Community Forums

05ccsle · 07-28-2015, 05:42 PM

Hey guys,

New to the trailer seene. We used to go camping with a tent back before we had our daughter. Now that she is older, looking to give camping a go. Now at first we were tinking one of those small pull up tents (tent trailer) because some friends of ours just got a new one and they seem happy with it.

Now after a few days looking into this, im leening for a Hybrid. Not looking for something big so i can haul it with my 2005 Canyon. What are your toughts on Hybrids... would i be better off with a small travel traler(20-22ft)

LarrytheBear · 07-28-2015, 08:27 PM

You will need to know your tow capacity for your Canyon. You could easily get out of your tow capacity with a hybrid.

The hybrids are handy with full bath and kitchen, but that also makes then heavy.

We had a 2006 Fleetwood Santa fe pop-up that weighed about 1950 lbs that we thoroughly enjoyed for about two years. It was kind of like tent camping, but much better. We sold it to a family that towed it to Alaska with three grandchildren. They loved it, still have it and still stay in touch.

bikendan · 07-29-2015, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05ccsle

Now after a few days looking into this, im leening for a Hybrid. Not looking for something big so i can haul it with my 2005 Canyon. What are your toughts on Hybrids... would i be better off with a small travel traler(20-22ft)

the 5 cylinder Canyon does not have much of a towing or payload capacity.
so, your options are limited.

look for the payload capacity sticker in the driver's door/frame.
second, look in the towing section of the Canyon's manual. should give you a towing capacity.
should be around 4000-4500lbs., WITH a factory tow package and a WDH.
if it doesn't have the factory tow package, you'll be limited to a popup.

05ccsle · 07-29-2015, 05:43 AM

Should of stated this in my original post but my Canyon is good for 4000 pounds. Aleady have the factory Hitch on it. Just missing the electronic brake controler, witch im looking to get install this weekend

bikendan · 07-30-2015, 12:23 PM

with only a 4000lbs. towing capacity and probably a 400lb. hitch capacity, you're going to be limited to the smallest of hybrids, those with a GVWR of around 3500lbs. these are usually 17'-18' in length.

not 20'-22' hybrids.

an example would be the Roo or Shamrock 17.
GVWR of 3854lbs. and "dry" hitch weight of 354lbs.

the same goes for any TT.

jrocker · 08-03-2015, 05:37 AM

We spent 14 years running about with a Starcraft fold down camper, because we enjoy the quasi-tent feel you get. After the kids grew up and out, we lost our fire drill approach to setup and break down. Which, became quite inconvenient and a tad moist on a chilly August Oklahoma day

.

About three years ago we upgraded to a Jayco hybrid. The hybrid maintains the tent feel in the bunk ends, while giving you the comforts of an enclosed trailer. And setup is a breeze when compared to a fold down camper. The other bonus, my 20 foot hybrid turns into a 27 foot camper when it's all set up, since those beds don't really take up any space of that 20 foot box.

Really, your limiting factor here is the tow vehicle. If it were me, and I didn't want to upgrade the vehicle, I would stick with a fold down camper. You would be pushing the limits with a hybrid. Add the high profile to a breezy day, and frustration could throw a damper on the journey.

Smithers · 08-05-2015, 12:51 PM

I would go with a pop up, get a zip in "tent" for the awning if you like. That's what we had for the first 10 years of camping. Next bought a 19' hybrid and it wasn't enough of a difference for us.

Btipton · 08-08-2015, 02:05 PM

Look at Trail Manors. We had one (3124 KS) that weighed right at 4500 lbs loaded. 24 ft when towing but 31 ft set up. All hard side, no canvas. The smaller ones are even lighter.

Superslif · 08-11-2015, 08:47 AM

My 2005 Aerolite hybrid 25' with slide, had a dry weight of 3700 our newer 26' with a larger slide ( couch & kitchen) was 4300 dry. Loaded, figure another 1000 lbs easy. If I remember the smallest 17' Aerolites were 2900 dry. That is about all your Canyon will handle. Maybe a 17' to 19' (non-slide) hybrid.