picked up last year, haven't gotten to use it much but I kind of wish I'd have gotten a camper like that one. I run out of room really quick with kids.
Post by: RG on June 03, 2012, 06:54:16 PM
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on June 03, 2012, 07:18:29 PM
heck ya!
I got a slide in truck camper I picked up last year, haven't gotten to use it much but I kind of wish I'd have gotten a camper like that one. I run out of room really quick with kids.
These travel trailers are great rigs for kids but man those truck campers are really practical for hunting.
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on June 03, 2012, 07:22:52 PM
Post by: SniperDanWA on June 03, 2012, 09:31:14 PM
nice rig. I know you will enjoy it.