Hello, I mistakenly jumped into RVing "head over heels" by buying a new F350 diesel truck and large 5th wheel. By the time the camping trip was over, I was a nervous wreck -- mostly because I never got comfortable manuevering & backing up the big 5er. Also, I couldn't justify keeping an expensive truck (and 5er) sitting around while using my old Honda Accord as a daily driver. We only camp a few times per year (10-15 days per year), and so I don't want to insure, maintain & store a big truck and 5er just for that.
Anyway, I just sold my truck and 5er. I plan to replace my old Accord (207,000 miles) with a 4-cyl Toyota Highlander SUV with a tow rating of 3500 lbs to use as my daily driver. I have a few questions:
1) Are there decent liteweight trailers or popup campers available that can be towed with a 3500 lb tow rating? I guess I'd prefer a hard-sided model if possible, but will consider a popup. Jayco and Heartland seem to have a few choices, but I wasn't sure how many other choices I'll have across all brands.
PS - I could increase my tow rating to 5000 lbs (instead of 3500 lbs) by buying a V6 model Highlander instead of a 4-cylinder (at $2000 extra cost). Will 5000 lbs give me alot more RV options to choose from?
2) Can air conditioning be added to any lightweight/popup? I wasn't sure if the ones with screened bed areas can have A/C (since it'll be discharged outside anyway thru the screens). I like to be comfy!
Thanks!
Gary
* This post was
edited 10/03/09 10:29pm by GBlack *
And Oliver also have plans for a 22 Foot. Perhaps too heavey for what you are wanting.
This one is very roomy for the size but some are all electric, but I believe you can get gas as well. All Electric EggCamper.
It would also depend on how many you will be sleeping in some of these.
The standard Scamps have narrow beds, my only gripe with them. But can be gotten wider in the Custom wooden interior ones. Custom Deluxe Wood Interiors
There are some small non-molded fiberglass trailers as well. The Fun Finder X are one and I have also seen 7' wide trailers Cikira. There would be more of these hybrids out there I would think.
A little larger TTs, the Lance , the new one at 20'9" looks good, and the 19'10" Bullet by Keystone is another example. Bullet Not sure about towing weights.
R-Pod Ultra Lite travel trailers by Forest River with 7 floorplans available; a teardrop shape.
Teal Camper a very new lightweight, new concept camper.
Mammoth Campground Yellowstone
* This post was
last
edited 04/05/10 02:40pm by DesertHawk *
View edit history
DesertHawk - Las Cruces, NM USA
2005 16' Scamp Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer
Side Dinette, Front Shower & Head
2009 White Ford F-150 Reg. Cab
Long Bed with A.R.E. Molded Fiberglass Topper Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. -Confucius
A small but roomy pop-up trailer that might interest you is the Chalet XL manufactured here in Oregon by Chalet RV.
Also built by Chalet RV is the Takena Trailer with two models offered with the Takena 2265EX weighing 3175# at 21'6".
Northern Lite RV (page 13 PDF) in British Columbia manufactures a nice 16' fiberglass camp trailer that weighs 1980#. The craftsmanship on all Northern Lite products is premium.
I'd go with the v6, the gas cost won't be that much and it will drive better. and you have lots more choices. if you had a 5er, a 16' might be too tight.
Good to see you realize that bigger doesn't mean better and keeping up with the jones is for morons
If you have the choice for the tow rating, I would go for 5000 lbs. At 3500 lbs you must limits everything with a hard side trailer, including extra weight of an air conditionner.
We don't know if you travel alone(or 2, or a family), for sure this will influence your decision.
Your got a large 5er, going to 16ft will be a major change. 5000 lbs tow rating with you stuff will give you more options(19 or 21 ft).
Just my 2 cents.
Agree with jml. Go with the V6 and you will have so many more options for a PU or TT. Also consider an aerodynamic trailer. This will allow you to have more space for the same amount of pulling power as the box type trailers.
Airstreams.... the best towing trailers on the planet!
I have a 2008 Toyota Highlander sport 4wd v6. I have not towed with it but i love the car. Plenty of power and around 22 mpg highway, I would deffinatly recomend the v6.
We are thinking of leaving our large trailer in Florida and getting a smaller one to tow around in the summer up in the North country with my wife's Mercury Mountaineer V8. On our short list are the following lightweight trailers.
All of them have an air conditioner as optional equipment and no canvas to deal with.
Offline
Here are some molded fiberglass travel trailers: 
