webslave
Clearville, PA
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Joined: 04/14/2008
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You didn't mention what kind of traveling they intend to do...makes a big difference in what they would like.
Most all of the under 20' TT are towable with an F-150. The biggest determining factor is what are they going to do once they get somewhere?
My wife and I just retired and we travel mostly to see the US and spend most of our time outdoors. We also don't like traveling in a truck (we use a Jeep Commander). The way we travel, we needed lots of outside storage for chairs, tables, grills, lights, etc. That eliminated most of the all fiberglass types (Casita, Oliver, etc.) Great TTs and would really like to have had one of the Olivers, but, alas, didn't have the features we wanted. We also wanted to be comfortable inside during rainy periods or when we get back dead tired from a hiking or sight-seeing. The FunFinder we got has a single slide with a nice sofa that opens up a lot of floor space and no dinette. We don't travel with grandkids, don't need bunks and we aren't comfortable "lounging" in a dinette. We eat outside, weather permitting and if it isn't we have television trays that store behind the couch for use inside. We also don't like climbing over each other to get in and out of bed...been there done that. The FunFinder has a walk around short Queen (short is fine - I'm the tallest at 5' 6"). There are many out there in the under 20' range that do... Our 210WBS is a 19' 2" box, 23' tongue to bumber and quite towable with the 150.
Guess, what I'm getting at is, I would first try to ascertain what you (they) want in the way of comforts and lifestyle and why they are going to travel; sightseeing, snowbirding, lots of time inside or lots of time outside, partying, group cookouts, traveling with kids or pets (we have three cats), etc. Once you determine the activities they'll most likely engage in; then find a TT to fit. It may be 20', it may turn out that they'll need 24'. The last thing you want to do is to pick a TT (or any RV for that matter) based on a lifestyle that should be in a 24' package and then try to stuff it into a 17' unit. Don't over buy, but, don't skimp either...that just leads to yard art that won't get used.
Don
DW
3 Cats 
2008 FunFinder X 210WBS
2008 Jeep Hemi Commander Limited
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Firefly Camping
Michigan
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Joined: 07/31/2008
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Something else to consider is the t@da by dutchman. it weighs in at around 2200 lbs, depending on options. It is made from Alubfiber, (I think the technology is fiberglass and aluminum in layers) It is easy to pull, hook and unhook. My DH is blind, we choose the T@da because it will be easy to maintain and I can handle it easily on the road. He does the hookups. The toilet is a cassette toilet, meaning it snaps in and out similar to a cassette tape, it has wheels and is easily taken to the dumping station or even the bathroom, for emptying. However, the gray water tank is external. We uses a 12 gallon rather than the suggested 22 gal, because it is easier to handle. WE bought a handle extension for ours and it pulls easily to the dump station, sometimes I even empty it in the tanks that in the campgrounds for people to dump the dishwater in...after all, that's what it is. It has a shower in the bathroom. It has a flat screen TV/DVD player, a radio/CD player, heat and air conditioning. On our most recent camping trip we enjoyed a movie every night. (A first for us, when camping.)
There are many varieties of campers because people also come in greta variety. I'm sure you'll find just the right one for your folks.
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Essie2Go
Canada
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Joined: 04/18/2008
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We have a 17 ft Escape and pull it with a Toyota Tacoma. It's a great combination. Easy to tow and set up. We think the trailer is perfect for two....
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pamvanw
southeastern pa
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Joined: 03/17/2005
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I agree that if money is no issue the Big Foot has some really nice choices. Otherwise the Sunline 1950 or 2363 are nice units. You'd have to find used ones though since they stopped making them in 2007.
Pam
2006 Sunline 2753
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 D/A
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stpauligirlmn
St. Paul
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Joined: 04/16/2007
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It's hard to recommend a trailer without knowing a little about how they want to use the trailer. I think most mainstream, traditional travel trailers are as user friendly as the next. When you get into the more specialized type TT's (aliner, hi-lo, hybrid), then there is some user set-up involved.
Fun Finder and Road Runner have nice 18' models with a walk around queen bed.
Fiberglass eggs (Casita, Scamp, Oliver, Escape) are generally very solid little campers. Little is an important word in that sentence.
Bigfoot usually gets very high marks on these boards. They also have a big price tag. I know that the 17' model has very small beds.
Then, there is always Airstream. Very big price tag, very good trailer.
Good luck finding the perfect trailer!
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juschuman
Pasadena, CA
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Joined: 05/09/2008
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Thanks to you all for the great info, this will help a lot.
Some things I do know: setup needs to be at the minimum. Even the aliners, as easy as they are are out as are any tent trailers.
Honestly, I can't imagine my parents hauling anything to a dump station even with wheels and a long handle. I'm having a hard time even imagining them hooking up a sewer hose, but they'll get over it.
Honestly, what they NEED is a B or C, but price is an issue, and they don't even like driving my F250 because they think it's "HUGE".
I know, they don't sound like the RV types, but I think with the right rig they can get used to it and end up enjoying seeing the country.
A small TT and an mid-size SUV/pickup seems to be the way to go for them.
I'll look into all of these...once again, thanks so much for all your input!!
2003 F250SRW 7.3 FX4 Shortbox Crewcab - Vision 81 19.5's / 265 Hankook DH01's - Powerslots / Hawks - Timbrens SES springs / Stable Loads - 2000 Lance 820 - Torklift Superhitch w/Supertruss - Torklifts w/Fastguns - 1988 Circle J 2-Horse BP Straight Load
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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juschuman wrote:snip
Honestly, I can't imagine my parents hauling anything to a dump station even with wheels and a long handle. I'm having a hard time even imagining them hooking up a sewer hose, but they'll get over it.
!
then definitely get them something with a macerator pump that drains thru a garden hose. will take less getting over.
bumpy
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