While I admit the build quality on RVs is pretty bad, I haven't had too many issues with my trailer. I would tend to buy new again if I was buying a new one. Some tips I can offer:
- Make sure you have enough sleeping space without using the dinette as an extra bed. Keep in mind your kids' age; will your 12 year old boy be too big for that bed in 4 years? Will your 8 year old want to bring a friend along for camping trips?
- Look closely at the holding tank capacity. My black tank is bigger than my grey; and we put twice as much water into the grey tank.
- Furnace noise. I have a small trailer so this can't be helped, but the furnace is too close to the beds.
- Don't look at the dry weight of the trailer for towing capacity. From the dealer the trailer will weigh 200-500 pounds more; plus all of your stuff. I am easily 1000 pounds over my dry weight; and with a small trailer we don't have as much stuff as we could.
- With weight in mind- make sure you are at least 10-20% below your vehicle's towing capacity.
- Get a weight distribution hitch. Saves fuel, easier to tow, and less likely to have the trailer wagging your vehicle.
- Price out trailers in the States, and use a fair exchange rate to see what a "good" price is. This is also peak buying season, so it's harder to make a deal. I bought my trailer in October and was able to negotiate a good deal.
I'm sure I'll have more to add later.
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