Introduction

[Lora]

Happy New Year.
I've camped in the past and have been hankering to do so again. But, this time around I think I'm ready for a trailer. Recently read Sisters on the Fly by Irene Rawlings and am again inspired.
I want to do a cross country trip from Virginia to California and back across the upper half of the US. I plan to tow with my Sienna Van.

[deryk]

Welcome! Sounds like a Grand Adventure! I'm envious


deryk

[Jim Bennett]

Welcome, Lora.

Lots of good information here and on other manufacture specific sites for egg trailers. Do some searching and reading to get an idea on a direction you might like to take, then fire away with any questions you might have.

[Donna D.]

Hi Lora, welcome to FiberglassRV. I follow Sisters on the Fly and belong to a couple of Vintage Trailer Facebook pages. I think the themes, etc. of the trailers are totally cool. HOWEVER, I'm sure glad I own an all molded towable when I read about some of the issues those vintage stick builts have.

What kind of trailer/layout are you looking for?

[Pam Garlow]

Another dual member here (Tin Can Tourist vintage camper group, and FGRV). I love how low maintenance these little FG rigs are. I've also seen a lot of fabulous paint jobs on fiberglass campers. Welcome !

[Lora]

Thank you all.
I've camped in the open, tents, truck camper, pop-up, & trailer in the US and Europe (retired Army). I really want something small and very lightweight (don't want to have to own a truck or full-size SUV to pull it; I really like my van) and low maintenance. And I want to be able to camp in any weather so heat is important. (Woke up in VA City, NV one December morning with frost on the inside of our truck camper and had to melt snow for hot water! That was fun 30 years ago.) Toilet is nice, shower is not essential. And do like to be able to easily turn on a stove burner or plug in my kettle for hot water without going outside. AC is not essential, but fans are nice.
I'm not seeing many opportunities to see too many of these in our area of VA (north of Richmond) and don't recall seeing any at the RV shows here. Pictures are great but eyes on are even better.

[deryk]

Whats your price range? I know someone in NC, selling a 2010 scamp 13 deluxe for around 14k...I considered it but wanted the ParkLiner I bought...was more my speed.

deryk

[Lora]

I want to keep it under 10k. Older is okay.

[deryk]

Ok, just thought I would mention it, since its in real nice shape with the beech wood interior and well taken care of

deryk

[RRJR]

Welcome Lora,

Being winter now there are usually more trailers on the market and reasonably priced. Keep your eyes on the trailer for sale sites and also e/bay and Kijji sure you will find a few there. Lots of of time to do your researce to determine a specific make and model.

Ron

[Mike Magee]

If you see one listed for sale on craigslist or wherever, jump on it fast because they tend to go quickly. If you're not picky between 13' or 16', or between brands, that makes it easier. Your van should handle a 13 or 16 just fine, and even many 17s (tongue weight on a front bath Casita 17 can be too much sometimes). Happy hunting!

[ericw]

Welcome Lora!

We towed a 13' Scamp across from MI to CA and back last summer and had a great time. I hope you do too. Let us know if you have questions.

We bought it for less than you mentioned, but you do have to search for a while and be willing to travel some to pick it up. Good luck.

[Lora]

thanks for the advice, Mike. I'm leaning toward the 13' although I really, really like the look of Deryks Parkliner. But, they don't appear to make anything smaller.
After reading the posts about reported weights and true weights, I'd rather err on the side of caution. I would love to be able to see some in person. Anyone anywhere East of Charlottesville,VA and North of Richmond that wouldn't mind a looky-lou?
Is there a better place for me to post that kind of request?

[Pam Garlow]

Lora, If you haven't done so already, check your owner manual for your van, so you will know what the tow limit is. I towed my 13ft UHaul with a 6cyl Chrysler Town & Country van (the shorty, not grand caravan) and it towed fine. I've since switched to a Ford Escape (2wd, 6cyl) to tow the same 13 foot camper. Looking forward to seeing your travel postings

[Lora]

Thanks, Pam. Have found that I can tow up to 3500 with 350 tongue weight. I got to sit in a T@B this Saturday and really liked the coziness. But, my DH is 6'2 so I'll need something a little taller.
Did you have a standard hitch? Did you do anything to your rear springs?

[Eddie Longest]

Welcome Lora. Good to have another member from the Neck. I have a nice Scamp 5th wheel if you just want to see a Scamp. I know it's not what you are looking for but at least you can get an idea of how much room is in a Scamp. P.M. me if you would like to take a look. I'm near Wicomico Church.
Eddie

[Lora]

Eddie, Have sent you PM. Look forward to meeting you.