List your needs in order of importance. Unless you plan to custom-build a travel trailer to your specifications, no trailer will provide everything you would like. Do you want slideouts, which expand living space but are prone to mechanical breakdowns? Do you need an automatic awning, or are you content to manually raise and lower it? Do you prefer a sleeping loft or a bed on the main floor? How many people will live in the RV at one time? Do you need a full-size refrigerator or oven? Do you plan to boondock (live without water and electric connections)? Make a list of desires and prioritize them.
Attend an RV show. At an RV show, you can walk through hundreds of travel trailer models by dozens of manufacturers. Each floor plan and decor scheme is different. You might find new features of which you were previously unaware. RV shows are also a good place to meet RV enthusiasts who can share opinions about various models and styles.
Research the models that interest you most. RV Internet forums, rallies and other gatherings are excellent sources of opinions, but keep in mind that each RV traveler has his own needs and desires. What works for someone else may not work for you. Read professional reviews for an objective consideration of technical details and ease of use. Also check the manufacturer’s reputation and history, warranty information, and other legal and financial considerations.
Consider weight, towing capacity and gas mileage. Your towing vehicle can safely pull only a certain amount of weight. Choose a travel trailer that is well under the maximum tow weight to allow plenty of weight for your personal items. You may need to install a bigger hitch, extra springs or other aftermarket products on your towing vehicle to achieve a comfortable ride. Consider the price of these additional items when setting a budget for your travel trailer. Keep in mind that adding a travel trailer will significantly decrease your gas mileage as well. The heavier the trailer, the worse your fuel efficiency will be.
Consider your lifestyle. If you will travel in cold weather, have the trailer winterized. If you plan to store the trailer for long periods of time, make sure you can easily access the holding tanks and batteries to prepare them for storage.
An old fallacy states that some travel trailers are better than others for full-time living. While it is true that heavier-duty furniture and fixtures will age better than cheaper items, there is no such thing as a full-time or part-time travel trailer. However, full-timers are generally more concerned with such issues as storage, living space and ease of maintenance. If you plan to live full-time in the travel trailer, other full-timers can help you decide what is most important.
