I've never setup a newer type hybrid, and the only experience I have setting up a trailer was a 1975 popup (make and model unknown) that I helped a friend with many years ago. It took 3 of us about 45 minutes total, but I had no clue what I was doing and basically held and passed things to the owner. lol
So how long do these new trailers take to setup, from shutting off the engine on the TV to being able to flop down on one of the beds after a long day on the road?
Additional info - my right arm is paralyzed so I'm guessing it would take me longer than the average camper. Also, would any part of the setup be that much more difficult, or nearly impossible for me?
Once we are backed in on site it takes my wife and I about 10-15 minutes to be completely set up (unserviced site of course). That includes unhooking the trailer, leveling and supporting it, bikes/bike rack off, ends out and tents unfurled into position. We each have a couple of specific jobs to do so it goes fairly smoothly. Not all that much longer than friends of ours with much bigger TT's and two slides. Same applies to getting ready to leave the campsite. Having a pickup helps as the generator for exaple can be placed in the truck box whereas before when we used our Caravan a lot more stuff had to be carefully removed from or placed in the trailer. That slowed things down somewhat.
It takes my about 15 minutes to set mine up by myself. The wife will just watch the levels. Now to set up the rest of camp takes me another 20 or so, but that is a different story. I set a shade tent, outside table and bikes/firewood unloaded from the truck.
Now, the only thing I could see being a problem for you may be folding the beds back up. Not sure what you would do, but when I fold up a bunk end, I support it most of the way up with one hand, and tuck the canvas with the other. It may be possible to hold the bunk with a shoulder, just not sure. Other than that, it is quite simple.
Best of luck choosing a trailer!
Keep the Shiny Side Up!
2011 F150 Supercrew, 4X4 3.5 Ecoboost, 145" wheelbase, 3.73 gears, Max trailer Tow package
I am actually surprised by the comments stating that set-up takes 15 minutes or so.
I am new at having an HTT, coming from a pop-up, and have only used it 4 times so far so maybe i have something to learn.
Here is my take on set-up:
backing in, leveling, lowering stabilizers and unhitching from truck - 20 minutes
hooking up electrical and water if applicable - 5-10 minutes
dropping bed ends, opening windows and bed ends to get air flowing, installing sheppards pole and placing matterrass' as well as making bed - 10-15 minutes
setting up awning - 10 - 15 minutes
taking bikes out of trailer, setting up outside table, outside carpet/mat, BBQ, camp chef grill and other cooking accessories (we don't really cook inside, so most of our cooking stuff is outside) - 15-20 minutes
taking camp chairs, ladder golf etc., out of front storage area and setting up - 10-15 minutes
we do this with 2 people and essentially it takes about 45- 60 minutes going at it pretty steadily. I do the outside work, and my wife organizes and sorts the interior. that being said, the area that takes the longest are the beds. As she typically puts fresh sheets, clean duvet covers and new pillow cases on each trip. If it was a matter of putting out mattress and dropping a sleeping bag or two with a pillow, that would be about 3 minutes. She takes the extra time to make the beds just like at home.
I do think you may have some issues getting the bunk ends up and tucking in the fabric. It can be quite a reach sometime, especilally for the part at the top. Additioanlly the awning is really a two handed job, and could pose additioanal problems if you lose grip and it snaps back at the trailer.
Perhaps a conentional travel trailer may be a better solution.
hope this helps, good luck in your search
2003 Coleman Carmel(gone
2008 Starcraft Antigua 195CK
2011 Ford Explorer XLT w/ tow package
It might take you a little longer with only one arm at 100%, but with time, you can accomplish just about anything. Sure would help a lot if you have a spouse to give you a hand.
Most folks here will get their wive involve in the set up, and since you have experience setting up a popup, you'll find out quickly that an HTT is so much faster to setup.............Time: 15 minutes (2 people)
The Adam Blaster wrote: I've never setup a newer type hybrid, and the only experience I have setting up a trailer was a 1975 popup (make and model unknown) that I helped a friend with many years ago. It took 3 of us about 45 minutes total, but I had no clue what I was doing and basically held and passed things to the owner. lol
So how long do these new trailers take to setup, from shutting off the engine on the TV to being able to flop down on one of the beds after a long day on the road?
Additional info - my right arm is paralyzed so I'm guessing it would take me longer than the average camper. Also, would any part of the setup be that much more difficult, or nearly impossible for me?
will you have help or not? because lowering down or putting up the bunk doors would be difficult by yourself, with only one arm.
a lot depends on how you set up. a lot of people have lots of chairs, outdoor kitchen, bikes, children's stuff, awning out, grill setup, that would take longer.
by saying after shutting the engine off, i'm assuming you've done the side to side leveling.
for the two of us, it can take us as little as 30 minutes. that's chocks in, leveling front to back, stabs down, slide out, bunks down and canvas attached.
Dan- Firefighter, Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur, Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever, 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
The Adam Blaster wrote: So how long do these new trailers take to setup, from shutting off the engine on the TV to being able to flop down on one of the beds after a long day on the road?
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Additional info - my right arm is paralyzed so I'm guessing it would take me longer than the average camper. Also, would any part of the setup be that much more difficult, or nearly impossible for me?
The answer varies widely from rig to rig, depending on how many people are working at it and how much stuff you bring. Also, it depends on whether you are in transit or camping for a few days.
Looking at your first paragraph I note you seem to be new to hybrids, so your question can be answered in the context of a comparison between hybrids and popups. Focusing on the differences only, and allowing that I do the outside work while my wife does the inside work, I can offer the following; from engine shut down to relaxing --
- Bunk ends without setting up the sheets and comforter - 2 minutes each end, 4 minutes total. Popup Gizmos if you have them take approximately the same time so they are not addressed.
- Connecting the sewer system - 5 minutes
Other basic setup chores that may be common to both types of RV --
- Fresh water hookup, involving the white hose plus my auxiliary hose to back-flush the tanks, lighting the water heater burner, etc. - 3 minutes
- Awning setup - 3 minutes
- Stabilizers (4) - 2 minutes
- Chocking tires, levelling RV - 2 minutes
- Outside awning rug - 3 minutes including staking
Concurrently my wife takes about 25 minutes to --
- Take out out / setup appliances
- Setup bathroom
- Make one bed
- Setup kitchen area
- any other chores not including the TV setup which I do.
Now if in transit, we don't set up the awning or awning rug thus saving some time. She also starts supper while finishing the inside setup.
So counting both of us, concurrently, I would say 1/2 hour. If it is hot and I am ambling around doing this, it could take longer. Also if staying a few days I would setup awning lights (5 mins), folding chairs (1 min), outdoor fan with mister (2 mins), satellite dish (15 mins). We have taken as much as an hour for a full setup.
Breaking camp takes about the same time except for flushing the tanks which, the way I do it, can take 30 - 45 minutes. With 1 arm paralyzed you won't be able to achieve these speeds and likely won't be able to put up the bunk ends.
first thing to do after a long day on the road..back the trailer into the site and then go to the fridge and grab a beverage of the alcoholic kind and relax...then go at it
I see folks listing all sorts of secondary and unrelated tasks like awning rugs, bicycles, outdoor cooking appliances, etc. that add time. But not to basic setup.
I think this is a two-arm job. Need not be on the same person, but things like setting the tent ridge pole and snaps on the perimeter require tugging and pushing at the same time. Likewise stuffing the tentage inside the doors when closing takes more than one hand.
A popup, though, is easier in this respect as the beds slide in and you can tuck with only one hand. Just takes more time.
And a small, pure travel trailer lacks all of these hassles. You have enough hassles and frustrations. I'd look at a small travel trailer.
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland Our Photo pages
I can set up my HTT by myself in 45 minutes. That includes leveling the trailer, chocking the tires, unhooking the truck and putting out the bed ends. I usually just use sleeping bags so making the bed takes no time. Add 10 minutes if I have water and electric. I usually rest at this point and hook up the sewer hose later when I need it. I know I could not do it with only one arm. I don't know how you could support the bed and tuck in the tenting especially if you're on an uneven site where a step stool is needed. I think that is probably the only setup item that would be impossible for me with only one arm. I would probably look at a regular TT if it were me.
Chris and Jane and two boys (and a DDIL) who prefer tents
2013 Open Range Journeyer JT337RLS
2006 Dodge Ram 3500, 4x4, Crew Cab, DRW, 5.9 turbo diesel
1996 Harley Davidson Electraglide
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, Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur
, Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever
, 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
