Trailer choices

[PamFredG]

Brand new to this forum and trailer discussions. Am currently researching products out there for our adventures. Minnie Winnies, RPods, Escapes have been looked at. Our criteria is something around a weight of 4000lb., a queen bed with space on either side or bunks (default choice), a separate shower (not a wet bathroom), fit and finish secondary to just plain well built. Are there other manufacturers that I need to look at?? Or do I need to adjust our criteria? Fred

[60sumtin]

Hi Fred and welcome to iRV2.

As you've likely found out there are many brands, models, floor plans, and options to choose from. As far a weight is concerned what kind of vehicle are you going to use to pull a trailer? An SUV, ½ ton, van? The tow vehicle will determine more than anything how heavy a unit you can pull.

[blueridge-fl]

We have a Winnebago Micro Mini 2106 DS that we are very happy with. The dry weight is 3705 lbs but it has enough headroom to carry lots of gear with a 7000 lb GVWR. When looking at trailers, keep in mind that the dry weight is truly dry. No fluid in any of the tanks including the propane.

[Dropthejacks]

We had a 2010 Starcraft Travelstar with rear bath and walk around queen that only weighed in at 4300 dry. There are some options out there, try to stick with something with a single slide. Also, the hybrid line of campers may get you more room while keeping the weight down. Letting us know what you plan to tow with would help in folks being able to offer suggestions.

[PamFredG]

Originally Posted by 60sumtin

Hi Fred and welcome to iRV2.

As you've likely found out there are many brands, models, floor plans, and options to choose from. As far a weight is concerned what kind of vehicle are you going to use to pull a trailer? An SUV, ½ ton, van? The tow vehicle will determine more than anything how heavy a unit you can pull.

2012 Cadillac Escalade with the factory tow package. Manual states tow capacity is 8400lbs. But would like to steer significantly clear of the maximum.

[keymastr]

I have never personally seen a trailer that was quality built that did not have good fit and finish. I have seen quite a few that had good fit and finish but were not really well made though. When it comes to travel trailers beauty is truly only skin deep.

Look around at the Owners forums here, (scroll past the usual forums and you will see them), Keystone, Forest River, Thor etc. to get an idea of the kind of issues and the number of folks having those problems and most of all how the manufacturer handles them. That is what led me to my purchase. Even the best made units will have an occasional lemon but if the manufacturer stands behind it at least you can feel good about the repair. If you are left hanging, as happens all too often, it can sour your whole experience.

[PamFredG]

Originally Posted by Dropthejacks

We had a 2010 Starcraft Travelstar with rear bath and walk around queen that only weighed in at 4300 dry. There are some options out there, try to stick with something with a single slide. Also, the hybrid line of campers may get you more room while keeping the weight down. Letting us know what you plan to tow with would help in folks being able to offer suggestions.

2012 Cadillac Escalade with factory tow package. Manual states it is good for 8400lbs. but would prefer to stay away from maximum. Fred

[Desert Flyer]

While you look at trailers, also read the Towing section of this forum as well as play around with the towing Calculators. You may find your tow vehicle has much less towing capacity than you think. For example, add about 1,000 to 2,000 pounds to the UVW Unloaded Vehicle Weight of the trailer to account for water, propane, batteries, options, camping gear etc. Some people even use the trailer’s GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating which is even more conservative. For you, 4,000 + 2,000= 6,000 pounds. Next calculate your optimum hitch load at 10-15% of total trailer weight = about 750 pounds. Add another 100 pounds for a top line antisway hitch. Add this 850 pounds to the rear of the Escalade plus all your gear in the vehicle plus all people and pets. Finally, make sure this total weight does not exceed your GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your ride, nor the GAWR Gross Axle Weight Rating of the rear axle. If all that works out, then you are good to go! Gut feel is that you should be just fine with a 4,000 pound trailer and probably even (a little) more.

[60sumtin]

Originally Posted by PamFredG

2012 Cadillac Escalade with the factory tow package. Manual states tow capacity is 8400lbs. But would like to steer significantly clear of the maximum.

As I have an ORV product myself I hang out mostly with the ORV forum and have found several really like the Creek Side 20FQ which sounds like might suit your needs. The 20FQ has some of the features you are looking for like a walk around queen bed, regular bath, and weighs in at 4700lbs. Here's a manufacturers link to that model and here's youtube walk through video. (I'm not affiliated with either of them.)

20FQ

To get us started let us know what you like and dislike about it.

[scrapperjohn]

Check out Lance Trailers.....
laccecamper.com
I have a 2285....24ft
Max weight is 6000..
Lots of smaller TT also.
They are more $$$ than most, better quality

[MainelyScott]

Just bought a Micro Minnie 2108DS, 3900 lbs, with Equalizer hitch pulls easily with my 2016 Chevy Colorado.

[irtmks]

50 year old manufacture. High end. Their trailer line ranges from around 15 feet to 24 feet at weights from roughly 2600 pounds to 4900 pounds. After several different manufacturers, we have been delighted!