New member

[rab0325]

Hi. I'm Ruth. We're looking for a small camper for two adults and two pups.

[AlanKilian]

Welcome.

The first question everyone will ask is what vehicle are you going to be towing with?

After that it'll get into what weather are you planning on camping in, How many comfort things do you want? (fridge, toilet, shower, heat, oven, microwave, tv, game system, sauna, hot-tub, 7-channel surround-sound system, satellite TV) and other things.

[Jon in AZ]

Welcome to the forum, Ruth! Alan asks the same questions I would ask: do you have an intended tow vehicle, how and where do you plan to camp, and what features are you looking for? It's helpful to distinguish must-haves from nice-to-haves.

“Small” is relative. Be aware that molded fiberglass manufacturers designate models by overall length, tongue to bumper (that’s the older convention). Cabin length is about 3’ shorter unless there’s an extended tongue for storage. So, our 13’ Scamp has a 10’ cabin.

Molded trailers with stand-up headroom range from 12’ to 25’ (with a couple of rare larger exceptions. If they have a bath at all- ours doesn’t- most have a wet bath (toilet, sink, and shower in one waterproof space).

Towing weights start a bit under 1500# and go up from there. The thread “Trailer Weights in the Real World” in the General Chat section has data on what various makes and models weigh when loaded for travel. Post #401 links to a spreadsheet of the data.

Best wishes in your search. We have enjoyed our 13’ Scamp a lot.

[Borden]

The TV (towing vehicle) is important and the older units vary a lot in weight for same size due to fiberglass layup, options and include the tongue for the overall length. Vintage units will not have air conditioning, television connections or microwave built-in if original. "we really like ours"
New units seem to be weight empty, no propane water or battery but more features' and less initial care required.
The tongue weight requirements of TV and the actual tongue weight of trailer will vary as well. Our boler is very light on the tongue but have heard of some on the heavy side of life.

First Question is as asked above:
Are you getting a new TV to tow with or using an existing car, SUV or truck

Have fun shopping.