Travel Trailer Recommendations

[Green23]

Hi Folks, first time post. I've been doing a lot of searching and haven't found much useful information for my specific wants/needs. Hoping I can get some useful information from the folks on here.

I am a whitewater kayaker and frequently do trips to the middle of nowhere to paddle, this often involves driving logging/fire roads which aren't always in the best shape. And sleeping in the back of my Tacoma which I've rigged up a sleeping platform with storage underneath.

My girlfriend however wants to come along for some of these trips, and we're looking at having a kid so sleeping in the truck bed just won't cut it for much longer.

I'm looking for a Travel trailer which is as small & light as I can get it, while maintaining most/all of the amenities (I will generally never have hookups). The Aliner Expedition really seems to fit exactly what i'm looking for, but hoping to get a few other alternate suggestions.

what i'm looking for/why i like the Aliner Expedition:
*18' total length, 1850lbs dry (base model), small & light
*off road option available, adds 500lbs to the axle rating, larger tires, more ground clearance, strengthened frame
*permanent rear bed (or sofa bed), saves making the bed to use the table
*includes normal appliances plus toilet & shower, shower would likely be used to hang/store wet kayaking gear, or toilet for 2am emergency pees
*dinet folds down for a 3rd sleeping spot once child comes along
*no tenting to worry about, also means better insulation

looking for alternate suggestions with comparable features/options anyone might have, i'm not worried about the trailer folding down, not having to set it up would have its advantages. also most of the dedicated "hardcore" offroad trailers all seem to have tenting/outdoor appliances and relatively long setup times which i'd like to avoid

[dexters]

Look at Casita or Scamp. I just sold a 10 year old one - still like new.

[Green23]

Also forgot to mention another option I found & like the looks of is the Escape 17' model, Layout B. little more weight, has a "high lift axle" option.

[jim223]

We had an Aliner for a couple of seasons. It was our first foray into a travel trailer and it was a very positive experience. We had the Classic with the off-road package. I towed it cross country with my Jeep Wrangler. Coming from a tent, it was great but we quickly outgrew it. No regrets tho.

[BandSA]

What size of engine do you have in your Tacoma, as it's not in your signature? Reason I ask, I had a '07 with the 2.7. Supposed to pull 3500 lbs.. It would, but not very good going uphill, lots of downshifting, high rpms.

The Scamp trailers are good suggestions to look at. Used ones are pricey.

[archer75]

OutdoorsRV. They have good offroad packages and even include shocks.

[Mich F]

Something like this is an alternative to pulling a trailer.
TOYOTA - Four Wheel Campers | Low Profile, Light Weight, Pop-up Truck Campers

[Green23]

Originally Posted by dexters

Look at Casita or Scamp. I just sold a 10 year old one - still like new.

Thanks! i'll check those out

Originally Posted by BandSA

What size of engine do you have in your Tacoma, as it's not in your signature? Reason I ask, I had a '07 with the 2.7. Supposed to pull 3500 lbs.. It would, but not very good going uphill, lots of downshifting, high rpms.

The Scamp trailers are good suggestions to look at. Used ones are pricey.

i have a 2015 double cab long box 4L, not worried about weight for the tow rating.

Originally Posted by Mich F

Something like this is an alternative to pulling a trailer.
TOYOTA - Four Wheel Campers | Low Profile, Light Weight, Pop-up Truck Campers

i already have a leer 180 camper shell on the truck, and would need the bed for dogs, gear, etc anyhow.

[1bigmess]

Originally Posted by archer75

OutdoorsRV. They have good offroad packages and even include shocks.

Except for the Black Rock series, which I own, unless they changed that with the latest model year.

[McGeorge]

We just purchased a Vintage 2017 travel trailer by Gulfstream. Light weight. Looks like old trailer but new. Has queen bed full shower kitchen and dinette that makes to a bed. Bumper to ball hitch 21.6'. Really like it . Just got back from 3600 mile trip

[Green23]

Originally Posted by McGeorge

We just purchased a Vintage 2017 travel trailer by Gulfstream. Light weight. Looks like old trailer but new. Has queen bed full shower kitchen and dinette that makes to a bed. Bumper to ball hitch 21.6'. Really like it . Just got back from 3600 mile tripAttachment 131912

The Gulfstream Vista Cruiser looks like it could fit the bill.

Also found the Winnebago Micro Minnie, has a floorplan that would fit my needs/wants, doesnt have an offroad package but with 2 axles @3500lbs each for a ~3000lb trailer it should do fine, it's the only trailer of its size I could find with dual axles (more maintenance I realise but also safer if a tire blows)

the forest river r-pod is another option. think I've got a good list to work from, i'll likely do a comparison of them all sometime soon and post up my results.

[TheMatrix]

If you are wanting this for mainly logging roads etc you woukd be wise to get a tandem axle. One for smoothness of ride on the roads and other for safety.

[MarkQ]

If you are staying small you might check a used R-pod trailer.. Especially if there is a small one in your future. If the Toy is a V-6 you will be fine. (http://www.forestriverinc.com/produc...3&ShowParent=1)

[WVWilley]

Have you considered a small toy hauler? Made for boon docking with larger tanks and good suspension. Bed(s) store up top and can be lowered for sleeping. My friends had one with 2 queens on rails in back (not sure about weight since you have a Tacoma). Also good space for traveling with motorcycles, kayaks, etc.