Inspired by Mark from Missouri, I decided to explain what went into the process of buying our trailer.
1. Research on line: We found the perfect trailer, a Dutchman 315BHSS. We went to our local dealer and they no longer carried the Dutchman line.
2. We visited several RV dealers in the area in August and September. Just looking. We were not planning to buy until Spring. We found a Rockwood 8311WS with a great price and even better trade in on our worn out trailer.
Bottom line, it had to meet our needs.
1. Outside kitchen: It had to have a pull-out cook stove and sink. Counter and cabinets would be a plus. A portable grill in addition to cook stove would be even better.
The Rockwood did not have a counter and cabinets, so it was not the perfect choice. The refrigerator was tiny and electric only. It did have a portable grill with a bracket for portable shelf and grill. Both the grill and stove are tied into the trailer propane tanks. No need to carry loose propane tanks. I removed the outside refrigerator because I plan on being off the grid more than hooked up to power. I will re-purpose that space to carry my pots and pans.
2. It had to have a gas/electric refrigerator.
It does.
3. Bunkhouse: It had to have a room with a table for Kay's art studio.
It did not have a built in table in the bunkhouse, so I had the dealer remove the couch. I will build what we want in that space this summer before we hit the road.
It also has many other great features that I did not have in my 10 year old travel trailer and were not included in my must haves.
1. The entertainment center is Bluetooth.
2. USB charging station on the nightstand in the bedroom.
3. LED lighting under the awning.
4. Power awnings that automatically dump the water if they load up with water.
5. Outside entrance for bathroom.
6. TV bracket under awning with cable and power outlets. Just take TV from inside and mount outside.
7. Outside marine-grade speakers tied into entertainment center.
8. Slide-out wardrobe, providing more closet space
9. Power jack for hitch
10. Aluminum frame and totally-enclosed undercarriage
11. Outlet to connect solar panels for charging the battery.
Our choice in trailer was based on the criteria listed above, price, and availability. The trailer is not perfect, but we will reconfigure the space to meet our needs.
Thank you for visiting and for leaving a comment. Both are appreciated!
Russ and Kay
5 comments:
Thanks for the mention in your posts. Nothing like experience to help with the list of must haves. I owned a 30' travel trailer a few years back and still remember a few features I would have like to change, such as viewing the TV from a chair more easily.
Funny, back then I was just looking for a trailer to park at the lake. So I went to the largest dealer in town, asked what was the best selling brand. Found one with a walk-through bathroom and bought it a week later. Now, it's taking months to even come up with a floor plan we like.
Thanks for posting your list of wants. I try a remember looking for the outside TV bracket to be under the awning, makes sense.
Sounds fantastic ! I hope you are going to have loads of fun and quality time together....
I am pleased you liked the artwork, she looks wonderful up there !
Mwah! Corrie x
Thank you for allowing us to use your artwork. We changed the name of our blog to match your art, because it describes how we want to travel. No reservations, no specific destination, just a general direction. If there is no place to stay, then we will just keep moving on.
I'm trying to convince the missus to buy a trailer so we can go camping. I love to camp, but she hates it. Would rather stay at home and drink Starbucks all day. Sounds like you have some good ideas about what you want in your trailer. Solar panels are awesome if you want to go boondocking.
Gary, I hope you are successful in hopes of buying a camper and going camping. Camping in a trailer is not roughing it. Even when boondocking I can run the coffee maker or use the toaster oven or microwave. The trailer allows you to have all the comforts of home while camping in various places. Its simple, you do everything from cleaning to cooking to setting up and breaking down. Make her the queen of camping and she will love it. good luck and safe journeys.
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