Trailer Thread

[The Fisherman Guy]

Lets see your trailer, and give us a few words why you picked it over the other brands/sizes/types.

With so many different types on the market, any advice you can share and any precautionary warnings would be great for someone getting into the trailer market.

For instance; Toy hauler folks; does your trailer smell of gasoline?

Hybrid owners: Does your trailer stay warm when the outside temperature drops below zero? How about those Tent trailers?

Alberta is reportedly the recreational vehicle capital of Canada, prove it!

[The Fisherman Guy]

Here are some photos of my first tent trailer, the Dutchman 810.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/6489_126672464652_518079652_2251277_4227679_n.jpg

Shore lunch
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/6489_126636684652_518079652_2250592_3728142_n.jpg

The nice thing about most smaller tent trailers, is that they can be strategically placed where other trailers aren't able to access. This spot we needed to detach the trailer and walk it in by hand. The view from bed was worth the extra effort.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/4859_106420449533_616449533_2835895_3059841_n.jpg

[Albertadiver]

I wish I could have multiple trailers for different uses.

Before you get looking at different trailers, I'd suggest figuring out what you can haul with your truck and work on that as a basis point. I would reccomend you haul less than your actual capacity. I towed this 19ft with a dakota, and it was horrible going through the mountains, even with the 4.7l V8.

I prefer bumper pull for box storage, but there is advantages to 5th wheels too. Knowing you, I'd say a bumper pull in the 22 to 26ft range would be wonderful for you. You can get a rig that size into some pretty tight spots.

I had a 19ft puma....

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Fav%20Hunting%20Pics/IMG_5140Large.jpg




Now I have a 22H arctic Fox and a bigger truck. I love it. In fact pics of my trailer on Northwood's main website. :)

http://www.northwoodmfg.com/index.php?page=makeindex&make=arctic&type=traveltrailer



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/dec%202011%20Winter%20Camping/IMG_9254Large.jpg

I bought it used last year in Montana. I could sell it here this year and still make money.

TFG, happy to show you around mine and let you compare it to other brands. Lots of 'small' stuff that really adds up. I'm going to be doing some spring cleaning of it in about a month and would be happy to have you over for a brew.

We went winter camping in our trailer earlier this year. Had a shower at -17C and had no issues whatsoever in using the water system. This unit will last us long-term.

Here's some thread references for you:

The RV trip I took, I mention some of the benefits of the different trailer brand.

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=96435


About towing:
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=63085

[Jack&7]

TFG..

I have a 2006 21 ft. Trail Cruiser and I love it. I debated getting one with the hybrid fold-out but decided against it as I had questions on how warm that would be. I like having the 4 hard walls.

I love the floor layout, the storage, how it pulls, the overall weight, etc.

I figure it is just about the perfect size for us as it has a full bathroom and room for 4 adults and 2 kids comfortably. The GF and I take the kids out and have a great time.

Just my opinion, but I just don't understand when I see a guy pull into a campground with a MASSIVE trailer and watch him struggle to get it into his spot. You are, after all, camping so having all those 'luxuries' such as multiple slide-outs, etc. kinda defeats the purpose. I feel almost like I am cheating with my unit! I still get the urge to take out the tent like theold days but then I come to my senses.

Anyway....love my trailer. Almost as much as fishing and hunting...almost.

Anytime you want to get the girls together this summer and hit a camping spot for a weekend, let me know! I do have one idea for a trip that I will discuss with you privately....it may involve a boat and a fishing rod or two.

[Kurt505]

I picked a 30' surveyor that weighs about 7000lbs so I could pull it with either my gas truck or my diesel. It's got the arctic package and has worked in -32c for 2 weeks straight flawlessly. If I didn't have kids I'd a bought a shorter trailer, but a toy hauler is so heavy that I'd rather throw the quad in the back of the truck and tow the trailer. I bought the model that has two entrances, one goes straight to the washroom which works great for road trips or late night parties at the camp ground.

Buying a new RV is pretty personal and takes allot of consideration, especially if your spending 30-100 G's!!!!

I have a cabin, and honestly think renting a cabin is a better idea for a vacationing idea, but my work takes me places where my trailer pays itself off.

$36,000 will rent a lot of cabins, plus you don't have to pack!!!

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/Kurt505Hunter/b908f46c.jpg
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/Kurt505Hunter/e13ef414.jpg

[Albertadiver]

One concern I had was that I'd go 'soft' after getting a trailer and stop backpacking and tenting as much. I admit I don't like tenting as much anymore. It IS nice to have a soft bed to go 'home' to.

That being said, we use our trailer as a base camp for long day hikes and scrambles. For hunting, it's great to be able to take a shower.

My wife is self-employed, so we will go out to Bow valley campground for a week or two at a time in the summer, and I'll commute to calgary to work while she works off of her tethered Iphone. It's like living in the country kinda for the summer.

It's not as fun as a wall tent winter camping, but a close second.

[CanuckShooter]

I bought this 2001 18.5' Travelaire Lite [around 3800lbs], to replace the old OK truck camper. Since these pictures were taken I had the axles flipped so it rides quite a bit higher. I've used it in -20c and the only problem is some condensation on the single pane windows [water system winterized].

I've never used the toilet and only used the shower once, so we are thinking about selling it and just getting a converted cargo trailer so it can do double duty packing atvs and being used as a camping unit.



http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd486/jim13135/Browning%20BLR/NewCamper009.jpg
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd486/jim13135/Browning%20BLR/NewCamper008.jpg

[rawhide]

I bought a 29' Jayco Travel Trailer once we started to have kids. A big upgrade over our old 1977 tent trailer with an Ice Box,Wash Basin and no Heater. We started out looking at 18-24' range and ended up with the 29'. We have two boys and the trailer layout with bunks in the back with a door. Large bath/tub to wash up after a day outside before going to bed. Plus it has the large pull out which make a huge difference in the amount of inside room, on raining days or early morning, nobody is tripping over anyone trying to move around.

As for the Jayco brand, it's not the top of the line. But comes with all the features that you need. Jacks on all four corners, Two 30lbs propane bottles. Two batteries, Stove with Oven, DVD player with surround sound speakers, Solid wood cabinets, 300lbs bunk bed ratings, tons of storage, extend a table, AC, Large fresh water tanks, and two grey and one Black water tanks.

Going on our 6 season and not one problem with any part of the trailer. Cant be happier with the unit. I use it between 30-50 days a year camping in it from Vancouver to pulling it down off roads in the bush.

Load up the quad in the box and have a Two dirt bike rack on the back of the trailer and have all the toys that Dad and the boys need for a week of camping and riding.:sHa_shakeshout:

[calgarygringo]

There is no real answer and is like asking what pickup do you like. Sure you and I like our GM but some like Ford and Dodge. Remember it is a depreciating asset so try to get it as close to right the first time. Many change units several times because they didn't get it right for their camping. You have a powerful enough truck so you have lots of options. With a quad you could do a setup like Steve does or a toy hauler or if you stay around here you could also double tow with a small fifth and still have your truck bed. You head for the bush so make sure it is well built meaning all aluminum cage or all wood studs. Some are just styrofoam sandwiches and the strength is just the wall itself not the build. A few nasty gravel roads and you will pay. Watch for size of tanks for bush camping is important. Closed under belly and heated tanks or do as I and add it so you can use plumbing without worrying about freezing up. Belly insulated to go with that. Make sure there is lots of storage as some trailers try to save weight by using less cupboards. You have to put your gear somewhere. If you plan to keep for a while and family maybe in the future make sure you have a place a kid or 2 could sleep. It happens to most of us at some point and you are getting in that era so plan a bit and save a change for a while at least. If anything else just pm me as you know I have pretty much been there and done that with 4 kids and have had to change a few times over the last 30 or so years. You will probably not find any textbook answer so you will have to weigh the pros and cons based on your wants and needs.

[Dacotensis]

My 10' slumber queen on my 20' deck trailer.
It took me awhile to put the unit together.
Quad's or gear can go on the back or I can pull another trailer/boat.
I tarp up the back when I'm in camp.
We don't spend too much time in the camper, it's a place to sleep.
It suits me and the kids right now, they are still small enough to sleep in a cupboard.

Sadly, I may have to sell it off to satisfy pending "judgements":argue2:

[The Fisherman Guy]

Great information and advice gentlemen, thank you for taking the time to post.

The 4 seasons trailers are really attractive, but definitely a pricey luxury. That’s the cost of heated tanks, lines, insulated floors, double pane windows, thicker walls etc.

The amount of time we plan on using the unit where the temperature will dip below zero is about 50% of our yearly usage of the unit. This makes the inconvenience and heartache of troubles with frozen lines and feet seem a worthwhile trade for the extra cash of a 4 season trailer.

We have looked at several brands, and sizes. I have heard horror stories of some manufacturers, and glory stories about other brands. From what I can gather, the decision is best made on a suitable trailer for your specific needs - if that means spending the extra money to use the trailer in -30 during the rut in November, without the potential of annoyance, so be it.

Keep the trailers coming! I have seen the man caves you guys have posted, c'mon lets see and hear about those trailers!!!!

[Mickey]

Just bought a Sabre 31 QBDS.

Said that we would get a new trailer when we stared a family. Wife is 5 months pregnant right now and we cant wait to go camping this summer.

We bought this one because of the floorplan. We loved the seperate entrance to the master bedroom which is a full queen bed that slides out and has a ton of room.

The storage is also a HUGE factor for us. We dont like to cram and jam everything inside. I like to be neat and tidy.

The fit and finish on this rig is very nice and it has all of the bells and whistles that we want.

I do sometimes regret trading in my old trailer to get this one, but the price was too good not to. (I got more for it than I was expecting)

I will be hesitant to get this one dirty at first, but over time that will change. Just wish that I would have kept the old one so we had something to drag around for hunting and fishing outings. Dont think the wife will let me do that with the new one.

Get the one that fits you and fills all of the niches that you would want. Also, make SURE like others have said, that your vehicle can tow whatever is sold to you. Salesmen will tell you whatever you wanna hear to make the sale.

[Hunter65]

Bought a 26' Denali. It's bigger than it sounds. Bought it because of several reasons - it seemed to be at at the 26' mark that the bedroom wall was not a curtain. It seemed to have nicer fit and finish than others in its size. Has a nice large bathroom, but the bedroom suffers for it (no big deal). Electric remote jacks, which is nice, but slower than a hand crank. Electric remote awning, but not crazy about it because you cannot angle it, you have to be careful with rain, and even more careful with wind. Would not get another electric awning again. Remote also operates the slide. I didnt even know it had a remote till I got it home! Sani flush on the black tank is nice.

Disappointed with the fact that the water pump will occasionally sound like a machine gun. It was replaced by the dealer under warranty, but the new one is the same. I think its the lines slapping the floor somewhere. Otherwise we are more than happy, carries all our stuff and then some, and tows well.

[Albertadiver]

Just ran across these. Saw one set up in wasa last year. Pretty neat!

http://www.kakaducamping.com/campingtrailer.html

[SonnyJ]

The old Redneck Shaggin' wagon...lol.:sHa_shakeshout:

[Spidey]

This is a new 2012 unit we bought last year. It's great for 3 season camping and we got it fo $15800 all in with a pair of 6v batteries. 10 year warranty on the roof, front queen, rear bunks, outside shower, fridge with freezer and good storage. We don't camp ton but this trailer should suit our needs for quite a few years.

Pulls great. It has a lower profile then many trailers which was great battling the head winds in the Columbia River Gorge.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v375/ebis1/IMG_0806.jpg

[badger]

Here is my Bigfoot 25' trailer. I bought this the year before they stopped making them and I intend to keep it for a long time. The insulation is good enough to keep it 11 degrees warmer than the temperature outside on only 700 watts of heat. I go fishing in the fall when the nights are below zero and it will stay warm enough without turning on the furnace. Inside has everything to stay comfy and entertained when it is pouring rain. With only one seam around the waist, the molded fiberglass trailers are less likely to leak.
http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/Warren/burntstick_lake.jpg