| Date | Desc |
|---|---|
| 04/01/2014 | Decided that I was ready to buy a toy hauler. I had been web surfing for them periodically for a while. I liked the Work and Play trailers from Forest River but the prices are fairly high and the selection slim here in the NorthWest. Knew I wanted a durable trailer. I've had issues in the past with rubber roofing leaking and fiberglass siding delaminating. Stumbled on the Livin Lite website and got really interested in what they had available. For most of April I was searching for the best price on a Quicksilver VRV. They sell through traditional rv dealers so the prices are all over the place. |
| 04/29/2014 | Found the VRV Toy Hauler website and started asking questions. I had alread gotten a quote for a similar unit from Livin Lite. The prices quoted by vrvtoyhauler.com were inline with what the dealers were asking for a similar Quicksilver VRV unit. The main two things I liked about vrvtoyhauler.com were the manufacturer and extra cabinets in the bathroom and front bedroom. The manufacturer is the Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC). They make some heavy duty aluminum trailers so I doubt I'll have any problems with the trailer frame. The floorplans offered by vrvtoyhauler.com can be found at http://www.vrvtoyhauler.com/models.aspx. I get the feeling that they do not have the admin staff that some of the other manufactures do so their website is a little out of date. The 7x32 and 8x32 gooseneck/5th wheel models are not listed but they are available. Additionally, if you do get an options list from them and don't see options that you want, ask if they have them. The fuel station and happijac drop down sofas were not on the options list but when I asked they were available. |
| 04/30/2014 | Started googling for pictures of the 8x32 gooseneck. Not a lot of the goosenecks get ordered so the number of pictures online were slim. I found most of them on the ATC flickr page. I could not find pics of an 8x32 but I did find pics of an 8x36. The basic specs were provided by Tom Brawley at www.vrvtoyhauler.com. |
| 05/07/2014 | Signed the purchase agreement and mailed my down payment check to get the order process started. It should take 8-12 weeks depending on ATC's work load. Spring is probably not the best time of year to order a custom trailer if you want it quickly. Decided to go with a silver frost exterior, light gray interior and New Pepsico Blue cabinets with aluminum trim. I like the bright exterior colors but I do not like the idea of attracting bees. Since I chose to go with no AC initially, I had to stay away from the darker colors. |
| 11/07/2014 | Got busy and did not update this in a timely manner. I drove out to Indiana late August to pick up my new trailer. There were a few last minute items that pushed my pickup date back by 1 day. Everything looked good to go with the exception of it not riding level. On the way home (4 days) I didn't have any problems with it's towing personality. The trailer weighs a little over 8,000 pounds. I am towing it with a 3500 Silverado, Duramax (diesel). I think my previous 2500 Silverado, Vortec (gas) would have towed it just fine. Had to get two items fixed under warranty, black water vent line and raise the trailer so it rides level. They did not break, they just were not put together correctly. The need to lift the trailer higher off the ground is the only part of my experience so far that annoys me a bit. When I ordered the trailer I 1) provided them with the height and length measurments of my truck and 2) optioned for an additional 4 inches of ground clearance. In order to make it ride level, we had to put an additional 4 inches of ground clearance on it and it is still a little low but good enough. I really did not want 8 inches of additional ground clearance. I think they need to go back to their designs and make the loft over the 5th wheel higher instead of lifting the whole trailer. My truck is a 2008 silverado. Newer trucks would need even more lift. Even considering the additional ground clearance, I'm still happy with my trailer and would definitely do it again. The bedroom ceiling is just over 5 foot high. At 6'1" I can walk in it but have to hunch over. My wife can stand straight up in it. There is an abundance of closet space in the bedroom and bathroom. |