There are several fifth wheels that most would agree are full-time worthy, but pretty slim pickin's for travel trailers. Check out Northwood Manufacturing (Nash, Arctic Fox). They seem to have the best reputation for build, insulation, etc. Grand Design is a relatively new company making a couple of travel trailers that might suit, as well. The main problem with travel trailers is finding one with a well-insulated underbelly with ducted heat for the winters.

Welcome to the board, DeltaDonna!

First you should assess your specific budgetary and performance needs before you can make an informed decision. In the process you'll come to a definition of the attributes of what you consider "best" for your intended use.

Let's start by asking a few questions, such as:

How will you be using your TT? Will you be traveling by yourself, as a couple, with a child or with a family? Any pets?

Will you be a snowbird, avoiding cold weather (as I intend to do) or do you need one that can withstand freezing temps for long periods?

How often will you be moving? Every few days? Weekly? Monthly? Seasonally?

Do you need one with boondocking amenities or only plan on staying in FHU RV parks?

What is your cargo carrying capacity needs? In other words, identify the goodies you plan on taking with you (All your worldly possessions?) and estimate their weight as best you can.

What will you be towing it with? Is your TV sufficient for the trailer that best suits your needs?

Why choose a TT over a fiver? Note: I'm choosing a TT over a fiver to FT in, so I'm not suggesting that it is a poor decision, but that's only because a TT meets my specific needs (I wanted a single level floorplan with no inside stairs.)

If we had some idea of how you intend to use it, and the budget you have in mind, we might offer a few specific suggestions. But at this point it's sort of like going into a car dealership and asking them to recommend a good quality car. But as Johnny 5 from the movie Short Circuit would say, "Need more input!"

Chip

Thanks DeltaDonna. Now that I've got an idea of your plans, I can recommend a few trailers.

Outdoor RV has some trailers you might want to look at. www.outdoorsrvmfg.com/blackrock/models/30KQBS.php Both the Blackrock and the Creekside line are smaller, lighter weight TTs suitable for what you have in mind, though their carrying capacity tends to be a little low. Along the same lines, Northwood (the people who make the Arctic Fox), have some very durable, well insulated smaller trailers too, but they may be a little more than what you have budgeted for, even used. I particularly like the Snowy River 234RBS for your needs. www.northwoodmfg.com/index.php

If you want to get away from the rubber roof and slides consider (for low maintenance and long term durability) I suggest an older Airstream or better yet a Forest River Work and Play as they have large fresh water tank capacity for boondocking and a large carrying capacity to boot, for tons of solar gear, plus a few have slides. Toy haulers are more or less a blank canvas, giving you the opportunity to customize the space as you like, sort of like a small apartment. They tend to be a little heavier, but are sturdily built and typically offer a lot of value in an older trailer as they hold up better than most.

Most ultra-light models you may have been looking at are very lightly built with low ccc, typically not sturdy enough for FT use, but are intended primarily for brief vacations. As far as specific brands go many have a following of true believers while some are truly low end in every respect. One brand with a loyal following is the Evergreen line of environmentally friendly trailers. They have many models to choose from, but most lack the carrying capacity you will need. One model I find interesting and very stylish (though not cheap) is the Element 26RBSS www.goevergreenrv.com/page/299/26RBSS .

You might want to look at some used 3/4 ton trucks too to give you a little more growing room should you decide on a larger trailer at a later date. I was luck enough to find a good used 2008 F-250 Super cab, long bed with the 6.4l diesel with around 100k miles (low for a diesel) for only $11k. It still has more miles left on it than a 1/2 ton gasser does new (at 1/3rd the price) and has much greater towing and hauling capacity too. I'm sure you can add a rear camera to any truck/trailer you like cheaper than buying new, since you stated your budgetary requirements. Here's some to choose from: www.ebay.com/bhp/rv-backup-camera .

Chip

Donna,

I'll have to agree with Chip in that for a 25' to 28' travel trailer, you will likely need a Ford F250 or the Dodge and GM 2500 series trucks (3/4 ton trucks).  Incidentally, when Chip used the initials, I think he meant for "TV" to refer to "Tow Vehicle" and not television.  Also, FHU means full hook ups.

Generally, with towable trailers, either travel trailer or fifth wheel, we tend to recommend finding the RV that one wants before choosing a tow vehicle.  That way, one can go truck shopping with the knowledge of what the RV's gross vehicular weight rating (GVWR) is and not get a truck that is too small to safely handle the rig.  In fact, some (myself included) believe that if one thinks there is any chance they may want to go to a bigger rig later, they buy a truck with the capacity to handle a bigger rig.

Get to as many RV shows and RV dealers as you possibly can.  Look at such things as the frames, suspension, axles, wheels and tires because those items are the very foundation of the RV.  Pay attention to the sizes of holding tanks (fresh water, black, and grey tanks) with the idea of boondocking in mind.

Good luck with your research and planning.  The RV Dreams website and forums is an excellent source of information for all kinds and all parts of the RV's.  Look at the website's "Site Map" page and see all the titles that Howard and Linda have written about and explained.  And, the forums are full of folks that can and will help with both questions about RV's and the RV'ing lifestyle.

Terry

Thank you so much everyone. I started looking at the TT's you suggested. I do plan to pick the TT first then get the truck. Of the models recommended, I really like the front curved window of the Element! Wow! I must confess, I highly value as much big window views as possible in the TT floor plan design, especially atrium windows even if they are I a slide out. I would rather give up storage space for a window. I am also wiling to buy a better made smaller trailer to get quality construction rather than buy more living space. I plan to make my main living space to be outside, playing, walking, boating, etc.