Just getting started

[unclelar]

Hi, I am just getting started. I just purchased a truck ford f150 4x4. I am looking to camp with my wife and 2 golden retreivers. I may let grandchildren come if they can behave as well as my dogs.
Looking to get input on light weight campers I can tow with my truck. I have checked out the Forest River line and love some of the ideas.Will accept any input and guidance.

Our main hobby is hiking with our Dogs. We also like to river raft but limited to slower water.
Thank in advance.
Larry

[handbuilder]

Welcome Larry! Were you interested in trailers or pop ups? Realistically think of how many you plan to sleep in your RV. When we had our motorhome, we used to say it would entertain 6+ but sleep 2. haha With our small hardside popup, it can sleep 4 butdont intend to ever max it out - 2 or 3 is enough for me

What sort of extra equipment would you plan to bring along? You have more choices than most, given your tow vehicle - stuff for your dogs, your rafts, bicycles, etc - all this should be considered when looking at how to best use the future RV you bring home.

For example - my large dogs travel in separate crates in the covered truck bed. I bring along extra crates and exercise pens so they can stretch, extra bedding (in case of accident) bowls, water, shade canopy and such...then of course our fishing poles, tackle boxes, etc.. My main concern is making sure the dogs are safe and comfortable while they accompany us on the trip and while at the campground.. as long as I have the meals planned, water and sunscreen - we are good to go!

It sure is exciting to check out all the RV brands & models!

[TeresaInCAL]

Welcome Larry! How much weight can you pull?

[bikendan]

for us to help, you need to post more info on your truck.
engine size, rear end ratio, cab size, bed size, factory tow package or not.

by the way, we also own a Golden who loves to camp.

[Terier]

Hi and to the Forums! The group will need a little more information on your truck so they can run some numbers for you. Have you started looking at trailers? RV shopping can be fun but be careful - my salesman was really really good. I brought a TT before I had a tv to pull it with. OK, I had a really nice sister that said I could use her Yukon to tow with until I got something of my own.

Have questions? We have answers.

[unclelar]

Thanks for the replies, I purchased a 2006 ford f150 crew cab 5 1/2 foot bed with a 5.4 with tow package. It also came with the Ford Edge product which I am researching to see how it works.
I am not sure about the rear gear I will try and get that information. The previous owner had pulled a Puma travel trailer with it.
At this point in our adventure we are not planning on carrying a lot of extras but who knows where this will evolve.
I have been looking and Forest River Grey Wolf 26BH.
For a while I had looked at the Aliner Retreat but they are no longer made and hard to find.

[bikendan]

Forest River has made a big splash with their new A-frame campers.
many looking at A-Liner and Chalet have bought the FR versions.

[Terier]

Forest River A-Frames seem to be a better value for less cost than the Aliners I looked at in my area. An RV show is a good way to compare different brands and models in a short period of time.

[handbuilder]

LOL - thats what happened to me. I was stuck on Aliner brand 'til DH steered me to look at FR brand of A-frame trailer. I love it more than my previous Jayco Tt...and that was fully loaded. Its a tradeoff in mental comfort and ease of pulling for giving up my interior bathroom.

If you were looking at Aliner - maybe check out Forest Rivers version of them? They have a bike hauler and gear deck model to carry your additional stuff on....

[unclelar]

The Aliner I have looked at doesn't fold. They come in 22' and 32' and have a deck that folds down. I think it was the deck that got my attention.

[Night Stone]

Hey there

to the forums

[unclelar]

Thought I would add that according to web site and VIN search it says my rear ration is 3.55.