Question:
I'm not sure exactly what to call this collection of trailers, thus the odd
subject line. However, I have some questions about them for anybody that
owns one.
Examples in the class include:
Bantam by Travel-Lite
Kiwi by Jayco
TravelStar® by Starcraft
The Cub by Thor (Aero)
And the smallest "Ultralites" made by Fleetwood under the
Wilderness/Prowler/Terry labels.
Question #1: Did I leave any off the list? Any standouts on that list w.r.t.
manufacturers reputation for quality (good or bad?).
They range from 16-21 foot hardside trailers, dry weight from low 2000 lbs to
just under 3000 lbs. They have a bed at each end that folds down and out, a
bit like the beds on a pop-up tent trailer, typically with the same kind of
canvas/conestoga design for the beds. (Except of course, the pop-ups slide
in/out and these typically don't slide, they fold up for travel).
The rest of the trailer is pretty much typical of a small hardside trailer.
Some more questions:
Question #2: What are they like in colder weather? (Outside weather below
freezing).
On the one hand, they have an insulated roof, floor and walls for much of the
trailer. On the other hand, its just a tent for the beds.
For reference, we've camped in snow and mid-20's air temps in a traditional
Coleman pop-up. Keeping it in the mid 50s inside the pop-up is feasible, as
long as you don't mind the furnace running pretty much constantly.
Question #3: What are they like to tow, especially compared to a largish
pop-up?
On the one hand, these hardsides are only a few feet longer and not much
heavier than some of the larger Coleman pop-ups these days. Additionally,
many of the 19 or 21' models have two axles which would be a most welcome
improvement w.r.t. stability on some of the larger pop-ups.
On the other hand, they still have a much higher profile and thus are more
vulnerable to head winds, side gusts, etc while towing than any popup.
Question #4 Durability/Construction
Regardless of which of these you think is better made, in general what's the
opinion on the laminated aluminum construction that's used? Are they going
to be as durable as any other typical travel trailer?
Answer:
Being 6'3" and on the wrong side of 270 lbs I quickly noticed when I
looked at several at a show that the beds are all shorter than most tent
trailers and that with few exceptions taking a shower would be a real
challenge in most. Then again I haven't seen many TT where a shower
wouldn't be at least awkward.
They do have the advantage of a TT for bed space and floor room over a
similar sized std hard side. Also you can store/transport more bulky
stuff in them compared to a TT. This could be a real advantage with a
larger family. Example, your TT sleeps 8, your Astro van carrys 8,
however you would be hard pressed to find room for clothes and food for
8 in what remains of the space in the van and TT. Definitely they fit a
niche. As I recall I wasn't impressed by the bed supports on a few
brands, but then again, I've seen a few TT bed supports that are
questionable too. Of course they all had built-in microwaves, radios,
tape players, several had cable connections/antenna jacks. Which seems
to me to be a waste, in all the times I've been out "camping" I've never
been to campground where I could plug in. Besides who needs a microwave
when you have a dutch oven! My other half does not necessarily agree.
Then again, we've always hauled a porta-potty and never used it, but it
was nice to have for emergencies.
