Travel Trailers

Billy

Billy

Big poppa
Staff member
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In the market for a cheaper end light weight travel trailer. I understand a lot of these basic ones have quality issues and so on so I'm contemplating a fairly bare bones coleman as I'm decent at fixing stuff and upgrading if need be.

Something for basic hunting/fishing camps and travel youth baseball.

Any advice/guidance appreciated. Is there much difference in cheaper ends brands verses those 20 grand and up?

3-4000 pound range. Must have a little bathroom/shower. Really don't need a lot of bells and whistles otherwise.

Billy
 
Check out Dunesport.com. Custom toy haulers from 10ft. Quality builds. Delivery available, or drive down to Mesa and pick it up.
Bought a 20 ft bumper pull from them in 2017, and haven't been disappointed yet.
 
Unfortunately most travel trailer are not built very well. I was told by an rv dealer this year, at an rv show, they are all built like crap. I have to agree. I have had several issues with mine. I was told Keystone made a decent trailer. I’m a little unsure on the definition of decent. I also used to live in mine for about 4 years right after I retired.

My suggestion is to buy a used one. Most folks will buy a rv and use it a few times a year. The longer folks own the rv, the fewer times they use it as time goes by. The rv sits for most of the year.

Another option would be to purchase an enclosed utility trailer and build the interior the way you want it. I have seen a lot of them on the net recently. The trailer is definitely built tougher than a rv. Good luck on your search.
 
I built out a cargo trailer several years ago. Sleeping area, water tank/pump, WH keep the wife happy. Back doors opened up to counter, sink, food storage.
Currently have a 2017 Keystone , it’s a good trailer, aluminum frame holding up, but….
 
If you are handy at things then an R-POD might be the one for you. My 2016 is 2900# empty. You don't say how many you need to try and sleep so it may not work.
 
_WW_ said:
If you are handy at things then an R-POD might be the one for you. My 2016 is 2900# empty. You don't say how many you need to try and sleep so it may not work.
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We really like our RPod 179. It’s a great one to two person trailer that meets our needs. Dry weight is 3700 pounds. Towed it with a Toyota Tacoma when we purchased it. But just because you can tow it with a Tacoma doesn’t mean you should. Now it is towed with a 2021 Tundra with the V8. The bed is a small queen. I’m 5 foot 7 inches. I’ve never met @Billy in person but I doubt he would fit.IMG_4996.jpeg
 
Teardrop trailers originated in the 30's, largely a result of the Great Depression as people needed something to stay in while they looked for work. They were most often home built out of any material that was on hand. They were cramped and uncomfortable in the 30's and despite a lot amenities that have driven the cost to over $30,000 in some cases today they are still cramped and uncomfortable.
I would opt for a modern techno-tent that I could stand up in before I would invest in a bivvy sack on wheels.
 
Eastside said:
We really like our RPod 179. It’s a great one to two person trailer that meets our needs. Dry weight is 3700 pounds. Towed it with a Toyota Tacoma when we purchased it. But just because you can tow it with a Tacoma doesn’t mean you should. Now it is towed with a 2021 Tundra with the V8. The bed is a small queen. I’m 5 foot 7 inches. I’ve never met @Billy in person but I doubt he would fit.View attachment 154354
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That's what we have also. The scale weight on the title says 2630. I think this is the best floor plan of all of the r-pods.
 
No rig will be perfect, that is for sure.

My only advice is to really become knowledgeable on vehicle tow capabilities and limitations. Short wheel base vs long wheel base makes a difference too. Tongue weights matter. IMHO manufacturers lie on specifications.

Second of all, become knowledgeable on trailer capacities. Dry weight does not matter IMHO. One would be really surprised how much is added with water, gear, clothes, food , chairs, etc. The wet weight is more important. Scales are your friend...

You do not want the tail wagging the dog.
 
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J Watrous said:
I guess we all have different preferences. I like having minimal trailers with zero sitting room, kitchen outdoors, and no shitter or shower (so gross to share a trailer with them). Just need a dry place to rack out.
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Same here. I currently really dig the Sherpa Trailers out of Libby MT. I like their Bigfoot model.
 
When I look at the cost of trailers plus upgraded tow rig, it pencils out better for me to just get motel rooms, cabins, Air B&Bs for the rest of my life. The downside is that some places I want to go don't have any nearby rental options. So I have tents and lots of camping gear.
 
Casita, Escape, Bigoot and a few others.

These brands are well made and hold up well in the backcountry. Escape and Bigfoot are made in BC. Casita is made in Texas.

Generally you have to order them. But with the slowdown in the economy, particularly in Canada you might be able to find a new unit, without ordering.

They are not cheap but well made.

I would buy the Escape. I own a Casita.

The cheap alternative is to buy a cheap truck camper and fasten it to a flatbed trailer. They look funny, but it works great for both city and backcountry camping. Plus you can add lots of storage on the trailer outside the bed portion.

Truck campers are unsafe in the pickup bed, except for duallies. But really light for a trailer situation.
 
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