Juggler
Michigan
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Is there anything "special" one ought to look for in a TT, when buying one to Snow Bird in? I'm not looking for brand recommendations as much as features. I have no idea what a TT intended for extended stays might require, and would hate to find out after the purchase that we missed something crucial.
We are thinking of something with more room than our current TT, which is 25', no slides. We are thinking maybe 29-30', with a single "super" slide over the axles. Our current tanks are 40F, 40G, and 40B. Since the majority of our time (not all), will be spent at RV parks, is tank size a consideration?
Anything special to look for?
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pawatt
Brainerd MN / Mission TX
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You may want to consider a 5th wheel, tows better, roomier, nice floor plans. We have had trailers & now a 5th wheel, like the 5th wheel much better.
I have seen very few snowbirds with bumper pull trailers.
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Earl E
Where the RV is parked (formerly OR)
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A big issue for us was storage. You need room for crafts, hobbies, food and clothes.
We had a 25' bumper pull with one slide and loved it. But it sure got claustrophobic during a week of rain or cold weather. Also, three or four months sitting on a jack knife couch or in the dinette area gets real old if there are two of you. And no matter where you snowbird there will be weeks of lousy weather!!
But it really got claustrophobic on long rainy weeks.
If you don't plan to spend more than two or three days dry camping, then that size is no big deal.
* This post was
edited 06/29/10 08:45am by Earl E *
2007 Northwoods Arctic Fox 32 5S Fifth Wheel
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JoeGood988
S.Dakota
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You can never have enough storage space when you spend 5-6 months in a southern area for the winter. Insulated windows really help in keeping your trailer cooler or warmer. Slide outs are a must if spending several months parked...you need the room to move and not feel like you're living in a submarine.
2003 3330 Jayco Legacy
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I am still wayne_tw
everywhere
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pawatt wrote:You may want to consider a 5th wheel, roomier, nice floor plans.
The "roomier" is function of the size, slideouts, and floor plan, not whether it is a 5th wheel or travel trailer. Also, nice floor lans can be had in a travel trailer...in fact, the same floor plan can be found in both styles.
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I am still wayne_tw
everywhere
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TO THE OP:
Insulation with R values of at least in the 20's for the ceiling and high teens for walls and floor is very important for comfort. Holding tanks are only important without hook ups.
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John&Joey
Some Location
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Good bathroom area. Glad now that my DW talked me into giving up space in the living area for the bath area. Remember you only have one bath now and will be using it daily.
A good mattress helps also, or at least a good foam topper. Double pane windows are nice when it's hot or cold outside. Just like two air conditioners are. You'll use an awning a lot, except maybe in Texas.
You'll find people on the road in just about everything. All depends on what you can afford, or at least willing to spend on testing out the waters. Remember when you get down into snowbird land you can always upgrade. The dream doesn't always match the reality, and RV's can be gotten at a good price south if you're willing to shop around.
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RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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WE snowbird in our 29 ft Holiday Rambler TT with no slide. It's fine. We did remove the nasty jackknife sofa and put in two comfortable chairs. It tows equally as well as the two fifth wheels we had and we have more storage than we use. Generalities about any type of RV do not necessarily apply for all RVs or for everyone. Check out whatever interests you and make your own decision. Every reply you get, including mine, will be someone's opinion and not necessarily fact.
RRUGG
2009 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ 1500 4x4 5.3L
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RVnRobin
Can't remember being a
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Having storage room is a matter of personal preference. We have been full-time for the past six years and we find enough room in our 27ft TT. We just don't feel the need to cart a lot of "stuff" around.
Comfort again is a matter of personal preference. We removed the jack-knife sofa and replaced it with two recliners. The dinette is a table that folds into the wall and free standing chairs. Very comfortable.
Dual pane windows are helpful in moisture management. You will still have to manage moisture on any metal door or window frames, and places the air tends to not move.
Sealed and insulated under belly is a must.
Heat tape and pipe insulation for your water hoses and even your sewer hose if you are in very very cold areas for the winter.
A ventilated attic is one item I look for for adequate weatherization and heat/cold management. I know you did not ask for specific brands, however the two TTs I know of that have this feature are Komfort and Cardinal.
I am considering adding a vinyl skirting that would snap on around the bottom of my TT to stop wind from blowing underneath. I've seen these on s few rigs and like the looks of them.
What's the best choice for others may not necessarily be the best choice for you.
Good luck!
Our RV is our home for nealy eight years.
I think I finally qualify as a full-timer.
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John&Joey
Some Location
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Another point that should be mentioned is many many snowbirds end up in park models, or just leave their RV's sitting all year down south.
They are still snowbirds, just not mobile ones. They find a park they like and become enmeshed with the residents and end up never moving on from the park or the area. A saying among snowbirds is if you don't leave your first snowbird area your second year, you may never leave it.
You may want to consider that possibility also when you're planning your initial investment into the lifestyle. You may not want to buy a 5'ver that would also require a large truck to pull it, only to find out you have a large truck now as a daily driver as your 5'ver is now anchored to the site for hurricane protection.
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