That's why I opted for a tandem CT as my starting point....it's a bit of overkill with 7000# GVW, but it's so easy to balance and totally eliminate the sway and porpoising....no matter what the cause---having TH axles so far back is a major help. My batteries, FW tank, and bunk/storage are at the very back end and balance is far easier than in my single-axle PUP. My TV CAT weights are 2500# steer, 2700# drive axle. TH wheel weights are less than 50# difference all around.
J
My "large" trailer is 22' tip to tip but has 19' living area. My "small" trailer is 12' tip to tip but has a 8' living area. So...is my large trailer small? If I camp alone my small trailer is large.
I just don't see this small tt forum getting big. Sorry for the pun.
We ended up with a vintage forum and it took off pretty well but I see it now has hit a flat spot in the road, not to much "new talk".
I thought the same thing when I first read the request for a small trailer forum.
Maybe not, but it's sure nice to find the relevant posts quickly. Usually they fall off the page so quickly I'm lucky to see anything I'm interested in reading. I find it really helpful - thank you :-)
Judging from the daily and weekly want ads in my neighbourhood, there are a whole lot of folks both looking at, and actually down-sizing a bunch---and sadly, a few are even throwing in the towel completely....but, it's way too early to see that trend take over on the dealers' lots.....come this fall it'll start to show.....that said, many of my friends with large rigs are saying the cost ("give-away") to downsize both TV & TT far outweighs their present cost per mile---and they keep on "truckin' .".....but some have already made the move since their daily driver is their TV, and they're looking for lower commuting costs now.
The major reason we were looking to downsize 4 years ago, is the ease of stopping almost anywhere we want---mostly off the beaten path, having both bikes & bicycles with us, and the fact that the grandsons are growing fast---no longer regular guests---just one grand daughter to go---so, we just don't need the space----and we don't sit on our duffs inside much, even though we have a small flat-screen at the foot of the bed and sat-dish with us for music, news, and occasional specials....and since our dinette and chairs fold out of the way, we can easily set up our two recliners and read in comfort....and we keep running into more & more folks looking for the same kind of utility in a smaller rig....
Many will get here sooner or later!
J
I personally don't think that RV will die, because there's not much difference between last year and this year except that fuel hit an even dollar breakthrough. However, given the financial problems coupled with the rising cost of fuel, we can look to the Euros, for whom fuel is a lot more costly, as a predictor of what may happen here. Smaller tow vehicles and smaller RVs because less weight means less fuel. Simple as that.
If there is a lot of interest in small trailers, and if small trailers indeed have different lifestyles and problems than large trailers, then this group will flourish; if not then it will fade. Simple as that.
Sunbird, I love your definition... I think we're all struggling on what is a "small" travel trailer given the variety of sizes and perceptions of trailers out there....
Pete D... I also love your description of our special circumstances as "life in the small lane".... so very apt...
I'm so glad we have our own sub-forum. We do have special problems... small quarters, small storage, small tankage..... oh, gee, no bathtub, ... OK... but we have a lot of positives too....
Small trailer people tend to spend a lot of time outside, like tent campers... and isn't that what it's all about?
Thank you to the moderator for helping us create this subforum...
Sherry
Here's "small" reality for ya'.....the" 714" in my profile TH FR model#, means the box is just 7' X 14' ! Ready to go, there's a Q-bed, 2'X3' tub/shower, real vanity w/Thetford P-P which slides out from under it, dinette seats 3, full size fridge/freeze, full 4' K counter w/sink & 3 burner, 3' full-height wardrobe, and 18' of overhead cabinet strorage....AND, on select weekends, the Q-bed folds up against the walls and I haul two full size Harley Sporsters inside!
J
Quote: Small trailer people tend to spend a lot of time outside, like tent campers... and isn't that what it's all about?
It is for us! The trailer is a place to sleep and go to the bathroom, to make coffee in and sometimes cook in, or retreat to to read a book or take a nap.
If it rains, we try to find someplace to go because the trailer is too small for two people to spend a lot of time in.
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