1st time rv buyer

[Minty-ORO]

Hello. I am new to rv world. Planning to buy an open range trailer towable by toyota highlander. Am a little concerned with the negative reviews online. Felt best to reach out to actual users through this forum for advice.

 

[tdf92]

First time buyer of any RV? I would recommend doing your research in general for pros, cons, likes, dislikes, and the all important questions like: Why select one type over another? Why select one floorplan over another? How will it be used? Will I drive mostly level and/or local, or hilly-longer distances-etc.? Will I be staying in it for days, weeks, months?

ALL RVs have shortcomings and failures, but knowledge of what to look out for, or better yet, prepare for by knowing the steps you'll take prior to purchasing and using one will go along way to being satisfied with just about any selection.

Just my humble input,
Tim

 

[tomkatb]

Expect to take a year or more to do a good job.

There is much to learn. Dealers responsibility is to take as much money from you for the least value. Trust none of them. During the pandemic most rv outfits doubled their staffs to increase production. In BF Indiana there was no good labor to be found. Thus there was a lot of crap produced.

Learn the terms. Lite means everything is lighter and weaker. Tires often are intended to get you off the parking lot. Period.

Define what you want to do and ask questions. A lot.

Ask online about your tv. If it is more a grocery getter then your rv size gets smaller.

Forest river has a great site, however it is centered around their products. But, much can be learned.

Any rv is a high maintenance thing. You got to be handy.

 

[openrangeowners]

I own a Toyota Highlander - it is not rated to Tow any Open Range - look for a pop-up or get a capable tow vehicle. Love my Highlander BTW …

Maybe you can rent some smaller travel trailers around you to see what you would be comfortable with. Your Highlander does not have a 7pin connector or brake controller so you would have to find a way to install that first.

The Flagstaff/Rockwood campers are very nice - the E-Pro line is their smallest. Take a look at those. I would look for a used camper in the current market - one that was kept in new shape and potentially upgraded a lot by the original owner.