Question:
- I posted this to rec.outdoors.rv-travel, with some helpful
results, and a suggestion to bring my inquiry over here to you folks.
I've been studying up on popups for quite a while now, and I want to
make sure I'm considering all my options. I've decided to expand my
scope to include some lightweight travel trailers. Below is a list of
manufacturers (of lightweight TT's) that I've investigated. If anyone
has another reputable manufacturer in mind, I'd appreciate any
additions.
At this point, I'm just in the dreaming (and saving $$$) part of the
game. I _am_ interested in only the small lightweight trailers. My
truck is 131" WB, GCWR of 9200lb, and last time I was at the gravel pit
it weighed 4300lbs empty. I'm not unwilling to consider larger TT
models, but that's just going to mean I have to wait longer until I can
afford to trade up my tow vehicle too. I've read plenty of posts in
this group about maintaining proper safety margins.
Answer:
-This is the top-of-the-line. Your only criteria would be how much you want to
spend. This is NOT a lightweight trailer in most, popular configurations.
Trail Manor
Check out Trailer Life magazine's full-length, feature article of this very
interesting trailer in last month's issue. (Or the month before.) This one
isn't "cheap" by any stretch of the imagination.
-Looks like your studying for your final exam.. that is.... a small,
lightweight camper of some sort.
I looked at the Casita... not enough room inside, for me anyway. Go to
a dealer and look at one. If you're going solo, one of the smaller
ones may be right for you. If you camp with a partner (spouse, friend,
etc.) then get that person and the salesman in the unit with you..
Makes lots of difference. Try moving around with all 3 in the unit.
What do you want to do, "weekend camp" within 200 miles or so from
home, or "travel" long distance for weeks at a time?
Pop-ups really shake and rattle in high winds, but have a very open
feeling, like being outdoors..Folding hard sides handle the winds
better, but do not have that outdoors feel about them.
Some of todays pop-ups are approaching the hard side folding trailers,
both in weight and price. Most campers depreciate rapidly.
Depreciate, not deterriorate. Pop-ups will last for years if cared for
properly. I had a pop-up for a few years and towed it over 8000 miles.
Loved it. But we moved up to a trailmanor. A full bathroom with
toilet, tub and lavatory, enclosed with solid wood walls all around was
one feature that sold us. Pricey? yes, but as I said before, some of
the larger pop-ups are approaching that. We've used our TM for a few
years now and while it cost 3 times the pop-up, we are more than 10
times pleased with it. But a TM may not be the best choice for you.
Hard side trailers are easier to cool in the hot summer with an a/c,
and much easier to keep warm in the winter. There is no ideal camper.
What is good for you, may be your neighbors worst nightmare. Some of
the more upscale RV parks (Usually call themselves "RV Resorts") won't
allow tents nor pop-ups. If you plan to travel a lot, consider that
last sentence.
Two most critical items, in my opinion anyway, would be for you and
your partner to take a long look at all options. Rent different units
for a few weekends. Decide what's best for you. Second, the dealer is
very important. Does the dealership have a good service dept. and a
good reputation? How does the sales folks appear to you? The want
very badly to make a sale but service is the key to selecting a dealer.
If you choose a pop-up, Rockwood, Jayco, and a few others are top of
the line. Coleman is reputed to be tops, and they have good name
recognition. The brands mentioned above are probably just as good,
somewhat cheaper, but again, the service dept. is what counts. In my
opinion, Viking and Dutchmen are the low end units, but with good care,
these two will last a long time. Forgot to mention Starcraft, they
rate up there with Rockwood, in my opinion.
