A couple of years ago, we rented a little Chalet camper and took it down into the Big Horn Mountains for 3-4 nights. It was late fall so we ended getting into some snow at higher elevations. Our camper had a small furnace and stayed dry, snug and warm. My wife loved that little camper and had a blast. So, after much dithering, I’m starting to get serious about buying a weekend camper.
My wife likes the perceived additional security of the pop-up hard side (and in bear country, like much of Yellowstone National Park, they don’t allow soft-side campers) and I want something small, light, and sturdy enough to haul into some back country locations. The two principle manufacturers of these campers are Chalet (http://www.chaletrv.com/folding.php) and Aliner (http://www.aliner.com/campers) but Forest River has recently gotten into the game with a hard-side model in their Rockwell line (http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?nav=rec&page=rktc&choice=brochure).
I’m curious if any members have experience with these brands/models and what their impressions were/are.
Just out of curiosity, what kind of pricing are you seeing on these?
Reason I ask is that getting a real bumper pull might not be much more expensive and you get a ton more stuff(real bathroom and shower being the biggest).
I have had a 26’ airsteam(cadillac of bumper pulls) and now a 31’ fifth wheel so I have a little knowledge on trailers.
I work with a guy who was wanting to get a pop up and was seeing them for between 8-10k bucks. I told him to check out some bumper pull trailers since I KNOW there are some killer deals out there right now on them(especially lightly used 2-3 year old ones which is what I generally look for). He ended up with a 22’(I think it was) bumper pull for slightly more than what he was looking at in pop ups and said the difference was immense. Living room and bedroom and real kitchen(microwave, sink, oven, stove) and bathroom with a shower. Plus you have a ton of storage space where as with a pop up you basically have to empty everything out into the bed of your truck for when you are hauling it. He is super happy with his purchase.
Your figures are pretty close. I have an internet price for one of the Rockwood models right at $9K. The Aliner and Chalet run a little higher and, with all the bells and whistles, you can easily run the price to $15-20K for the larger models.
I’ve never had a trailer and am attracted to this style pop-up largely due to the low profile, compact size, off road towing capabilities, ease of maneuvering in tight quarters, and smaller storage area. I agree that I could get more room with a full size trailer but the added amenities aren’t really that big an attraction.
I essentially want a compact camper that’s a step up in comfort over tent camping and my wife likes the quick set-up and snugness of the hard side design. We’re not really concerned about having a toilet/bath because if you’re in a forest service campground there are outhouses and if you’re in the boonies you just dig a hole. Frankly, I don’t even like the idea of hauling a “honey bucket” around with me.
And we cook over a fire or would just use a camp stove so all the kitchen features aren’t a big selling point.
That said, I’ll probably drag my wife out to a few of the RV dealers around town. Who knows, she may change her mind. It’s happened before. :laugh:
Typically trailers have black and gray tanks so your not really hauling a honey bucket. Its pretty low mess. Hook up your hose, pull the handle and away it goes.
Your looking at about 17-20 foot length on these closed up, thats not to much less than a regular bumper pull. Un-improved road towing wont be to much difference and bumper pulls generally are dual axle which may actually be better on un-improved roads. Same can be said for maneuverability. 3-5 feet difference wont drastically change the maneuverability of it(at least not IMO). Any good RV dealer will let you hook up a trailer similar to what you are looking at and tow it a little bit so you can see the difference(if any). My 31’ 5th wheel is WAY easier to maneuver than a 26’ air steam was.
One of those Forest River R-Pods looks to be pretty cool too. Another buddy just bought a tear drop(home made design) which may be something for you to check out. I know a few manufacturers make them so they arent only home made.
My wife worked for an RV dealer. We initially looked at pop ups. The dealer talked us out of one. They have the same problems as tents, without much storage room. Fridge etc… is not usable while travelling as the trailer is folded down. For nearly the same money we got a Shamrock hybrid from Forest River. We used it alot and took it across the country. We eventually sold it and got a 25’ travel trailer. We got tired of the fold up sections. I did not realize how much we would use the kitchen/facilities while on the road. We save a lot of $ by not eating out as much, which helps to offset the decreased gas mileage. The holding tanks are not a problem.
I also have found that it is easier to tow/back a larger trailer with two axles than a shorter trailer with a single axle. Also the tandem axle trailers do not bounce as much on rough roadways and track better.
Yep. That is the logic my wife and I used. We had a pop up and got rid of it to prepare for getting a new camper of some sort. Sure she thinks that the tiny trailers are all cute and stuff. But when you look at the money, the need to store stuff and the ability to relax, just get a pull behind. Remember that “quick set up” is subjective. As for low profile and towability, no matter what you get you really aren’t going to be able to take it off road unless you have a 1 ton with 4WD and even then it will be a PITA.
Not sure what backcountry is to you but smooth dirt roads should be fine much more you vibrate most pop up or ohers to death
Check out the trailer section here http://expeditionportal.com/forum/index.php
Hard core expedition forum like this in a sense but for the expedition guys might give you some other ideas
Also some of the off road teardrops ?
True off road tough trailers can run up a bit more funds of course but they are cool
This is my setup from south Africa
It’s canvas soft but up off the ground and remember a pop up camper is not bear proof
But some of the off road with RTT setups are cool and you can truly off road we have a outhouse type setup and use a pett toilet
We like to get away from parks when we can for camping
Idea of being up on top out of the way of many critters also in the breeze zone getting taller gets you in a better position to get breeze through the tent and keep cooler with the full awning and shade area its quite cool and offers a great experience
Again might just open up new setups in camping you might not have known about
Again expo is a great site it might be overkill for what you want but like guns it’s addictive to get into expedition camping
We are just about to “pull the trigger” on a purchase this week, perhaps tomorrow.
We are about to buy a Viking 16B. It all started earlier this month, when I looked at an Aliner for sale. I went through the desire for a pop up, and for different reasons, was talked out of it by guys at work who camp a lot. All I wanted was a simple, light, camper, basic, that sleeps 4, can cook, has a tiny fridge, and can be towed by most any vehicle. We are most likely getting it for under 10K.
I dunno fellas… my wife and I started with a pop-up and upgraded to a 28 foot “bumper pull” (hadn’t heard that term before) when we added a couple kids. Now we miss the hell out of the pop-up and will switch back after we lose a couple of the kids to college. I’ve just felt we lost a little of the camping feel after we switched to the mobile house. So I totally get what montanadave is after, particularly the hard side for the exact same reason (Yellowstone). Pick one and take a chance on it, dave… worst case you sell it.
Things took a slightly different turn. I ended up buying 220 acres, building a mile of access road, putting up a 1500 sq. ft. pole barn, framing in a bunkhouse, off-grid solar power, well, cistern, septic, etc.
It looks like I’m gonna be “buggin’ in” as opposed to “buggin’ out.” :haha:
On the plus side, I saved the $10K on the pop-up. Which is probably a good thing, as I ultimately ended up spending a shitload more. :cray:
Damn. Mea culpa, I had a lapse of attention on the date stamps. Sorry all.
Dave, I’ve enjoyed your posts in the past when you’ve mentioned your homestead’s development. Maybe you spent a buck or two more on it than the pop-up, but much cooler!
I don’t think there’s any worries about bringing this back up as still a lot of folks may get some good info and food for thought regarding selecting a trailer.
While Dave is out of the market per se, I recommend to others that may be looking to rent several different types and sizes of trailers to really see what fits their lifestyle and intended use. Like we say around here a lot, buy once, cry once. You lose a lot of money on trading up. Typically, most folks buy small only to realize that they really need or want more room and more creature comforts, especially when kids show up. Some people do buy too much then need to downsize. However, it’s always a good TTP to buy the trailer mama wants so that Dad can buy the truck he wants.
We rented a good bit and are so thankful we did. Here was the final verdict:
Dave,just curious, could you give a ball park of how much that land cost you? I just wanna compare it to what I would pay in FL. You get a laugh and I get a cry
but smooth dirt roads should be fine much more you vibrate most pop up or ohers to death
