Recommendations for a newbie? <$25k, <2000 lb, reliable brand?

[Stephen_Albers]

I suggest you approach trailer selection more practically. The two most critical practical issues are, Where do you want to go and how much of the year are you prepared to lose to unavailability?'
All stock trailers are only strong enough to handle improved roads. For starters, there are ~185,000 miles of US Forest Service roads that stock trailers will self-destruct on. Further, you will be parking a 3 season trailer for 3-4 months per year or be driven south to avoid winter temperatures. A 4 season trailer is needed to avoid this loss of use. These two issues will dictate how much use you get from your trailer, its ultimate cost of operation and the comfort level you'll have.

[othskiracer]

Originally Posted by James in NJ

Hey all,

After some much appreciated help in the intro forum, I've decided these are the specifications I want:

- <$25k
- <2000 lbs (so I can tow it with my current vehicle)
- As large as possible within the price and weight point, from a reliable brand
- Well-insulated would also be a plus

Any recommendations on brands or specific models?

Thanks very much

Have a look at Trillium Outback in Alberta Canada

www.trilliumtrailers.com



Lovely solid fibreglass trailer well appointed lots of options prices are in $CAD - Base model $18900

Converts to USD $15,500

With your budget you can have every option

Trailer weight base is 1,500 lbs + weight of options

[Geronimo John]

As posted above, the under 2K weight is a tough requirement to meet with travel trailers. If you decide to not get a more capable TV, I would suggest looking at some pop-up campers. MANY of them are under 2,000 pounds. Get into the sport and over time upgrade to larger/heavier trailers as budget and your experience as to what is important develops. Good luck, and have fun!

[Anachron]

Originally Posted by jgilliam1955

You will have slim pickens. Less than 2000 pounds.
Ths may help.
https://www.thewaywardhome.com/ultra...r-2000-pounds/

Looking at that link, Armadillo make a solid little trailer with double walls for better insulation. If you want to go a smidge bigger, the company recently introduced the Backpack, which is 6” larger than the Armadillo. Those extra 6” are added forward of the door in the dinette/bunk area. Still under 2,000 pounds.

[Jon in AZ]

The OP bought a 2011 Scamp 13, a nicely equipped no-bath model. Definitely under 2000#, less than half the $25K budget, new and simple enough to be reliable.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the plan evolves around that choice.

[GaryDon]

That was a nice link. THANKS!

[Ballman1]

We looked around spoke to a retired Engineer who was very picky.
He told me line by line about Casita vs Escape (British Columbia)
We could not find a used Escape for under $23k
Ordered one for $25 it took a year ( probably quicker now with expanded production since 2018.
We love our 17’ escape

[Ballman1]

Our Escape is 1950lbs dry

[Indiana Lynn]

I have a 16-ft casita that has no bathroom and weighs 1,600 lb empty. Including my gear and the people and coolers in the car, I'm sure it is considerably more than that but must not approach my 3500 tow limit as it toast perfectly and is never hand my vehicle. I tow with a Ford Escape.