Hitch Itch?

[Cudedog]

Thought that I would start a new thread, as the drift of the original conversation has drifted a bit off of the "I found a Casita. . ." topic.

Will the tanks be big enough some wonder. Bigger than I had before and I managed well enough. Excited that your search is now leading you to more possibilities that meet your needs and may actually be available for you to find. We are all ready to listen for more of your adventures.

Yes? I agree! So, here goes! And thank you for the comment!!

Kitchen has a nice amount of counter space, small fridge, but van camping, you are used to that. The bunks are a bit tight though. I’ve been in bunkhouse trailers but some have a tad more length to crawl in and out of. Get in there and lay on them, see how much effort you need to get in and out, if you feel cramped etc., and heaven forbid, can you get out fast in an emergency. Yes the table can be removed, so can the whole dinette for that matter. Put a chair and side table in or something. Is there enough storage inside to keep the necessities you want to carry, are there enough windows for air and light, how eady is it to hook up sewer hoses for dumping or full hookup sites. Is there exterior storage outside for that stuff. If you find a used one, look for any signs of leaks and check the tires for wear, bulges or. Damage, look at the DOT code to see the date of manufactuer, you can find out online how to do that and see who made them.

I eould suggest loking at one maybe one size up too, just for comparison. A foot or two of length is no big deal. Go tonthecdealers and look at small trailers they yave just for fun and note the differences in floor plans. Never know what you mught find, then look for a used one. You know, if you have a zillion auestions, I would be more than happy to talk with you. We could pm numbers if you want. But best of all, have fun, you wil know when you find that perfect one.

Thank you, Sue! Thought I would comment on previous posts, before posting my own "update". I did look at the Jayco yesterday, and crawled in to both the top and bottom bunks - they fit me just fine, and the mattress was actually comfortable. Good idea about the "emergency exit": no problem there, there is also a window in the bottom bunk. Good suggestions, too, about looking at different floor plans, then (once I know what might work for me) looking at used. Thank you so much for the offer of a telephone call. I will certainly keep that in mind!!

Call them back.. The city. Often the driveway isn't allowed, but you can park on the side or back. Check the exact wording of the ordinance.
I'm not a big believer in that top three... I believe #2 gets the worst ratings in some also. Just saying lol

Good suggestion, Beth. I didn't call them back, but I did go online find the ordinance about the parking of trailers on the city website. The information I was given on the phone was correct. The city allows parking of an rv at one's home if the rv can be parked further back than the front wall of the dwelling (like on a long driveway that might run to a garage behind the house), or if the rv can't be seen from the street. I do have a quite large lot, but it is long and narrow. Would take a helicopter to move a trailer into my back yard, unfortunately.

Anne, we pay $200/mo. to store our 31' ACE (a Thor rig) 15 miles up the road from where we live in So. California. Yup, it's pricey, but nobody said that owning an RV is cheap. Laura

Thank you Laura! At first I was really put off by the thought of a monthly fee to park a unit, but after reading your post I decided to look around, so drove around town a bit yesterday. I knew that there were several places to park rv's around town, but I had never paid any attention to them. Well, I found a nice storage place that has cameras, a high fence, and with an office that is manned during usual business hours, and locked up tight otherwise. $40.00/mo! That is certainly do-able for me, and sounds a LOT better than what you southern California folks have to pay.

Find the floor plan that "speaks to you" and then find the best deal for that floor plan regardless of the manufacturer. There are tons of small trailers out there made by multiple manufacturers. Thor and Forest River aren't really manufacturers, so I wouldn't get hung up on quality of either name.
Laura

Thank you, Laura! Good information here. I think I like the "bunkhouse" design (at least at the moment!) so I am trying to find units with that configurations. And am finding that they are no so rare and unusual as I originally thought.

. . . Keep looking Anne you will find THE ONE and you will know it as soon as you walk inside. I was able to look past the "pretty stuff" and move on to the functional things. I hope you find what you are looking for soon as the prices will be going up soon for the summer rush.

Thank you for your comments! I am looking like crazy at the moment. . . but the good thing about all of this is that if I don't find the unit of my dreams before travel time rolls around, I can still take off in my van.

Cute little trailer. I have one suggestion tho. When you see it, crawl into the lower bunk and see how much head room there is and then crawl back out again. Mine was set up like that and I discovered it was a real pain in the butt to get in and out of because of the lack of headroom and the tight quarters (and mine was full size). That was the only thing I really disliked about my trailer (and I am not a very big person).

On the plus side, the top bunk was nice for storage. I put plastic bins with drawers up there for my clothes and then put a tension bar across the front while towing to keep them from falling off.

Thank you for your comments, Barbie!! Do you remember the make and model of your former unit? This might be one that I should be looking at. A used unit, in good condition, would be fine for me. I looked at the Jayco 154BH (my current fave) yesterday. It is small - tiny even, by most standards (but the perfect size for me) - and (at least at the moment!) I think it might be the trailer for me. I climbed into both the upper and lower bunk and found them both roomy and comfy. And I am a "large" (as opposed to small!) person. I also like your idea of the top bunk for storage. This unit is severely lacking in storage - which is not a problem for me over-all, as my van has plenty of storage (surprisingly!).

Annie, love all this info u are gathering. I will keep my eyes open on the Lance site. One never knows what will turn up.
Now, in California, the tow vehicle must have an additional brake as well as the trailer. I do not know what to call it. The mechanic at the place I bought my truck knew immediately what I was talking about. He put in into my truck.
The receptical for the trailer lights is a 7 pin.
Lyn

Thank you, Lyn! If you find something, let me know. I am itching for a trip, and San Diego is only a day or two away, should you find something interesting! I will remember to get the electric brake controller when I have the hitch installed on my van. Thank you for the suggestion.

Here in San Diego, I stored my trailer for $65 a month at Big Box storage. May be something to check into if they have those in your area. Where I live now, I can store a trailer for $40 per month. When I had my popup camper, I took out the table and just used a folding tray table as needed. Gave me a lot more space. I would prefer a couch to a dinette and just use a folding table like that to eat on.

Thank you! I really like your idea of the folding tray table instead of the big table. I have a set of nice-looking wooden tray tables that I got when a friend didn't want them anymore. One (or two!) of those in my unit should work perfectly.

As I mentioned back up in a post, a lot of states require them as normal vehicle brakes do not have the capacity to brake a trailer over 2,000 pounds and even that’s pushing the limit. This is a fun topic. Been quite awhile since anybody’s fired a lot of questions about an RV. After all we are an RV group.

Sue, I don't think I would like to have a trailer that did not have electric brakes. It just seems to make sense, so I will definitely go with the electric brake controller.

Yes, a fun topic! Especially for me as I gather information - and opinions! Opinions are the BEST!

And the thread continues. . . (will post more in a moment).

Sincere thanks to all,

Anne

[Cudedog]

Now for the "Hitch Itch" part: What kind of hitch to put on my van?

I have gotten a few estimates regarding a hitch install (including a brake controller). They have ranged from $750.00 (local U-Haul place, where I had a hitch installed a long time ago); to the local RV dealer/service center - $1,000; to the place where I looked at the Jayco yesterday - $1350.00 (ouch!).

All of these quotes included installation. I have an appointment at the U-Haul place tomorrow, but am considering cancelling until I lean more.

The U-Haul place said I should get a hitch with "stabilizer bars" (I think that is what I was told - this was included in the $750.00 quote); the Jayco dealer ($1350.00) said I would need an Anderson hitch, and if I got the Anderson, I would not need sway bars. I looked up Anderson hitch on Amazon and they seemed to be priced in the neighborhood of $300 - $400, so it seems strange that the quote for the Anderson is so high.

I am a total newbie at this hitch business (and trailer business!). I want to get a good - and a safe - one, but I don't want to be ripped off. And it seems to me, these days as I have entered the "old bag" stage of life, that service people (men) generally don't want to do business with me, and when they do, tend to treat me with a degree of disrespect (as though I was stupid or brainless). They also seem to regard me as as just some kind of walking, talking ATM.

Why is that? Have you ladies experienced this also?

Thank you.

Anne

[SoCalGalcas]

I am now looking for an anti-sway hitch. I have pulled my little trailer across the US twice with the current hitch. Had no trouble until I hit strong winds returning to SD. So, new hitch for me. I am going to talk with a "hitch person" today or tomorrow. I will let you all know what they say.

Many of the little Escapes we looked at in Illinois had only regular hitches. That is what I have now.
I pay $95/month to store my trailer in Chula Vista. Only 7 miles from the condo, and, least expensive around here.

As far as brands (names) go, I have seen so many that I have lost count of the little trailers. ROD seems very popular.

Lyn

[SoCalGalcas]

PS... my trailer weighs 2475 empty. I'm guessing I put 1000 lbs in it.

[Cudedog]

Next up: Yesterday's trailer hunt adventure.

I will try to keep this part (fairly) short, but (as always!) appreciate all of your comments!!

One thing that I am learning through this ordeal is that prices can change, sometimes drastically, at - literally - a moment's notice. Not sure this is true over all trailer sales, but it is certainly true thus far for my experiences with Jayco. Did find a place to store my (potential) trailer nearby for $40/mo.

As mentioned in my original "Casita" post, I decided to go on the hunt for the Jayco 154BH. This is a 17-foot "bunk house" unit. I sent a link in this earlier thread to a video of this model (2018) that was priced at $11,800 in Sacramento. I also found a 2017 unit near Redding priced at $10,400. I decided to go look at the one in Sacramento,because Sac is a lot closer to me than Redding, and I had never seen the unit in person, only in photos and videos. I figured that if I could get a good deal (with financing) in Sacramento I might get that one, if not a good deal I could go to Redding the next day, maybe, and get that one.

So I telephoned the Sacramento dealer, and was told that all of these units were at Cal Expo (fairgrounds in Sacramento) for the show the following day (which is today) and was told that a sales person could meet me at the Expo to show me the unit, if I liked. I liked, so I was off to the races. Just before I left, I brought up the above-mentioned link, and found that the price on the unit had "mysteriously" increased to $12,200. Overnight. I decided to go anyway, because I wanted to see the unit - about an hour's drive from where I live. When I got to Cal Expo, no salesperson.

Called them, and was told that they (surprise!) found a unit on their sales lot, and I needed to come to their lot because the salesman couldn't come to Cal Expo (!). This entailed a further twenty-minute-drive over my original hour drive. I was annoyed. It would have been closer to stop at the sales lot in the first place, rather than driving all the way to Cal Expo.

Arrived at the dealership, gave the unit a very through look-over, asked lots of questions. The unit, although new, was a bit rough. The floor had glue clumps on it, there was a major scrape through the veneer down to the particle board below the sink, the cover for the electrical hookup plug would not stay closed. But it was there, I was there, I decided to see how far I could go with this.

I was quoted a price of $12,500. (!) Price creep, I guess. Up a fast $900 from the original $11,800 from only a few days ago. Up also from the current website price of $12,200.

Since I was annoyed to begin with (because of the extra drive), wasn't emotionally involved with making a purchase on that particular day, and since I didn't really think my offer would be accepted, I offered $10,500, fully expecting to be countered. I was. The counter, the "so sorry, the best we can do" price was the "unbelievable bargain" of "only" $12,200. Again, this was $600 over the original price of a few days before.

I smiled, thanked the salesman for his trouble, and walked out.

I telephoned the Redding dealer, and was told that the unit I had been quoted on (and they even emailed me a quote sheet) "was sold on Monday" (the day I received the quote). This unit is still, as of this morning (Thursday), listed for sale on their web site. Good news, though! They have a 2018 unit for "only" $2,000 more than the new 2017 unit (does this sound like bait-and-switch to you? It does to me). After talking for a bit, the sales person said that he could knock $800 off this price. I said, fine, please send me a written quote so that I can have it with me when I come to Redding (just in case he "forgets" what he quoted me).

His reply? This after he had sent me a written quote on the 2017? His words: "No, I don't think I want to do that. You know what? Because I know that you will just take my quote to your local dealer instead of me, so that you can buy there instead. So why should I bother?"

This seemed a bit rude to me. More than a bit rude, actually. I restrained myself from banging the receiver down, politely thanked him for his time while gritting my teeth, and hung up. All the while wondering why anyone would buy anything from this guy.

(By the way, my local dealer doesn't have any of this model in stock. Called on Tuesday to see if/when they might have one in stock, left a message with the receptionist for the "sales manager". The sales manage has never bothered to call me back.)

So that was my Trailer Adventure of yesterday.

I'm thinking that I might go back to Sacramento to the RV show. The unit that the Sacramento dealer had on their lot was. . . it needed a bit of clean-up, if you know what I mean. I'm wondering if maybe the units they (say) they will have at Cal Expo will be flawless, and if there might be a "show special" or two to be found.

To go, or not to go, that is the question. Truthfully, I am feeling a bit burned by my experiences of yesterday, but since I am a glutton for punishment, I might just go there anyway. Who knows what other make and model that I might like (besides the stinkin' Jayco) that I might find there?

What do you all think?

Thanks!

Anne

[Cudedog]

I am now looking for an anti-sway hitch. I have pulled my little trailer across the US twice with the current hitch. Had no trouble until I hit strong winds returning to SD. So, new hitch for me. I am going to talk with a "hitch person" today or tomorrow. I will let you all know what they say.
Lyn

Please DO let us/me know what you find out!!

Best wishes,

Anne

[OregonLuvr]

Anne I would for sure go to the show. Look at all the units you might find one that totally suits your needs. You will also get ideas on prices, and what is available. Often the show prices are the best deals also. You sound like you have good negotiating skills too.

Also Laura (CougarFan) has the Anderson hitch and loves it. She can tell you anything you want to know about it. She had a couple of other hitches and now loves this one. I also think Barbie bought one when she had her trailer, she just needed to get it set up right when she was in South Dakota.

[JudyJB]

You know the old, "How can you tell when an RV salesman is lying?"

Answer: "His mouth will be open."

The 2017 is probably beat up because they have shown it at a dozen shows and had a few thousand people go through it. Go to the show and see what is there. I would certainly not buy a beat-up model, even if it is "new." I am looking across at a small trailer about the size you are looking for, and it is a Premier, whatever that is, so there are LOTS of small trailers around.

[IrishIroamed]

Anne ~ adding a brake controller to your van is one thing, and could be done ahead of time, I personally wouldn't invest in WDS until you actually buy a trailer because alot can depend on your trailer GVW & UVW, and don't forget actual tongue weight.

Any reputable dealer will have multiple options based on your needs.

Just MHO. Would be good if one of our resident pros (MelissaD) could chime in.

[Azusateach]

Anne, since you're near Sacramento, check out Harp's RV Service, in Lincoln. Joel and Rachel Harp are second to none when it comes to service, and will be more than fair with you regarding prices for a hitch. And Rachel has more knowledge in her little pinky about RV stuff than any 10 guys I know ... except for her husband. Here's a link to their website: http://www.harpsrv.com

Laura

[Rufflesgurl]

Anne. I just sent you a PM. Get as much as you can off their price!!

Linda

[Cudedog]

Anne, since you're near Sacramento, check out Harp's RV Service, in Lincoln. Joel and Rachel Harp are second to none when it comes to service, and will be more than fair with you regarding prices for a hitch. http://www.harpsrv.com

Laura

Thanks, Laura! I called them, but they no longer do trailer hitches.

Anne

[Cudedog]

Anne I would for sure go to the show. Look at all the units you might find one that totally suits your needs. You will also get ideas on prices, and what is available. Often the show prices are the best deals also. You sound like you have good negotiating skills too.

Also Laura (CougarFan) has the Anderson hitch and loves it. She can tell you anything you want to know about it. She had a couple of other hitches and now loves this one. I also think Barbie bought one when she had her trailer, she just needed to get it set up right when she was in South Dakota.

Thank you! You inspired me, and I did go to the RV show today, and it was very interesting. And HUGE!! I spent about 4 hours walking around, looking at everything. The trailer that I think I like was there, and I looked at it again. And still like it.

I think I am going to go forward tomorrow and have the hitch receiver, brake controller, and wiring installed on my van. I (I think!) I can get the actual hitch that goes into the receiver later on, when I find a trailer or when I want to tow something.

Barbie, did you get an Anderson hitch? How did you like it?

After hours spent looking, I'm still thinking this bunkhouse trailer would work well for me. There was no "show price", unfortunately, or I might have bought it on the spot. It was still $600 more than it had been on the website a few days earlier.

Don't know how good my negotiating skills are, though. Probably I should have mentioned the earlier price, and saw if they might go for that. Came home and called around some more on this unit, and it seems it is very popular. Most places (aside from the one at the show) have them on order, but not in stock. I may have to drive out of state to find one.

I will keep looking!! Have a month or so before I would like to go on my first trip, hopefully I will find something by then.

Thanks again, everyone!!

Anne

[Cudedog]

Just MHO. Would be good if one of our resident pros (MelissaD) could chime in.

I was wondering about that. Haven't seen Melissa post in quite a while. Hope things are ok with Melissa.

Anne

[snowball]

I have a 5th wheel so we are talking different altogether hitches...but thought I would mention
that when I sold the green pickup the tracks or railings or whatever they are called went with the truck
they couldn't get them out so there I was with a truck a 5th wheel and a hitch but nothing to attach the
hitch to...and new truck had a "state of the ark" bmx goose neck so I either needed an adapter to make the 5th wheel work on the goose neck or new railings...by the time the railings were installed (that was the major expense) it was going to be 800 plus...but the Anderson adapter was only 600 and no installation...guess what I did? yep adapter...I really like it very impressed with no long having an occasional jerk so I would check out the Anderson actually I think it's spelled differently but not sure and they are made in Idaho at least that is where the company is and for some reason think they are manufactured there as well but maybe mistaken on that part

sheila