RV vs Trailer

[MelissaD]

I am limited in the weight I can tow (3000 max), so a small unit is better.

3,000# that's not much trailer. If that's the tow limit of you vehicle you don't want to get that high as it will tow poorly at it's limit.

This also brings up the issue of dry weight's in a brochure is just a guess. An educated guess often made before production is in full swing. Then there is the empty weight normally found on a yellow sticker inside a door jam or on the front left corner by the tire sicker. This is when the trailer left the factory. Often does not include battery, propane or any liquids. Your trailer will never be this light again in it's life. Kind of like that picture we all have somewhere from high school. The average is people will add 500# to a small trailer and 1,000# to a larger trailer of stuff. Full timers can add up to 2,000# of stuff to a trailer. Personally with mods we and stuff we not weight 1,500# more than when it left the factory.

The 16' Scamp might work (1,700 to 2,000# by their website) but the 14' Colman TT is to heavy (by their website). A 17' Roo hybrid will also be over your towing limit.

Sorry to say but you're going to need more vehicle too tow with or take a different approach.

With a 3,000# towing limit this is what is probably safely in that range the Teardrop T@G http://www.golittleguy.com/model?id=50&model=TaG-Max
Might also look at http://www.livinlite.com/camplite-overview.php but you need to stay below a 2,000# empty or a 2,500# loaded trailer if you have a 3,000# tow limit.

[mitch5252]

...I have a trailer for the same reasons but you have to find what works for you.

..
X 3
..

[Colliemom]

Time for me to chime in too. I have a 19 ft. Sportsman Classic TT. Fully loaded, weighs only 3500 lbs, which his a tad over yur allowance. But Sportsman does make smaller and lighter ones, down to 14ft.

Like the others who have TT's, I like the versatility of being able to tow, set up and still have my pickup, which is a half ton by the way, to go where I want and see what I want. It worked great out west this past June. Being I live in an area which gets snow, I don't use it part of the year, so need to have a vehicle for everyday transportation. So having the trailer works out great. Also don't have to monkey with two vehicles needing tires, oil changes, and other routine maintenance. The trailer doesn't require much maintenance, just washing, cleaning inside and checking tires, and having bearings and such checked by dealer once a year in spring when it's being dewinterized.And just a general walk around check before I leave. As to backing in, like the others said, size up your campsite first. back in slow and get out and check behind you, off to the sides etc. periodically and don't worry about holding somebody up. We are all used to having to wait for campers to get back into their sites. I'm sure that the ladies who drive MH's can agree, that even getting their rigs into sites sometimes requires a bit of work, depending on the site, trees, etc. And yes, weight distribution system is a must. Makes the ride so much smoother.

If you do wind up getting a TT. I would be more than happy to meet you someplace along the WI, Upper Peninsula border of MI and show you some ropes. Good luck with you choice.

[gypsyrose1126]

If you do wind up getting a TT. I would be more than happy to meet you someplace along the WI, Upper Peninsula border of MI and show you some ropes

I will keep that in mind, as it would be really helpful if I end up going that way and think I will. I understand 3000 lbs. is pretty small, but my hope is to find a small TT now that I can pull with the SUV I now have for the next couple years. By then I should know what I am doing and what I like. Then I will upgrade to a larger SUV and a 16 - 18 TT, which is all the bigger I need. I am going out looking today as home in WI for the day. Back to MN in the morning and will look in MN next Sat. I will have to check out some of the Sportsman models that I can find. I am home for good this year on Sept. 13th , yippee~
Melissa, cute pic of the bears!

[Dee]

I never thought about the security issues some people brought up when traveling with a trailer, however I will say that I always plan on being camped by late afternoon, so I'm never in rest stops after dark. Eight or nine hours on the road a day is enough anyway since it's just me driving. At rest stops, I never go in the building. I just park, lock the truck, lock the camper door behind me, and use my own bathroom. I always survey the scene before I exit the camper. I feel safe in broad daylight, but I agree if you will be traveling at night, having to exit the vehicle might be a concern. Also, if you do what I do, there's always the option of just using a well-lighted parking lot like a Walmart for your rest stop. If you're only traveling during daylight hours, and always check your surroundings and remain alert, I wouldn't be concerned.
Another thought, have you looked at a Rockwood r-pod? I considered one of those, but concluded it would be too small for me. I have a friend who travels with her 90 year old mother, and this is what they have and just love it.

[gypsyrose1126]

I ended up getting a 14' Sportsman today, very excited.

[Colliemom]

Yay. I almost bought a 14 ft Sportsman but decided was a bit to tight for me and a full grown collie, so went up to the 19. I think you will like it. If you look back into the Show Off Your Rigs thread, I have some pictures posted of my "personalizing" of my trailer to make it more homey. Enjoy. What part of WI are you near?

[gypsyrose1126]

I live in Eau Claire WI, but am from Superior. Enjoy EC --
yes the 14 is small, but for just myself think it will be good for a couple years. Although my first camping trip is with a friend and her dog, so that should really test the limit!! But as long as the weather good, we will be outside the majority of the time.

[WickedLady]

I have 2 big dogs in my small tt and it takes some maneuvering but we make it work. They get the bed when I am up moving around, fixing a meal, etc.