Prospective Fiberglasser

[MlDierbeck]

Hi,

We're thinking about upgrading from our 4x8 teardrop to an 13 ft fiberglass trailer. An egg shaped trailer could work really well. A couple of questions are coming up about this.
1. What should we be watching out for with respect to an older trailer? I saw a post stating that doors can tend to sag over time. Are there other weak points.
2. We planning on towing with a 2010 Subaru Outback and I am concerned about tongue weight since even the 80 lbs from the teardrop with gear tends to sag the back end of the car. Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks,
Mark and Marge in Bend, OR

[deryk]

Hello and Welcome M&M!

Does your car have rear coil springs? My Rav4 has a soft rear end but after spending $100 and less then 2 hours of labor the issue is resolved... but add air to the bags before hooking up to the trailer rather then after lol...life is a learning experience


deryk

[Evan Friesen]

Welcome here! Good luck with your search!

1. Weak points are (but not limited to...) axle (sag), frame (severe rust or cracking) and body integrity (sagging door).

There are a few other threads that cover this issue, and this helps too > Fiberglass RV - Document Center - BuyersChecklistFiberglass RV - Document Center - BuyersChecklist

The more systems you have electrical, propane, plumbing, etc.; the more problems there may be. There are a huge amount of resources available here for problem solving though!

2. My 1998 Subaru Forester sags quite a bit with our Boler (Tongue weight around 170lbs). I just learned to live with driving 'uphill' all the time! There are quite a few people here who use Subaru's. I don't think airbags are available for Subaru's. Maybe there are more options.

Also, there are a number of Oregonians who might be near you so you can get a better look and feel for the trailers before jumping in. Maybe you can visit a gathering!

[honda03842]

Mark and Marge,

Carol H. from BC tows a Scamp 16 with her Outback and has for years. Her tongue weight is in the 200 lb range. I don't ever recall her commenting negatively about the Outback as long as the tongue weight does not exceed 200 lbs or so.

[Thomas G.]

What kills FG campers is:

• Rotten floors
• Sagging doors
• More rarely - cracked frames.

All are fixable, but can be a lot of work.

[Robin G]

Marge and Mark, Welcome! Glad you joined us.........





Fiberglass RV - Document Center - BuyersChecklist
Download and print off the buyers checklist. It will help you in your search! Your in glass country up there! I would also suggest checking out the Spring Nog. Not only will you meet lot's of nice people, you will see lot's of different glass styles, etc........


Again Welcome, enjoy the journey!

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by MlDierbeck

. We planning on towing with a 2010 Subaru Outback and I am concerned about tongue weight since even the 80 lbs from the teardrop with gear tends to sag the back end of the car. Does anyone have experience with this?

As Norm mentioned I pull a side bath 16' lightly loaded with an Outback and have the hitch up at 200 min (sometimes more) and dont notice a sag problem and I need a drop hitch for it. I dont though carry much in the back of the car - in the past normally only an 80lb labrador and golf clubs - now just the golf clubs and a few other light items like extra shoes or bulky coats. I dont recommend that folks pull a 16' with the Outback due to the low tongue rating but dont think you should have any problems pulling a 13' - Surprised though you are seeing a sag at the back with the tear drop but then again my Outback was pre the 2010 body redesign. There are a number of people here pulling with newer Outbacks as well as Foresters and I havent seen any mention a sag issue - hopefully one of them will speak up.

[Donna D.]

Hi Mark and Marge in Bend, OR from Donna D. in Portland, OR

You are VERY fortunate. You live in the same town as member Robert Johans. If you run into a problem that necessitates repairs, Robert is your man! Check out his website: The Egg Plant

If you can stand to wait about two months, perhaps you'd like to come to the Spring NOG. Looks like there's a bunch of different brands/sizes of all molded trailers coming! Perfect opportunity to view trailers and talk to the owners. It would provide you knowledge that you can't gain by just viewing pictures or reading: Spring NOG - April 25-28, 2013 - Champoeg State Heritage Park (30 miles south of Portland)