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10-27-2024, 06:09 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Name: S.
Trailer: Shopping for 1st!
Oregon
Posts: 7
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Hi, Nubee shopping for 1st Trailer ever!
Ooops! Sorry.
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10-27-2024, 06:21 PM
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#2
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Junior Member
Name: S.
Trailer: Shopping for 1st!
Oregon
Posts: 7
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Hi, Nu-bee shopping for 1st Trailer ever!
Hi I am new to all things trailer! I am shopping for a fiberglass RV because it was logical and common sense! I wanted my 1st trailer to be my last trailer! I am in my 60's. I wanted it to last, maintain value, and hopefully be simple. I especially wanted lightweight due to owning a SUV. I LOVE the outdoors and have missed camping VERY much! It was, sadly, due to physical and life challenges that I have not been able to camp for many years now. I live in the Columbia Gorge where it is a vacation everyday!! So now you know part of why I am shopping! The other reason is to honor my parents legacy who took me camping for the first time. I lost my last parent (mama) this year and received an (unexpected) inheritance! Ooooo also, I have never been on a Forum, done threads, etc... It took me a good while to get this far! Ha! Ha! I would appreciate your patience with me. Thank you!!
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10-28-2024, 07:40 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 12,165
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Good for you! My mom had planned to travel with dad in a trailer when they retired, but dad passed before reaching retirement. After a time of sorting things out, she bought an RV in her early 60’s and went solo until she was 91. We had a family tent trailer before, and she decided she wasn’t comfortable towing a trailer by herself. She started with a simple travel van, then upgraded to a Class C to accommodate an occasional travel companion, and finally to a Class B for the last years.
Three things I’d recommend to start. First, research the towing capabilities of your SUV, starting with the owner’s manual. Look for the maximum loaded trailer weight and the maximum hitch (or tongue) weight your vehicle can safely pull. I’d recommend choosing a trailer that allows you to stay comfortably below those limits. Let us know what you find, and you’ll get some fiberglass trailer suggestions.
Second, find a way to try out the whole towing experience. If you already have a hitch and trailer wiring on your SUV, rent a box cargo trailer from U-Haul. If not, you might be able to rent a pickup or van with a trailer. Practice driving, turning, merging, parking, hitching, and backing. If needed, recruit a friend with experience to coach you. Pulling a trailer does add a layer of driving complexity- and a slower pace of travel- compared to a van-type camper.
Third, rent an RV for a few days and try it out. Small Class C’s are pretty common as rentals. Operation of basic systems is pretty similar across all RV types. The rental will likely be fully self-contained. When it comes time to buy, you’ll have some experience to decide if you want all the amenities or something simpler. We chose simple- no bathroom, beds and galley only- and stay mostly in state parks and other public campgrounds with facilities. Having your own bathroom does open up more options when camping sites are booked up.
Best wishes getting started!
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10-28-2024, 11:05 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Name: Jerrybob
Trailer: casita
Washington
Posts: 806
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Welcome.....lots of good choices out there....look around and make sure your tow rig can handle anything you buy. You live is a beautiful place....we visited several spots along the Gorge over the years....most recently last month. With a few hours......you can be at the coast....in the Gorge....in the wine country....at various lakes.....in the desert....you got a lot to look forward too......best of luck.
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10-29-2024, 10:54 AM
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#5
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Junior Member
Name: S.
Trailer: Shopping for 1st!
Oregon
Posts: 7
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WOW! Thank you!!!
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10-29-2024, 10:57 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Name: S.
Trailer: Shopping for 1st!
Oregon
Posts: 7
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Thank you!!! Yes, I LOVE living here! A beautiful day is called: “A two mountain morning!” My SUV can tow up to 3500 pounds.
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10-29-2024, 11:27 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 12,165
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Cool! A 3500# rating allows you to tow any 13'-14' fiberglass trailer, as well as possibly some lighter 15'-17' models. How many people and pets will you travel with? Do you require an on-board bathroom?
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10-31-2024, 12:06 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Name: S.
Trailer: Shopping for 1st!
Oregon
Posts: 7
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Thank you Jon.
Probably 2-3 people and 1 yorkie/cairn terrier. Yes, an onboard bathroom is preferred, although I know it will add to the overall weight.
Thank you for your 1st post with all the great suggestions!
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10-31-2024, 08:29 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 12,165
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Hmmm… that’s a tall order. Three people with a bathroom means a 16’ or 17’ trailer. On the other hand, extra passenger(s) reduce your available towing capacity, as tow ratings assume only one or two people (see your manual for details) and no other gear in the vehicle.
May I ask what specific SUV we’re talking about?
One of the lightest 16’ers is Scamp’s layout 4, which can be set up for three by removing the front upper bunk (also saving some weight). Downside is the main “double” bed is only 44” wide. Side bath is tiny, too. Layout 6 could work as well,. Either way, you’ll need to go light on options and stick with a single LP tank to reduce tongue weight.
A 17’ Escape would be ideal and has a larger main bed, but you will likely need a bit more vehicle to pull it. Casita’s 17’ers are too heavy due to high tongue weights.
If you give up the full bathroom requirement, use campground facilities, and carry just a porta-potty for emergencies, you could sleep 3 people in a 13’ Scamp layout 1. That would give you a lot more margin on your weights. That’s what we did. We traveled with 2A+2C in a 3500# rated Honda Pilot 2WD pulling a Scamp 13-1.
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10-31-2024, 05:31 PM
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#10
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Junior Member
Name: S.
Trailer: Shopping for 1st!
Oregon
Posts: 7
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It is possible it may just be myself camping at first. The SUV is a '13 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE with hitch and 4 pin connector. I couldn't begin to tell you what type of hitch. LOL! Do you know how heavy a 2017 16' Scamp Deluxe w/wet bath, swivel chairs, small table and large bed in back might be? Also, would a small leak (possibly the window) be a costly big issue to fix? I am currently discussing with someone about their trailer and didn't know if I should even touch this or not! I AM mechanically inclined, but I have limited resources. The inheritance was a mild one and so I am trying to get something within my budget... which is tricky because fiberglass trailers are not super reasonable. But what is these days?! *sigh, LOL!!
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11-01-2024, 07:21 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 12,165
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Deluxe models tend to run heavier. Assuming full options (heat, A/C, large fridge, awning, and dual LP tanks) I’d expect an empty weight around 2300-2400# and a fully loaded weight around 2700-3000# for this layout with around 300-325# tongue weight. Good news is the Highlander is a fairly robust mid-sized crossover with a V6 plus some help from the electric motors. Bad news is the hybrid system eats up a lot of its payload. This will be on the heavy end of doable, and you’ll need to manage weight thoughtfully. You can reduce tongue weight by removing one of the LP tanks. Just make sure you still have at least 10% tongue weight.
For your reference, here's a link to an Excel spreadsheet of actual loaded trailer weight for different makes and models. It's maintained by Jon Vermilye, a member of the group. I don't think it's been getting many recent updates, but you might find it helpful.
http://lakeshoreimages.com/spreadsheets/Weight.xlsx
You will also need to upgrade your tow vehicle wiring to a 7-pin round and install a trailer brake controller. The 4-pin will not charge your trailer battery, and more important, it doesn't power the trailer brakes included on all 16’ and larger fiberglass trailers. The brakes are essential.
Windows are not hard to reseal. Google “reseal RV window” for video tutorials. Before you reseal, though, check to see if the drain slots in the window track are clean (sliding windows only). If they're clogged, the tracks can fill, allowing water to spill over inside. The bigger concern is there might be damage to the floor. Inspect inside nearby cabinets and feel/probe for any signs of softness. Look underneath for staining.
Check tire date codes in the sidewalls (WWYY, week and year of manufacture). If they’re original, you’ll need to budget for new tires.
Check operation of everything. A 2017 is still fairly new, but you want to avoid expensive surprises. You might consider paying for a professional pre-purchase inspection at an RV shop. It might be the best $200 you spend. If you decide to do your own inspection, I always recommend a second (experienced) set of eyes. RV fridges take a long time to cool down, so ask the seller to start it ahead of your inspection. There’s a buyer’s checklist here (second document, click to open).
https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...hp?do=cat&id=5
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11-01-2024, 05:05 PM
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#12
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Junior Member
Name: S.
Trailer: Shopping for 1st!
Oregon
Posts: 7
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Wow!
Wow Jon! Thank you for your kindness, time, and all the information!! I passed some of it on to the Scamp owner of the trailer I was looking at.
I am really sad today because after talking with my (wise) brother, he helped bring me back to reality from my "trailer (escape) dream". I have wanted a trailer for several years now, but I need to be patient!
The reality is: There are several current issues going on in my "world", and it would not be a good idea to spend up all my inheritance right now! I am grateful for this forum and all the help and kindness you all have shown. If you are praying folks, just pray... God is in charge, always!! Maybe I will be back next year. God knows.
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11-02-2024, 11:34 AM
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#13
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Junior Member
Name: Jeff
Trailer: Researching fiberglass trailers
CT
Posts: 3
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Not sure of your towing capacity, but if you want a trailer that is high quality and will last, check out Oliver Travel Trailers.
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11-02-2024, 07:35 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 12,165
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GorgeGlamping
I am really sad today because after talking with my (wise) brother, he helped bring me back to reality from my "trailer (escape) dream". I have wanted a trailer for several years now, but I need to be patient! .
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I am sorry to hear you won’t be able to pursue your dream at this time, but I hope you won’t give up. Set aside what you can from your inheritance, and add to it as you are able. When you are ready to move forward, hold back part of your budget for towing set-up and repairs. Keep your eyes on the main fiberglass listing sites. As you’ve observed, molded trailers hold value well, so really good deals are hard to find, but they do happen (beware scams, though).
I wish you the best!
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