Looking into Camping Trailer

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@Casper66

 

I was at a dealer picking something else up and they had these on display:

https://highaltitudetrailer.com/our-trailers/

Really nice but damn they're spendy.

 

I've been looking at the e pro / geo pro trailers. I haven't seen one up close, but I've heard good things about them.

 

Do you want a standup trailer or are you open to teardrops? I looked at some of the styles you mentioned and I didn't like that most of them are open in their design. Meaning no screen doors to keep bugs out etc. If you're open to teardrop style trailers and you've got the funds, Escapade makes pretty sweet trailers.

https://escapadecampers.com/

Rustic Trails Teardrops in NC make a standup that's decently similar to your above pic.

https://www.rustictrailteardrops.com/kodiak-stealth/

 

They started @ $15k I believe, but the dealer made it seem like it's pretty negotiable. Compared to some others I've seen, they're really nice. Includes solar, all electric, stove, fully insulated. Designed for legit offroading. Made locally here in CO.

 

They do??
Looks like a refrigerator box fort built by a kid.

 

Its really a pick-your-poison deal with these things. If you go big brand, they are dirt cheap, but they show it. Cabinets in my popup are made out of 1/8" ply...its like veneer that they forgot to attach to the wood backing before installing. I had to repair a bunch of shit after taking delivery. I constantly repair shit in the field. I had to mod the hell out of it for the electric system to make sense. But at least its paid off, and damn its fun.

The high quality indie brands are really nice and the quality shows (on some of them), but they want your first born child for those things. Depreciation is still typical of an RV. Youll be upside down for years.

If I had to do it again, Id watch RV Trader for a lightly used one. Every once in a while a good deal will appear.

 

My opinion. They look like shit and are for people who want to look tough and outdoorsy and have more money than brains.

 

I went to an RV show a few months ago. The majority of the product on display was junk. Even the display models looked like they were quickly cobbled together using the lowest quality of materials. Screws going into nothing, awful attention to detail, etc... These were display models. I'm not sure, but I think most people are mesmerized by the LED light strips and flat screen TVs tacked all over these contraptions. I couldn't understand why anyone would buy such garbage.

A few companies seemed like they were trying to build quality. Airstream and Taxa are the only ones that come to mind. Both quite pricey, but they seemed quite solid.

Here is an example of what you can expect from a cheap travel trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYlFxUzc2RY

 

Avoid the Cricket from Taxa, I own 2019 Cricket and like many on the Facebook group mine has developed cracks and and tears in the aluminum frame and excessive rivet popping. Others have experienced bent wheel hubs, roof leaks, electrical shorts, side panel separation and dust/water into dry compartments. Now I like many have enjoyed are trailers but looking back on it the price is definitely not worth it considering how many times I have had to make structural and electrical repairs while traveling.

Ill post more photos when I get home, this photo below is the start of the crack that Taxa said was none issue yet turned into a bigger issue.

 

184BS | 2020 JAY FLIGHT SLX 7 BAJA Edition
$16.5K out the door before taxes. It is awesome for me, my wife and 2.5 yr old.I highly recommend the parallel 6volt dual battery setup and a Zamp 180 watt portable solar panel. My batteries never go below 3/4. No leaks so far and it has been through a hail storm.

The Baja Edition comes with many features and upgraded parts including taller clearance, nice Goodyear (USA made tires) and the articulation has been surprisingly good for the muck and mire I have taken it through so far. However, it is not an overland trailer. Towing it at 3500-4000lbs has been 12-14mpgs depending on terrain with 4.88's and OVtune.

https://www.jayco.com/tamparv/products/travel-trailers/2020-jay-flight-slx-7/184bs/

 

I'd definitely agree with this. We're still more than happy with tent camping and currently no interest in a trailer, but I like checking them out and could see myself with a larger teardrop style one day. While expensive, the boutique brands I've seen are done the way I'd actually build something. Most trailers, especially the mass market, are built like shit.

 

You rang?

 

Taxa was way cheaper about 8 months ago. They have raised their prices about 50% from when I got a quote back then. Wouldn’t recommend for that price.

Here’s another option. But there are a lot to choose from:

https://www.hikertrailers.com/hikers

 

I’ve had my Taxa Tiger Moth several years and love it

 

I've seen a few mantises in my travels. They look cool and clever, but with zero head room for standing, and I probably would hate living in one long term.

 

Aliner titanium 12 for me, was 17k out the door. Has plenty enough ground clearance. Can keep it in my garage and it’s fully setup in less than a minute. Makes for a great base base camp. Has all the comforts as well.

 

My buddy, his wife, and toddler use a non-slide version of, i think, the same size Jay Flight. They find it great to keep them comfortable. And they can be found brand new for pretty cheap. He bough his a couple years ago for about $13.5K.