New to forum and looking for advise on a Vibe 308BH

evoprinting · 12-19-2015, 09:00 AM

Hey all, I've been browsing the forums for a while now. Thanks for all of the great info!!! Really a great forum! I have a few questions and looking for advise.

We are fairly new to travel trailers, about 3 years now. Traveling around Virginia mostly. Our current setup is a 2006, 28' Salem Bunkhouse pulled by our 2012 Tahoe with wdh. This has worked ok but hauling over mountains and trying to pass gets a little sketchy. Max comfortable hauling speed has been about 60mph. I think mainly due to the Tahoe's short wheelbase.

We have just upgraded to a Sierra 2500HD, 6.0 gas engine. Well..... now that we have a larger truck, we started looking to upgrade to a newer model camper with slides. Our browsing started with the Vibe 272BH but now my wife and 2 sons saw the Vibe 308BH and are sold on that. To me this model looks HUGE, in a good way but also in a bad way. I'm the one driving this down the road!!! HAHA! I know there are several posts about this model recently. Have any of the new owners hauled this trailer yet? What is your tow vehicle and any major cons? I keep asking myself, "Is this too big?" We're a family of 4 and potentially bringing other kids along.

I've got other questions on dealers, purchasing new and vacations but I'll try to keep this first post as short as possible. Thanks again in advance!!! Looking forward to hearing your opinions!

nomad297 · 12-19-2015, 09:05 AM

Welcome!

You'll find tons of advice (mostly good and some bad) here.

Bruce

nomad297 · 12-19-2015, 09:10 AM

You will notice no difference in handling the 308BHS. It will be just like towing the trailer you have now, except now, you have a better tow vehicle.

Bruce

Wobbles · 12-19-2015, 09:16 AM

Welcome from Southern Illinois.

nomad297 · 12-19-2015, 09:22 AM

Are you purchasing from Reines? I really like the people at Reines and have always been treated well there.

Bruce

youroo · 12-19-2015, 09:24 AM

37' Trailer and 20' TV might give some Issues at Some C/G? There are times that We see units in a C/G that just because they have (4 Tires and a Ball hitch on the Front) does Not mean they are a Travel Trailer!

Youroo!!

Oaklevel · 12-19-2015, 09:33 AM

Welcome from South Side Virginia !!!

evoprinting · 12-19-2015, 10:49 AM

We've been talking to Reines. They've been extremely patient with us and easy to deal with. We stopped by about 9 months ago to browse and just started seriously looking a few weeks ago. I belive in buying local so hoping we can make a decision and get things worked out.
Can anyone comment on towing this model or something comparable, with a GM 2500 gas engine?

nomad297 · 12-19-2015, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evoprinting

Can anyone comment on towing this model or something comparable, with a GM 2500 gas engine?

I can. My setup in my signature is close to identical to yours, except my trailer is about one foot shorter than the one you're looking at. I love towing my travel trailer and have no difficulties whatsoever. Around this side of the country, I average about 9-11 miles per gallon. We usually are towing through the hilly interstates through PA and NY.

Bruce

aceinspp · 12-19-2015, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomad297

I can. My setup in my signature is close to identical to yours, except my trailer is about one foot shorter than the one you're looking at. I love towing my travel trailer and have no difficulties whatsoever. Around this side of the country, I average about 9-11 miles per gallon. We usually are towing through the hilly interstates through PA and NY.

Bruce

I'm like Bruce in that mine is a V-Light 36 ft and I also tow with a 2015 6.0 Chevy. Like wise I can get between 9 and 11mpg. Just make sure to get a good WDH. I use the 4 point Equalizer and works great. BTW welcome to the forum Later RJD

jeff64 · 12-19-2015, 11:54 AM

You shouldn't have any issues with that rig. The 4x4s get 8-9 mpg. No problems with power. I figure I pull about 9500 with all the C.R.A.P (camping related accessory pieces) I carry with

Harkerr · 12-19-2015, 02:12 PM

Might consider a 5th wheel in this size range.

evoprinting · 12-20-2015, 07:38 AM

Thanks everyone! I would love to have a 5th wheel someday but there quite a bit $ than we were looking to spend right now. We went back to Reines yesterday and looked at the three trailers we've been thinking about. We ended up signing the papers for the 308BHS. This was the largest of the three we looked at. They worked with us pretty well on pricing and our delivery schedule. Judging from the light traffic through the showroom during the last couple of weeks I assume this time of year they're pretty eager to move units. The PDI is scheduled for Tuesday. The plan is to have it parked out front of our house on Christmas morning for the kids surprise! Looking forward to reading/participating on this forum in the future!

aceinspp · 12-20-2015, 08:16 AM

Congrats on your selection of tt. Enjoy

Later RJD

jgourlie · 12-21-2015, 11:50 AM

I have a similar trailer to your new one in the Wildwood flavor. It's a great trailer and you are going to love it, I pull it with a Toyota Tundra and it pulls it just fine. Although I should say hauling around 37ft of trailer you have to be extra careful when you are maneuvering around as it can be tricky getting into tight places, mostly because I am a rookie trailer hauler.

I think you are going to be happy for many years to come with your purchase.

You are more than welcome to swing by the 312QBUD owners thread as your trailer is a cousin to ours and check out the mods that some of the guys have been doing on these trailers.

evoprinting · 12-22-2015, 03:37 PM

Well..... PDI complete! We spent about 2.5hrs testing and checking everything. We didn't find anything major wrong. Reines' staff were very helpful and accommodating. I'm going to pickup on Christmas eve for a Christmas morning surprise for the kids.... and me!

nomad297 · 12-22-2015, 04:13 PM

I recognize that bay.

Congratulations!

Bruce

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