timjcarter9
Fort Macleod, Alberta Canada
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Have you considered an older trailer?
Look at this one on Kijij for instance.
Very inexpensive, very light, nothing fancy but nice.
If weight is your biggest concern you can look at some models like these - and save a lot of money. Some repairs may be required though.
2003 Avalanche - 4.10 gears
2010 Puma 18DB
Sold - 1973 FMC 2900R
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The Adam Blaster
Alberta
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Joined: 04/09/2008
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Unfortunately my wife is a bit of a germaphobe and she is completely not interested in a used trailer.
I actually am liking the idea of those CampLite cargo carriers. They are pretty bare-bones and light as well. I don't have any quads, nor could I ride one, but it probably wouldn't be hard to sell something like that after a few years. Everyone around here seems to have quads or sleds...
I wonder how hard it would be to modify a normal cargo trailer to act as a camper? Add a couple of windows, a couple of bunks and a queen sized bed w/mattress. It probably wouldn't be "comfortable" enough for my wife. lol
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coolmom42
Middle Tennessee
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A fridge won't weigh any more than a couple of good coolers. And you do want a food prep area---what if you are stuck in the rain for 2-3 days, and can't cook outside. That would be a mess.
I think it would be a mistake to invest a lot of money in something that greatly restricts what you can do in it. You might change your mind and want or need to fix a meal inside.
The camper shown below would work, you could use a separate Coleman-type stove if you wanted to. That big dinette would make a good bed, especially with a slab of memory foam on it.
2006 Toyota Sienna
Single empty-nester in Middle TN
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timjcarter9
Fort Macleod, Alberta Canada
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coolmom42 wrote:A fridge won't weigh any more than a couple of good coolers. And you do want a food prep area---what if you are stuck in the rain for 2-3 days, and can't cook outside. That would be a mess.
I think it would be a mistake to invest a lot of money in something that greatly restricts what you can do in it. You might change your mind and want or need to fix a meal inside.
The camper shown below would work, you could use a separate Coleman-type stove if you wanted to. That big dinette would make a good bed, especially with a slab of memory foam on it.
X2.
If your vehicle has a 3500# tow rating there is lots out there that is not stripped down. I think you would be very unhappy going the cargo route. Would your wife like that?
Geez - my wife wouldn't even entertain something without a bathroom, fridge, stove, running water, and a place to sit and watch movies or play cards if it sucks outside.
Just sayin - my prediction is that if you go that route you won't be happy. Remember - Happy Wife, Happy Life. 
* This post was
edited 08/13/12 11:08pm by timjcarter9 *
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WandaLust2
TN
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The Adam Blaster wrote:I'm just curious if there are any manufacturer's out there that will build a smaller trailer with just a washroom, some storage and a queen or king bed along with a couple of bunks?
I've never heard of such a thing and find it odd anyone would want such a TT.
Quote:I probably wouldn't use a sink or stove inside the trailer anyways as I'm quite happy to cook and do all the cleanup outside.
What happens when it's raining outside? It even rains in the desert. How would you cook a simple meal or even make coffee or tea? A hotplate? I think in time you would not be happy in such a TT.
Quote:Even a fridge could be replaced with a higher-end electric cooler (or two) like an Engel or similar.
Any such beast out there?
I'll really be surprised if there is.
WandaLust. Retired. Middle TN
Heartland 2011 NorthTrail 28BRS
1993 Ford Dutchman Class-C
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WandaLust2
TN
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The Adam Blaster wrote:Unfortunately my wife is a bit of a germaphobe and she is completely not interested in a used trailer.
Many used TTs are cleaner than Hotel or Motel rooms and others as filthy as old time gas station toilets. Most are fairly clean when sold. She can either disinfect the TT herself (as we did when we bought used) or pay someone to do it for her. People buy used RVs all the time and no one dies of hideous fatal diseases from them.
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camperdave
northern, California
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how about the Scamp? proven, lightweight, and the 13 footer seems to fit your description in Layout 1. bunks in front, dinette in the rear that converts to a bed, no bathroom, fridge optional.
1998 Ford E350 extended van, V-10, 3.73
1998 Fleetwood Terry 22lw, 24' long, 5000 pounds
Equalizer, Prodigy, Link-10, CPE 2000w generator
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keatonb16
New Brunswick Canada
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for the small amount that the Jayco 154 bh would cost brand new just get it and take it to a cabinet shop and they could remove the cabinets that hold all the kitchen items and build in a storage cabinet with drawers for clothes..It really wouldn't cost that much and you could sell the fridge all day on Kijiji for a good price...I am sure it would be cheaper than a custom build from the factory...
keep in mind that if it is kids going in those bunks that they are not very long..kids grow quick
2007 flagstaff 208
2010 Rav4 V6
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APT
SE Michigan
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Weight is not your only problem with minivan towing. All high walled RVs have aerodynamics to overcome while towing. The same applies to a simple enclosed cargo trailer.
Anything custom will cost more than a relatively mass produced RV. You can buy a Sportsmen Classic for under $10k new.
It will rain and you'll cook inside some day. You want counter space for food prep. Get a normal one in whatever size you want. Upgrade the TV to a half ton something. Maybe a Touareg TDI for decent fuel economy towing or not.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009
2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
2012 VW Passat TDI
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eend
Alberta
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Just get yourself a cargo trailer, put a few windows in and throw in a bed from ikea and voila you can build what ever you want.
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.0L diesel.
2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4
2010 195wbs Shadow cruiser travel trailer.
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