Thoughts on this RV travel trailer?

[Chris]

I'm wanting to get a travel trailer since the kids are old enough now to where we can enjoy traveling with them.

I don't know too much about RV'ing other than the research I've done which all seems to point towards two things:

1. RVs built during COVID have lots of issues
2. RVs build prior to COVID have lots of issues

Basically what I gather from all I've read is that they never stop having issues and you're always fixing something. It seems that pretty much all manufacturers are hit and miss.

Anyhow, this is the one I'm currently looking at:

https://blackhillsrvsales.com/used-2017-forest-river-rockwood-v6245646.html

It's within my price range (15k max), it's somewhat local (2 hours away), and it's got a lot of extras with it.

You can see where the guy did some caulking on the seems (which I hear is normal with age?).

Anyways, just interested in thoughts from those of you who do this sort of thing. My biggest fear with this is that it's going to be a money pit (like owning a boat) and that maybe I'd be better off just renting a trailer when we want to go?

Thoughts and feedback are welcome!

 

[lBasket]

I'm wanting to get a travel trailer since the kids are old enough now to where we can enjoy traveling with them.

I don't know too much about RV'ing other than the research I've done which all seems to point towards two things:

1. RVs built during COVID have lots of issues
2. RVs build prior to COVID have lots of issues

Basically what I gather from all I've read is that they never stop having issues and you're always fixing something. It seems that pretty much all manufacturers are hit and miss.

Anyhow, this is the one I'm currently looking at:

https://blackhillsrvsales.com/used-2017-forest-river-rockwood-v6245646.html

It's within my price range (15k max), it's somewhat local (2 hours away), and it's got a lot of extras with it.

You can see where the guy did some caulking on the seems (which I hear is normal with age?).

Anyways, just interested in thoughts from those of you who do this sort of thing. My biggest fear with this is that it's going to be a money pit (like owning a boat) and that maybe I'd be better off just renting a trailer when we want to go?

Thoughts and feedback are welcome!

Idk much about RVs but that thing seems pretty sweet for a family with the bunk beds. The outdoor kitchen is cool

 

[Chris]

Idk much about RVs but that thing seems pretty sweet for a family with the bunk beds. The outdoor kitchen is cool

Yep, that's the appeal. It's the perfect size for our family. Not too big, not too small, and it should be easy to tow with my F150 3.5 Ecoboost (max tow package).

 

[Wildman]

I'm wanting to get a travel trailer since the kids are old enough now to where we can enjoy traveling with them.

I don't know too much about RV'ing other than the research I've done which all seems to point towards two things:

1. RVs built during COVID have lots of issues
2. RVs build prior to COVID have lots of issues

Basically what I gather from all I've read is that they never stop having issues and you're always fixing something. It seems that pretty much all manufacturers are hit and miss.

Anyhow, this is the one I'm currently looking at:

https://blackhillsrvsales.com/used-2017-forest-river-rockwood-v6245646.html

It's within my price range (15k max), it's somewhat local (2 hours away), and it's got a lot of extras with it.

You can see where the guy did some caulking on the seems (which I hear is normal with age?).

Anyways, just interested in thoughts from those of you who do this sort of thing. My biggest fear with this is that it's going to be a money pit (like owning a boat) and that maybe I'd be better off just renting a trailer when we want to go?

Thoughts and feedback are welcome!

Honestly all you can do is go look at it and go over it with a fine tooth comb. And I mean check EVERYTHING.... And then check it again. There are some pretty good RV check lists online.

Yes pre-COVID is normally better construction than during COVID and then I've heard things are getting better but they'd be too new for your price range.

You only have a F150 right?

I know the manufacturer says it's got like a 12K tow rating but IMO it isn't safe. I've put them at 9K max but that is just me and that is only if you have a weight distribution hitch and sway control.
To tow a trailer larger than that IMO you need a 3/4 ton or 1 ton.

As far as them being a money pit.... FUCK yes they are... If you are going to use it at least once a month then it might be worth it. Anything less than that as many here have pointed out you would be cheaper to stay in a motel.

Just my $0.02 worth of knowledge.

 

[Chris]

Honestly all you can do is go look at it and go over it with a fine tooth comb. And I mean check EVERYTHING.... And then check it again. There are some pretty good RV check lists online.

Yes pre-COVID is normally better construction than during COVID and then I've heard things are getting better but they'd be too new for your price range.

You only have a F150 right?

I know the manufacturer says it's got like a 12K tow rating but IMO it isn't safe. I've put them at 9K max but that is just me and that is only if you have a weight distribution hitch and sway control.
To tow a trailer larger than that IMO you need a 3/4 ton or 1 ton.

As far as them being a money pit.... FUCK yes they are... If you are going to use it at least once a month then it might be worth it. Anything less than that as many here have pointed out you would be cheaper to stay in a motel.

Just my $0.02 worth of knowledge.

Yep, it’s just an F150. However, everything I’ve been reading is saying that with the 3.5 F150 it has no problem towing this much. This was initially my main concern (and still is).

I suspect I would probably use it once a month during the spring and summer (so maybe 6-8 times a year). I don’t know if that will outweigh the cost of maintaining it. I do have a weight distribution hitch. But yes, the F150 concerns me. Nobody on Reddit seems to be concerned, but that’s Reddit of course.

I’ve seen a number of RV rental apps where you can rent an RV or travel trailer for a weekend for $400-$600. Of course at that point you can also probably get a motel.

I’m really wracking my brain over this decision.

 

[Wildman]

https://thehappyglamper.co/rv-lifes...rCh_olzDPVM95dEG9cAm94KA_qum4y_S4Hu4hibG7E2iE

https://myrvworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/RV-Inspection-Checklist.pdf

 

[Wildman]

Yep, it’s just an F150. However, everything I’ve been reading is saying that with the 3.5 F150 it has no problem towing this much. This was initially my main concern (and still is).

I suspect I would probably use it once a month during the spring and summer (so maybe 6-8 times a year). I don’t know if that will outweigh the cost of maintaining it. I do have a weight distribution hitch. But yes, the F150 concerns me. Nobody on Reddit seems to be concerned, but that’s Reddit of course.

I’ve seen a number of RV rental apps where you can rent an RV or travel trailer for a weekend for $400-$600. Of course at that point you can also probably get a motel.

I’m really wracking my brain over this decision.

I don't know enough about the 3.5 to comment on it as far as towing ability. But it's more than that too...

I'd say my example and I'm not a good one would be like my motorhome.
Had it 3 years and used it twice so far. It's spent MORE time in the RV dealership for repairs or other work in the summer time than it's spent at home. It's here in the winter when I can't use it... And since my Jeep wasn't done yet I couldn't leave like I'd planned.

I'd talk to a LOT of people who have toyed with the F150 & 3.5 to see what it's like.... Get on some of the Ford forums and ask.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Have you towed heavy with your F150 before? I have a '2023 F150 3.5 EB for work and tow occasionally with it. Last time I towed an empty 26' enclosed cargo trailer I averaged about 10mpg and going up the mountain passes it was like 4. It has the power but it takes everything it's got. I would just recommend trying to do a heavier test tow if you haven't to see if you are going to be happy with that.

 

[Zorba]

There are 3 main problems with virtually ALL RVs:

1) Leaks
2) Leaks
3) Leaks

With that said, some are better than others.

An RV like this one, with radius corners, *CAN* be better than one with the seams right in the corners like the one you illustrate:

I've had enough experience with RVs that I would *NEVER* buy one with square corners again. Those fucking things absolutely, positively WILL leak sooner or later - usually sooner. They certainly can leak elsewhere, my parents had a 5th wheel that had a leak somewhere around the refrigerator outside door/vent or the furnace discharge that we NEVER got fixed. I knew how to stop it by taping tin foil on certain areas, but never did actually find the damn leak. Leaks are deadly. Radius corners aren't proof against leaks, but they help.

Other than that, a reasonably well built one can last a long time - you just have to keep up with it and it isn't - or shouldn't be - as bad as a boat. The very best thing you can do is keep it under a shelter when not in use. Not only does that stop leaks, but it also stops sun damage with the increasing amounts of plastic they use on the outside, particularly the roof vents. Keep an eye out for rotted plastic, and replace with metal where possible.

I have heard bad things about the EDPM rubber roofs that some use, or at least used to - but I have no direct experience. I'd also be very careful about slideouts - they can very much be a leak vector, especially if the trailer isn't level. Myself, I'd rather have tip-outs or none at all. To the best of my knowledge, tip-outs haven't been made in decades.

The forward, lower edge of cab-over campers, 5th wheels, and class C motorhomes are infamous for leaking. A wrap around fiberglass cap - similar to the one on the above trailer, *CAN* be better in that regard.

 

[Chris]

I don't know enough about the 3.5 to comment on it as far as towing ability. But it's more than that too...

I'd say my example and I'm not a good one would be like my motorhome.
Had it 3 years and used it twice so far. It's spent MORE time in the RV dealership for repairs or other work in the summer time than it's spent at home. It's here in the winter when I can't use it... And since my Jeep wasn't done yet I couldn't leave like I'd planned.

I'd talk to a LOT of people who have toyed with the F150 & 3.5 to see what it's like.... Get on some of the Ford forums and ask.

Yep, that’s my biggest fear. Another money pit

 

[Chris]

There are 3 main problems with virtually ALL RVs:

1) Leaks
2) Leaks
3) Leaks

With that said, some are better than others.

An RV like this one, with radius corners, *CAN* be better than one with the seams right in the corners like the one you illustrate:

View attachment 625191

I've had enough experience with RVs that I would *NEVER* buy one with square corners again. Those fucking things absolutely, positively WILL leak sooner or later - usually sooner. They certainly can leak elsewhere, my parents had a 5th wheel that had a leak somewhere around the refrigerator outside door/vent or the furnace discharge that we NEVER got fixed. I knew how to stop it by taping tin foil on certain areas, but never did actually find the damn leak. Leaks are deadly. Radius corners aren't proof against leaks, but they help.

Other than that, a reasonably well built one can last a long time - you just have to keep up with it and it isn't - or shouldn't be - as bad as a boat. The very best thing you can do is keep it under a shelter when not in use. Not only does that stop leaks, but it also stops sun damage with the increasing amounts of plastic they use on the outside, particularly the roof vents. Keep an eye out for rotted plastic, and replace with metal where possible.

I have heard bad things about the EDPM rubber roofs that some use, or at least used to - but I have no direct experience. I'd also be very careful about slideouts - they can very much be a leak vector, especially if the trailer isn't level. Myself, I'd rather have tip-outs or none at all. To the best of my knowledge, tip-outs haven't been made in decades.

The forward, lower edge of cab-over campers, 5th wheels, and class C motorhomes are infamous for leaking. A wrap around fiberglass cap - similar to the one on the above trailer, *CAN* be better in that regard.

Do you have any reputable manufacturers you recommend these days or is it all hit and miss? Is it worth going older for better quality?

Thanks for the info about the leaks. That’s good info and something I’ll take into heavy consideration.

 

[TurboTJ]

Can you park this where you live? No HOA limitations or anything? That is ideal. Then you can have it provisioned and ready to go at any time. Then it really makes sense even if it doesn’t save money. If you have to store it in an RV lot, well, that is not so convenient.

 

[Zorba]

Do you have any reputable manufacturers you recommend these days or is it all hit and miss? Is it worth going older for better quality?

Thanks for the info about the leaks. That’s good info and something I’ll take into heavy consideration.

I don't. Its been decades since I was into the RV scene - which changes constantly. I could recommend a late 70s Pioneer or Ardon 5th wheel among others. Holiday Rambler was another good one, I think they're long gone too. I assume that Airstream is still good quality, but you pay dearly for it. Coach House class B+ and C are a modern motorhome that seems to be quite well made, and you'll pay dearly for that too. Motorhomes have always seemed to be horridly overpriced vis-a-vis a similar truck/trailer combo. *shrug*

Anything made with a fiberglass top and bottom shell seems to be far better made as far as leaks go, but fiberglass *can* have its own issues if it isn't built right - and tends toward smaller rigs.

 

[Wildman]

Yep, that’s my biggest fear. Another money pit

While I'll agree with Zorba a little bit IMO he is a little biased sort of like his phone issues...

But yes the newer style with the one piece cap is of course going to have less chance of leaking. And if you can having a place to park it under cover with your weather/snow would be ideal but adds to the costs.

At a minimum I'd have a cover for it if you can't put up a carport type cover but I'd try and budget that in ASAP.

 

[Chris]

Can you park this where you live? No HOA limitations or anything? That is ideal. Then you can have it provisioned and ready to go at any time. Then it really makes sense even if it doesn’t save money. If you have to store it in an RV lot, well, that is not so convenient.

Yep, we live on 19 acres with no HOA so we can park it in my 20x50 shop.

 

[Chris]

I’m starting to thinking a popup camper may be the better solution. What I’m ultimately after is getting off the ground and an easier setup than a big tent for the family. I don’t think we will be staying in it for much other than sleeping. We will mostly be using it at KOAs and other camp sites with amenities. We aren’t trying to go off the grid or anything, really just give the kids memories and at the same time not have to constantly be messing with setting up tents and the likes.

 

[Wildman]

I’m starting to thinking a popup camper may be the better solution. What I’m ultimately after is getting off the ground and an easier setup than a big tent for the family. I don’t think we will be staying in it for much other than sleeping. We will mostly be using it at KOAs and other camp sites with amenities. We aren’t trying to go off the grid or anything, really just give the kids memories and at the same time not have to constantly be messing with setting up tents and the likes.

IMO from what you're saying and looking for that might be better. They make some that have areas that open on 3 sides so you'd have more sleeping areas. And it'd be lighter. Easier to get into a camp spot in USFS campgrounds and other more primitive spots.

 

[Zorba]

While I'll agree with Zorba a little bit IMO he is a little biased sort of like his phone issues...

If I'm biased against square cornered RVs, its because I've had enough experience with them to last a lifetime. If I'm biased against PHOOOOOONNEs, its because I know what a computer is, and that ain't it!

 

[Wildman]

If I'm biased against square cornered RVs, its because I've had enough experience with them to last a lifetime. If I'm biased against PHOOOOOONNEs, its because I know what a computer is, and that ain't it!

And your knowledge is how OLD? There has been improvements in things over the years...

 

[Wildman]

https://cheyennecampingcenter.com/i...agstaff-sports-enthusiast-228se-pop-up-camper