New to travel trailers

[Verde]

Hi all,
I am Joe from Corvallis, Oregon and starting our research into travel trailers. I have enjoyed reading/lurking in the forum and am impressed with the knowledge that is shared.

We previously owned a Class C RV and loved it, but sold it when our kids grew up and we no longer used it much. As gas prices rose, the 6 mpg was another reason to sell it. But we miss the fun of RVing and with my retirement pending in the next year, we're looking at our alternatives for more economical road tripping.

My wife has a 2011 Highlander that we would use as our tug (it has the tow package, so we have a 5000 lb limit). I am currently leaning towards a 16-17 ft. Casita or Scamp.

I love to ski, so something that would be reasonable in the snow and cold weather would be a must. Having a toilet/shower is also a necessity. I think the models that have the king size bed in the back and a side dinette look like they would fit our needs best.

I am not sure that buying used would be OK with my wife unless the unit was immaculate. It also appears that late model used trailers are almost as expensive as new.

Bye for now,
Joe

[Donna D.]

Hey Joe, welcome to FiberglassRV from another Oregonian! You're at the right place to ask questions and receive well thought out answers. If you're not in a REAL RUSH, I'd strongly suggest you come up to Champoeg State Park and check out a number of different brands/models. It's amazing what you can determine when you see these things with your own eyes. Click this link for more info: Northern Oregon Gathering - Fall Event October 7-9, 2011 - Champoeg State Park

Again, welcome!

[Frederick L. Simson]

Welcome Joe!

Originally Posted by Verde

I am currently leaning towards a 16-17 ft. Casita or Scamp.

I love to ski, so something that would be reasonable in the snow and cold weather would be a must. Having a toilet/shower is also a necessity. I think the models that have the king size bed in the back and a side dinette look like they would fit our needs best.

There was only ONE trailer that had BOTH a King size Bed in the back AND a side dinette. It's not being manufactured at this time.
22' Oliver Legacy Elite Looks like it also had the insulation you desire.

olivertraveltrailers.com - Home of the Oliver Legacy has stopped all trailer production.

Both Scamp or Casita have Side Dinette models but the Bed in back is not King size.

Casita has a King size Bed model that doesn't have a Side Dinette too.

[Verde]

Thanks for the welcome, Donna.

And thanks for setting me straight on the size of the bed available in the Casita/Scamp models, Frederick. I think we may need to "try one on for size" to see if the size of the beds available could work for us...

[Greg H]

Welcome, I had an Army buddy from Corvallis.

[Donna D.]

The Escape 19' has a queen size bed, dual-pane windows and extra insulation as options and a front dinette that's convertible to a bed. We currently have two Escape 19' coming to the Fall NOG.

[Mike Magee]

I would advise caution regarding Casita 17 footers for the Highlander, as the tongue weight (once you add LP, water, and cargo) could exceed the 500 lb. limit for your vehicle. Unless you want one without the front bath, of course, as the bathroom in the deluxe adds quite a bit of weight there. 16s should be fine. And it looks like the Escape 19 should be fine, too. I have a 2008 Highlander BTW, aren't they great?

Glad to have you on the forum!

[Verde]

I will defintiely look into the Escapes. I hadn't been aware of them, so I appreciate the advice.

I have been looking at the trailer weight data that was posted by Frederick and I now share the concern you raised, Mike. I do love the Highlander (when my wife let's me drive it). She had a 4Runner before and the Highlander seems so luxurious in comparison.

[Dave Fish]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

I would advise caution regarding Casita 17 footers for the Highlander, as the tongue weight (once you add LP, water, and cargo) could exceed the 500 lb. limit for your vehicle. Unless you want one without the front bath, of course, as the bathroom in the deluxe adds quite a bit of weight there. 16s should be fine. And it looks like the Escape 19 should be fine, too. I have a 2008 Highlander BTW, aren't they great?

Glad to have you on the forum!

We have the Casita 17' FD and have no problem with tongue weight. Ours is 330# per Frederick at the Bandon weigh-in. This was with typical load - partial tank of water, propane about half full, and bikes on the back bumper. This and the total weight of 3120# was well within the tow capacity of our Honda Ridgeline (also 5000). We use neither a weight distribution hitch or stabilizers, Never have felt the need.

BTW we really like the Escape 19. It is worth looking at. Good luck on your search.

Dave

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

If you're not in a REAL RUSH, I'd strongly suggest you come up to Champoeg State Park and check out a number of different brands/models.
Northern Oregon Gathering - Fall Event October 7-9, 2011 - Champoeg State Park

Judging by the sign-up list at the thread linked to above, it looks like there will be at least one example of every kind of Fiberglass Travel Trailer on display. (except the Oliver) Perfect way to see for yourself what each one is like!

[Verde]

We're not in a big hurry, so the NOG event at Champoeg will be a great opportunity for us to see the variety of trailers. I'll make plans with my wife to drive up and spend a day at the gathering. Looking forward to it.

[Donna D.]

Yea Joe... see you there! BTW Saturday would probably be best. Some folks leave fairly early on Sunday... but not all

[Roger C H]

Welcome, Joe.

We found, that for two persons, no matter how large the aft bed, the person behind still has to crawl over the person in front, so that two beds is best. We keep the aft bed permanent and make/unmake the front dinette/bed as needed.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Roger C H

Welcome, Joe.

We found, that for two persons, no matter how large the aft bed, the person behind still has to crawl over the person in front, so that two beds is best. We keep the aft bed permanent and make/unmake the front dinette/bed as needed.

Although your point is generally accurate and we seldom use it, this negates the premise...

[honda03842]

And are there benefits to the 'crawl over'?

[reeves99]

Good question!
It's so easy to get twofootitis. We went small. You weigh all the advantages and disadvantages and at some point, with every trailer, you just have to make do with what you've got!
P

Originally Posted by honda03842

And are there benefits to the 'crawl over'?

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by honda03842

And are there benefits to the 'crawl over'?

Not at our age. (Speaking strictly for the two of us, YMMV)

Floyd, you may have to tell our new member a little more about how you created your lengthwise bed modification. Maybe a link to the earlier discussion will help a bit... http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...one-47790.html

[Carol H]

I second the suggestion of the Escape 19' or even the 17' which has a bath and a front table area. Escape offers the extra thermo options that would be perfect for winter camping.