Hi! I'm Sara from Coral Springs, FL

[Cybercuban]

Following extensive research I determined I will buy a fiberglass trailer!

Needless to write, I still have a lot to learn and I am certain that joining fiberglassrv.com will serve me very well.

I'm in my sixties and eventually will be looking for something small (16'-17').

[Timber Wolf]

Welcome Sara. FGRVs are kind of scarce down here but can be found with a diligent search. Good luck!

[BarbinBC]

You've come to the right place. Fiberglass is the way to go. I'll be 70 next year and have owned my 13 ft. Trillium trailer for the past 3 years. It's just the right size for ease of towing, cleaning, living, etc. This past summer I completed a 3 month road trip to the Arctic with a friend. A bit of preparation needed before that trip - like new tires - but it all went well.
Lots of great help from other members here so ask questions. Good luck in finding a fiberglass trailer. It took me nearly 5 years to find a new-to-me model that was affordable and in good enough condition. If I had the resources I would have ordered a new Escape but they no longer make 13ft. models. Of course it depends on what your tow vehicle will be as well.
Easy to tow with my 4 cyl pickup truck. It follows along behind you like a little puppy!
Enjoy exploring the forums here.
Barb from the Great White North (Canada)

[PC Steve]

Welcome. I would point out that as you start to look you understand the weights of the various models in light of your intended tow vehicle. The Casita 17, a very popular model, requires a step up in size from Casita/Scamp 16s. Many folks find the added headroom attractive and find their tow vehicle challenged.

[Cybercuban]

Originally Posted by Timber Wolf

Welcome Sara. FGRVs are kind of scarce down here but can be found with a diligent search. Good luck!

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the good wishes! Fortunately, I'm in no hurry and I never give up when I really want something. So . . . sooner or later I will find the one for me and switch from a tent to a travel trailer.

[Cybercuban]

Originally Posted by BarbinBC

You've come to the right place. Fiberglass is the way to go. I'll be 70 next year and have owned my 13 ft. Trillium trailer for the past 3 years. It's just the right size for ease of towing, cleaning, living, etc. This past summer I completed a 3 month road trip to the Arctic with a friend. A bit of preparation needed before that trip - like new tires - but it all went well.
Lots of great help from other members here so ask questions. Good luck in finding a fiberglass trailer. It took me nearly 5 years to find a new-to-me model that was affordable and in good enough condition. If I had the resources I would have ordered a new Escape but they no longer make 13ft. models. Of course it depends on what your tow vehicle will be as well.
Easy to tow with my 4 cyl pickup truck. It follows along behind you like a little puppy!
Enjoy exploring the forums here.
Barb from the Great White North (Canada)

Hi Barb!

Thanks for the warm welcome and the great post! If I'm fortunate, my grandchildren will be joining me occasionally once I buy the trailer. I have a Toyota 4runner and can tow a bit more than a 13' trailer. Also, I have thought about the possibility of escaping from the condo life in the big city and living in the trailer full time. Thanks again for your post!
Sara in saunaville, Florida

[Cybercuban]

Originally Posted by PC Steve

Welcome. I would point out that as you start to look you understand the weights of the various models in light of your intended tow vehicle. The Casita 17, a very popular model, requires a step up in size from Casita/Scamp 16s. Many folks find the added headroom attractive and find their tow vehicle challenged.

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I am fortunate in that I drive a Toyota 4Runner V6 4.0L with capacity of 5000 lbs and know to stay within the safe weights of a fully loaded trailer. If I buy something that requires that I upgrade my TV, I will do so. Thanks for the great advice and for making me feel welcome!

[Jon in AZ]

Welcome, Sara!

Depending on the year and drivetrain of your 4Runner, you should have a number of viable options to look for.

Check out the sticky thread "Trailer Weights in the Real World" in the General Chat section for some data on actual loaded-for-camping weights of many different makes and models. Post #297 links to a downloadable spreadsheet.

Best wishes in your search!

[alan H]

You might try
Searchtempest
This site once you enter all required fields will search all craigslist for whatever trailer brand you enter within the mileage area you select
Just remember buy beware for scammers
Best of luck in your search


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[PC Steve]

Originally Posted by Cybercuban

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I am fortunate in that I drive a Toyota 4Runner V6 4.0L with capacity of 5000 lbs and know to stay within the safe weights of a fully loaded trailer.

Your vehicle is the "goldilocks" tow vehicle for a fiberglass trailer and you already own it. It may be the most popular tow vehicle for a 17 Casita. Many use a weight distributing hitch, but you are fortunate that it won't limit your choices.

[DeanCHS1980]

Hi Sara,

Welcome! I am sure you will find the perfect FG trailer. I agree with the others, you have a wonderful tug for many FG trailers. Looks like you are well on your way.

Keep us posted.

Take care,

Dean

[Cybercuban]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Welcome, Sara!

Depending on the year and drivetrain of your 4Runner, you should have a number of viable options to look for.

Check out the sticky thread "Trailer Weights in the Real World" in the General Chat section for some data on actual loaded-for-camping weights of many different makes and models. Post #297 links to a downloadable spreadsheet.

Best wishes in your search!

Hi Jon!

Thank you for the warm welcome and ESPECIALLY for your recommended thread! During my research, I had definitely noticed a BIG discrepancy within the vast opinions regarding the genuine dry weight of different trailers.

I can't wait to check out the recommended thread and will download the spreadsheet.

Thanks again!

Sara in Coral Springs, Florida

[Jon in AZ]

Since you seem interested... The spreadsheet has filters at the top of each field, so you can look at a particular manufacturer or length. After you apply the filters, down at the bottom you will find stats for axle weight, tongue weight, and total weight.

It's how I know, for example, that the average weight of a loaded Casita 17 Deluxe is 3300 pounds with a 425 pound hitch weight.

I'm a former math teacher, so I love to play with numbers.

[Cybercuban]

Originally Posted by alan H

You might try
Searchtempest
This site once you enter all required fields will search all craigslist for whatever trailer brand you enter within the mileage area you select
Just remember buy beware for scammers
Best of luck in your search


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

Hi Alan!

I never expected to receive such great advice so soon! Thank you so much for your recommendation to the search site. I will definitely check it out and thank you for the warm welcome!

[TappyGee]

Hi Sara. I am in Florida also. Towing a 17' Casita with the same 4Runner. Tows like its not even there.

I got the Spirit but wish I would have got the Liberty for the twins.

Enjoy!

[Cybercuban]

Originally Posted by TappyGee

Hi Sara. I am in Florida also. Towing a 17' Casita with the same 4Runner. Tows like its not even there.

I got the Spirit but wish I would have got the Liberty for the twins.

Enjoy!

Hi Tap!

It's reassuring to know a 17' Casita does well behind a 4Runner.

The "twins" ???????

Anyone raising twins fills me with ADMIRATION!!

I was blessed with 3 boys and fortunately had a bit of time to pause in between.

Thanks for your post.

[Cybercuban]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Since you seem interested... The spreadsheet has filters at the top of each field, so you can look at a particular manufacturer or length. After you apply the filters, down at the bottom you will find stats for axle weight, tongue weight, and total weight.

It's how I know, for example, that the average weight of a loaded Casita 17 Deluxe is 3300 pounds with a 425 pound hitch weight.

I'm a former math teacher, so I love to play with numbers.

Hi again!

Downloaded the spreadsheet and am thrilled with it. VERY useful information.

Unfortunately, I required a tutor to get through Algebra.

I think of Math as a universal language and admire anyone that is comfortable enough to enjoy playing with numbers.

Thanks again for your post!

[TappyGee]

Ummmm. Sorry. I meant twin beds, not kids!

[Kai in Seattle]

Welcome, Sara. Best luck finding your egg.

[Cybercuban]

Originally Posted by TappyGee

Ummmm. Sorry. I meant twin beds, not kids!

Well . . . Tap . . .

I have provided an excellent example of why there is so much conflict on the planet. Sometimes, I am certain that I understood someone, only to discover I wasn't even close!

Thanks for the clarification as it provided me with a much needed laugh!