o/t RV Trailer

We we were looking into purchasing a RV trailer and truck for future years when we both retire. Plan to spend around 4 months per year travelling Canada and the US. Talked with a sales guy in Bullhead who advised on a 2007/09 trailer around 26ft, weight 2-3 ton depending on model. He also said we needed a 150 4x4 gas v8 type truck. He talked about a Ford, Chevy or Dodge, all good trucks but seemed to think best deal could be got on a Dodge. We asked about mpg and he thought 10-15 depending on roads and my driving. We then asked what a outfit might cost both in good condition, he thought €12500 for the trailer and around €7500 for a 2003/4 truck. What do you guys think? We would store both up in Canada when not in use and get someone to do servicing each year before we used them.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Bill

Hi Bill. I have a 25 foot trailer, and pull it with a 2 wheel drive GMC with a V8 gas. works fine , and gets about 12-15 mpg, depending on roads. The price for truck and trailer that you quote sound about right. I am sure you have opened up a huge debate about what kind of truck is best, and the old gas or diesel debate will also be refreshed. I have owned all three makes over the years, and they are all very diffrent trucks in 2013 from the trucks they were in say 1993. All can be very good, but in my mind , the amount of road they have been over before you get the truck is more importand than the breed. Also 5th wheel trailer will pull nicer than a bumper pull, but could cost more. Rent a few diffrent styles, and see what you need and feel comfortable with.I was told once that you need one foot of lenght pre day 25 foot 25 days,20 foot 20 days, up to a one month limit. Bruce

My wife and I had a 04 Springdale (Keystones economy line) just over 20 ft. My advice is don't get anything without 15 inch wheels. Mine had 14's which limit how heavy duty tires you can get. I had tire blowouts on 3 occasions, each time blazing hot temperatures down south. Trailers do not have reinforced wheel wells. Each time I ended up with thousands of dollars damage to the trailer. I bad cases it can wipe out plumbing and wiring in the trailer. So if you plan to drive at highway speeds in hot weather get some heavy duty 15" tires.
Have the roof checked by an independent inspector. Roofs are the weak points and a leak will destroy a trailer in no time. Some dealers now have an inspection where they pressurize the inside and look for small leaks with soap bubbles. Invisible leaks show up as rotten floor. So check the condition of the floor in corners and under cabinets.
See if you can get a floor plan designed for two people. Floor plans set up for a family put as many sleeping places in as they can get. My 20 ft. Springdale slept 7, my 31 ft. Allegro sleeps 4. If it is set up for 2 people it will have more counter space, larger seating area and be a lot more comfortable. When we looked for a retirement RV, we wanted a full size bed with easy access to both sides, a roomy bathroom, comfortable sitting area and plenty of kitchen space.
As for the truck, it may be worth considering getting one from down south out of the winter salt zone. Unless you are driving in the snow or extreme off road, I'd try to get a 3/4 ton 2 wheel drive.

RND

Thanks both for the advice, its always good to hear what other people thing and the experiences they have had. Definately didnt think about the tyre issue. What mileage truck should I consider, I know it depends on how they have been kept but should I look for something with say less than 100k on the clock.
Is there particular states best for buying, we are near Las Vegas meantime and did think prices may be a little lower here than other parts.
Bill

Get it big enough to have a comfortable bed (mine has twin beds cot size 30" with just an isle in between) and a bathroom big enough to get in and close the door (My 24' I cannot do that with) and also something big enough to be able to have to comfortable chairs (this 24' has no place for a chair). For all that you will need a 30'+ unit.

Stick to around 25' or less. Gross trailer weight no more than 6500#. V8 half ton will pull more than that, but you may not be happy if you are going to cover a lot of miles in varying terrain.
It will be a chore to find a truck that is good for towing. Most half tons are set up for mileage and the gearing is too high to make a good tow vehicle. Good trucks are out there, just have to know what you are looking for.
I think the mileage guesses are optimistic, I tow 5000# trailer with a 5.7 Dodge and get between 8 and 11 MPG.
You will also have to set your rig up with a weight distributing hitch, probably can negotiate one with the trailer dealer.

After having a 20' that the seats were the beds and there was not enough room to have a bed and this 24' that is way to small to use the bathroom without the door being open and then no place to have a comfortable seat to rest on I would not go with anything in the recemonded size. You will find out if you get one of that size after the first week you will be wanting to trade it off for something that will actually work for you. The smaller ones will work for a 2-3 or 4 day trip if you are so you can spend most of your time outside but if you get nasty weather and cannot set outside you will be glad if you get a bigger unit and a 30 foot will get around in any place a 24 or 26' unit will. And you will find there are a lot of places the slide out models will not work and that is the only way you are going to be able to get a bed and living room that you will be wanting after the first week let alone after a month. Smaller is OK for just weekend trips but not for months at a time living as you are planning. Costs for something comfortable will not be that much more than for something that is uncomfortable as you would find out after having the uncomfortable model and need to trade up. Also recemond a 3/4 ton but unless you plan on a lot of off roading then you do not need the 4 wheel drive. Portland is one place a slide out is not good for. I live 50 mile from there.

Going longer is of course going to be more comfortable. Longer also means heavier and will put you in the position of needing a 3 quarter ton truck. That means less MPG more expensive tires and maintenance. You do not need 4wd,but in the northern regions 2wd is less common.
Unless you are made of money I think that a smaller rig you suit you better.
Manufacturer tow ratings are very optimistic. Chevy, Ford , or Dodge may claim 8000# towing, but that will be under optimal conditions. Last thing you want to do is invest that kind of money, and find yourself cresting grade at 20mph and have the trailer wagging the truck every time a semi passes you.
Granted you do have to love your spouse to spend a lot of time cooped up in a trailer, but I really doubt the extra hundred square feet is gong to make a big difference. I think that they are necessary, never have I found a place that the slide out restricted me from using.