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Old 01-30-2021, 06:51 AM   #1
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Name: Corey
Trailer: In the market
Texas
Posts: 4
New offroader

Howdy!
Been browsing for a bit but I figured I'd finally ask for some opinions. Im going to be buing a trailer for "full time" living. I work on ships roughly 10 months of the year but in my time off I want to be able to travel freely and go wherever my whim takes me therefore I will be buying a travel trailer. Ive found it difficult to find trailers that offer exactly what im looking for but I have found some that may be good enough but I'd like to know what others think. So far my search has brought me to 3 different options, an airstream caravel( not fiberglass i know but I do like it), a casita, and an Oliver. So far I've only had a chance to see the caravel and casita in person and while do like the layout and features of a casita I felt that the build quality and materials used just weren't up to what I would want for something that I would essentially be living in full time when I'm not working. My tow vehicle will be a 2018 f150 with the 5.0 and fx4 so ideally id like to keep the total weight to roughly a 3rd to half of my actual towing capacity so that im not straining it too much. I have had the chance to look at a caravel 19cb and I loved the quality and features that it had but obviously price is something to take into consideration. Thats where the Oliver has come into the mix though I haven't had the opportunity to actually see one in person. Im 6'2" so while I was able to stand upright in the casita my head was brushing the ceiling anywhere there wasn't protrusions from the Ac etc and that would be a big issue for me if im going to be living in it regularly. I want to be able to take it on what I would consider minor offroad situations such as BLM lands, forrest roads and such though primarily it will be national parks and the like. I would like to get yalls opinions of the matter whether or not there's a better option that I've missed or if I need to be thinking about this completely differently. I feel I should add that I'm no stranger to primitive camping and living in smaller quarters is not to different than my life onboard ships so I dont see that as being an issue as long as the head height is adequate.
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Old 01-30-2021, 07:04 AM   #2
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Name: Shelby
Trailer: Casita SD
Tennessee
Posts: 1,090
You might not be happy towing an Oliver with a 1/2 ton. You could check the Oliver forum for advice on that. Escape is another popular FGRV.
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Old 01-30-2021, 07:43 AM   #3
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Name: bill
Trailer: 2013 Escape 19
The Mountains of North Carolina
Posts: 4,137
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If you want quality, forget Airstream. Google Airstream complaints and you will find a ton of them. IMHO, an Airstream is a classic looking trailer with the same issues as many of the high volume RV builders.

Oliver is basically a larger Casita, same basic floorplan. Built to a higher standard and priced accordingly. I assume you are talking the Elite II Oliver. Elite II is pushing 3/4 ton pickup territory. The Elite no problem with an F150.

Personally, I do not like the Oliver/Casita floorplan, in particular, the front bath. Having a front bath eliminates windows across the front. Yes, you can get a Casita without a front bath but. that means no bath at all. And I like a larger dinette too, not a small narrow one. Realize the dinette becomes your office/computer space, along with eating space. Fills up fast. This is what got me to the Escape 19.

Full timing a four season trailer makes a lot of sense, which is really either Bigfoot or Oliver. Of course, I've seen couples full timing in a Trillium 1300, so anything is possible.

This is just a sample on Airstream quality. The Airstream forum is FULL of complaints. And take a look at the Airstream factory and the SIZE of the warranty claim shop (huge). They built it for a reason....

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...am-166041.html
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Old 01-30-2021, 07:48 AM   #4
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Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 11,925
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Are you looking at the smaller or larger Oliver? I assumed the smaller since you are comparing it to a Casita. One of the original designers, John Oliver, towed his Elite with a Nissan Frontier, so you should be fine. I chanced to meet him a number of years ago getting groceries during a solo hunting trip. Sweet rig! Very humble guy.

You might add Bigfoot to your list. Their smallest 17.5’ model is a bit roomier that the Casita or smaller Oliver. It’s set up for four season use (like the Oliver but not Casita or Airstream). Very high build quality in a more traditional style. Downside is it’s a bit harder tow due to the added width and boxy shape, but still comfortably within your capabilities. I think you’d be okay on the interior height. Leaf-spring axle set-up is easily modified for additional off-road clearance if desired.

Escape also makes a nice trailer in that size range. Its lightweight frame, like the Casita, is good for light off-highway use only. Price-wise it slots between Casita and Oliver/Bigfoot/Airstream.

I’m with Bill on Airstream, and I really don’t see them as a good off road choice. If I really wanted one, I’d look for an older one that’s been redone.

Oliver is arguably the best on your list for off-road use due to the narrow width, strong aluminum frame, and good stock clearance. The all-fiberglass interior is a love-it-or-hate-it deal. Some find it clean and modern, others cold and sterile. Not sure about the height, but I don’t trust published specs. As you say, the size and placement of projections can make the difference.

Best wishes in your search!
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Old 01-30-2021, 12:34 PM   #5
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Name: Phil
Trailer: Escape
Minnesota
Posts: 20
As a couple, my wife and I have done tent camping, both class B and class A motoring, and full-size fifth wheel towing with a half-ton GMC before settling on an Escape fifth wheel, the 5.0TA, towed with a 1/2 ton GMC 3L turbo-diesel. If you contact Escape Trailer Industries they can put you in touch with an Escape owner in your area. Nice to see both bumper-pull and 5th wheel before deciding. The quality of Escape products is unsurpassed. Best of luck in your search and keep us posted!
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