FGRVs & Regional Popularity

[R Brown]

Hi Folks,
I've been looking around here and elsewhere on-line at FGRVs for sale, as well as reading general conversations here. What I've noticed is that there are tons of these little guys all over Canada and very few in Kansas where I live. I'm wondering if anyone has any theories as to why. Namely, is there something about more mild summers up north compared to the hellfire and damnation summers in the middle of the continent that helps make eggs more popular up in the North woods, eh?

[David Tilston]

You raise a valid point. These trailers do not lend themselves very well to the installation of air-conditioning. The shells are too thin to support roof mounted air. Trillium had a saddle that would spread out the load, but I don't think it was very popular. I live in Calgary. Fibreglass RV's are everywhere. Ontario, Alberta, BC, that seems to be the three provinces that they are most popular in. Maybe you should consider coming up to Canada to shop for a trailer.

[GPJ]

I think that the higher gas prices in Canada have always predisposed Canadians to accept lightweight trailers. The gas crisis' and mpg robbing emission controls in the early 70s coincides with when Bolers and Trilliums really started to take off. That's my thought anyway.

[Francesca Knowles]

Kansas: tornado alley.

Fiberglass egg in Kansas: bowling alley!

Francesca

[Raz]

Perhaps it's because years ago the two biggest producers were in Canada. Because of the longevity of molded fiberglass most of the ones made back then are still around. I was going to make an analogy to there being more MG's in Britain than North America but I'm not sure they last any longer there than here. . Raz

[glennco]

So as someone who spent a long time looking for a little fiberglass camper, from what I've seen they are definitely regional.

But you can see that each region of the US seems to have a higher % of one brand or another, really based on what factory is in their region. None of these brands has a dealer network, and a low production volume. So, unless you are willing to have it shipped, or take a road trip, you are likely to find a higher number of campers for the brand in your region. That being said, these campers do seem to spread out throughout the country over a number of years and different owners.

As for us, we recently found a scamp, but it's in the northern part of the country.

During our search, we found three or four decent units in Kansas. None of them had furnaces though, which was a pre-req for us.

[RachelW]

Originally Posted by glennco

So as someone who spent a long time looking for a little fiberglass camper, from what I've seen they are definitely regional.

But you can see that each region of the US seems to have a higher % of one brand or another, really based on what factory is in their region. None of these brands has a dealer network, and a low production volume. So, unless you are willing to have it shipped, or take a road trip, you are likely to find a higher number of campers for the brand in your region. That being said, these campers do seem to spread out throughout the country over a number of years and different owners.

As for us, we recently found a scamp, but it's in the northern part of the country.

During our search, we found three or four decent units in Kansas. None of them had furnaces though, which was a pre-req for us.

Don't let that turn you away. If you get a built in furnace, not only is it around $400, but it takes up a big storage cupboard. Even our sales guy (when we bought new) said just buy a small heater for it. We have a unit with a fan and thermostat that was $20 or so and heats it up quickly and efficiently. We love it for our spring/fall trips.

[carlkeigley]

It's true that brands seem to be territorial.

But there are several Snoozys popping up in Oklahoma.

For Casita I would have to go West.
For Scamp I would have to go North.
And for the Park Liner and Snoozy I would have to go East.

Casita was closest in the beginning. But a wise poster made a comment that stuck with me on my quest.

"If distance is a problem, why are you wanting to buy a camper?"

So I made a 1,000 mile trip one way to see the Snoozy factory.
And made another 1,000 mile trip to pick it up last week.

There are so many variables, but we just throw it all in the wash and wait for what comes out. lol.

[SusieinNC]

Well, Carl, we have Lil Snoozy #151. Fortunately, St. Matthews, SC wasn't so far away for us. I suspect Lil Snoozy is more likely to be found in areas without terribly extreme winters. I have no intention of seeking out cold weather while camping, so that is just fine with me. We are heading to the Egg Camper Rally in Townsend, TN this weekend. Can't wait!

[carlkeigley]

I found another Snoozy in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

I know there are Casitas around. I've seen some on Craigslist.
But Texas is closer than SC.

I would have bought a Snoozy if it was made next door once I made up my mind which one suited my style. Wish I could go to the rally in Tennessee. I'll have to work my way into the Rally Circuits. Still having to babysit m-i-l........lol.

I've always wanted to go on a winter vacation.
I'm not a skier, but I really liked Michigan in the winter when I was driving a truck for a local company. Now pulling a camper with a pickup, that may be another story. That was decades ago, so I may not like it in my old age.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by P. Raz

Perhaps it's because years ago the two biggest producers were in Canada. Because of the longevity of molded fiberglass most of the ones made back then are still around. Raz

That pretty well explains it.

[deryk]

If you want one bad enough you will drive there, or like Thom did, have it delivered. I was giving alot of serious thought about buying a new scamp 13, and was going to pick it up over out xmas break. My mom looked at me and said "remember the movie "Grumpy Old Men" thats where it was filmed and you want to drive a brand new camper back to Jersey?" I was real serious about it till I found my ParkLiner which worked alot better for me(location and price and style)

Alot of people want "big" I am limited to a 3500lb tow capacity and refuse to get a bigger tv just because the majority of stick builts are too heavy for me. And I have friends who have owned them and have done extensive repair work for leak problems. Im familiar with fiberglass and can work with it and its light and small in size which is what I was looking for. I do kind of like the look of the escape 17... but am happy with what I have. Maybe (but would like to drive one first, and obviously would need a pickup) but the 5th wheel version looks real nice for full time living in and Ive heard they tow real nice... but prefer the look of a travel trailer.

[Jared J]

ok city craigslist, has a 13' scamp, 4700, no ac. It was on my phone, so no link.
69 boler in kc, no ac