Dropknee

[DustyMiller]

Hi I am new to the forum. In the past we have had several VW campers, pre children. Now retired and children on their own we are interested in doing some traveling through the US and Canada.
We are looking for a small lightweight trailer along the lines of a Casita, Parkliner, or Scamp.

[David B.]

Dusty, welcome to the FGRV forum. I hope you’ll find what you are looking for.
Keep in mind what you are going to use for a tow vehicle, and what it’s limitations are. Will you need to carry things like extra water, generator, gas....
Assess the type of travel you what to do, like boon-docking only without any toilets, fresh water, or a dump station. Is RV parks only the type of travel you like. Will you be using the trailer for short trips of two or less weeks at a time, or will you use it like we do for at least 4 month straight during the summer, then short stays through out the winter. Will these trailers you have in mind, fit your height/weight/gerth? There is no perfect type of RV for everyone all the time, but figure what you can “make work for you all the time”.
Happy Trails
Dave & Paula

[Jon in AZ]

Welcome, Dusty!

Some key questions will help you narrow down your choices:
(1) Do you need a full bath with shower, just a toilet, or neither?
(2) What size and bed arrangements do you need for comfortable sleeping? Twins, small double (some are as small as 45"x75"), or larger? Do you need extra beds for occasional guests, like grandkids?
(3) What level of off-grid independence do you need? In other words, how often and for how long will you be camping away from power and water?
(4) Do you have any special needs based on physical size or health?
(5) Is there a weight limitation based on your intended tow vehicle? Trailer Weights in the Real World is a very useful site resource (post #297 links to a spreadsheet).
(6) What is your approximate budget and purchase timeline? Some new trailers have a long factory wait time, and some used models require patient searching in a wide radius.

It's helpful to distinguish essential requirements from negotiables. As Dave says, you probably won't find an exact match. Just get close and make it work.

Getting a first-hand look at likely units can be a challenge. Manufacturers can help by providing referrals, and this forum is a great resource to connect you with other owners and molded fiberglass rallies, with a lot of different makes and models in one place.

Best wishes in your "egg hunt"!

[DustyMiller]

David B & Jon in AZ.
Thanks for the welcome and things to think about. This is new for us with a trailer and there are lots of things to consider. So I appreciate the tips.
Lots to look forward too, for sure.
Thanks again,
Dusty

[JBB]

Welcome Dusty! Hope you find your perfect camper!

[thrifty bill]

The smallest FG trailers are best for people that used to tent. They look HUGE! But to someone that is used to staying in the Hampton Inn, they are unbelievably tiny!

Bathrooms take up living space, so they are a trade off.