My wife and I have been looking at truck campers and trailers for the past several years. We are seasoned campers but have been away from this lifestyle for the last while. We tossed around the truck camper combo vs trailer many times. With all due respect to fellow truck campers, our style of camping doesn't require us to go off the beaten path. I also did not want a fifth wheel. We prefer a topper on the truck where we can carry a lot of stuff and have it relatively secure and dry. While browsing "Small TT's" the other day, we saw a picture of a ECO Skamper 718QB owned by a couple from Texas. We liked what we saw and read so phoned up several dealers in our area. We drove to see it one week end and spent half a day in it, around it, and under it to see if it was suitable. The kicker was the front Queen bed and the dealership. No pressure and no one looking over our shoulder. We made an offer, gave a deposit and as of last evening have it in our yard. We have had larger trailers but wanted something smaller as we do not require anything more. I drove 700 km return to pick it up. This trailer does not require a sway control or WD whatsoever on our TV. In fact I did not even know by times it was back there. Weight from factory with options is 3006 lbs. I drove at 96 kmh (60 mph) up and back. Mpg calculated by hand and by filling up brim to brim returned an impressive 22.7 mpg (18.9 US). We could not be more satisfied. I have tried to post a picture but must be doing something wrong. We are now into stocking our things into our new addition. Thanks.
Brian
2003 Dodge Laramie SLT 3500 dually diesel 4x2 auto with 2007 ECO Skamper 718QB. Love this combo. Very fuel efficient, lots of room, easy to park and set up.
Congrats on the new home away from home. I hope you enjoy it for years to come. I can see by your TV why you wouldn't know it was back there. You can probably put the trailer in the bed of the truck and tote it around!!
NCH
2000 Ford F350 4X4 PSD,CC, DRW
4:10's, BTM Muffler, Isspro Gauges,
Coolant Filter,CCV Mod
FTVB , Ford AIS
6.0 Cooler,SCT2 W/DP's 40 tow & 80 econo,Zoodad mod
2005 Keystone Hornet 30BHSS
Reese Dual Cam
Family of 4 saved by Grace!!! MY TRUCK OUR TRAILER
I'm also a big fan of minimalism. I like to think about what I'd doing and pick a tool that's appropriate for the job. People's needs and wants change over time, no reason to think solutions shouldn't change as well. In fact, I'd be lookign at downsizing the tow vehicle as well! Unless of course you need it for another task...
congrats, and I hope you like the trailer.
2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab, Hemi, 5 speed manual, 3.73 gears, Tow Beast hitch with 24" extension.
28 ft race car hauler, Lola T440 Formula Ford, NTM MK4 Sports Racer
2004 Travel Hawk 8' Truck Camper - Roll at 16K combined weight
Congrats on the new purchase. I just went from a small TT to a large, I have pic's of both in my profile.
As much as I miss the little one, with a growing family and some long stays and far travels, I opt'd for some luxury(not that small ones don't have it too, I should say more room!.
Enjoy your travels!
Any camping is good camping!
DH & DW , DD x 2
2008 Salem 27RB LTD
Yukon XL 1500 5.3SLT
Prodigy BC, DC Reese WD, Scan Gauge II
Days camped in 2008 -34-
All packed away for the season....
It may have been my picture of our new Eco by Skamper that you saw (since I've posted a pix here and I live in Texas
You may have read how much I LOVE our new Eco. It is perfect for us. We just downsized from a 32 ft. fiver and one ton diesel to the 18ft. Skamper and 1/2 ton Tundra. Best move we ever made!
My husband has very serious heart problems and I do all the driving, set up and break down. All he has to do is guide me backing up (talk about role reversal).
We looked at many many small TT and like you, after spending half a day in the Eco, decided it was the rig for us. We also wanted to get small enough to be able to pull it with our Toyota FJ Cruiser and the Skamper fits the bill!
gja1000 wrote: It may have been my picture of our new Eco by Skamper that you saw (since I've posted a pix here and I live in Texas
You may have read how much I LOVE our new Eco. It is perfect for us. We just downsized from a 32 ft. fiver and one ton diesel to the 18ft. Skamper and 1/2 ton Tundra. Best move we ever made!
My husband has very serious heart problems and I do all the driving, set up and break down. All he has to do is guide me backing up (talk about role reversal).
We looked at many many small TT and like you, after spending half a day in the Eco, decided it was the rig for us. We also wanted to get small enough to be able to pull it with our Toyota FJ Cruiser and the Skamper fits the bill!
Enjoy!
Gayle: Yes, it was your picture and write up that got us interested. I sent you a pm but I guess you never received it. I was asking how you liked the ECO, any issues etc. As for others that have responded, thanks to all. We are getting everything set up which doesn't happen overnight. My only item is to install a 3" drop vs 2" drop. Trailer sits a tad high, not much but I can tell. 3" drops are hard to come by I am finding out. No biggy.
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