Wanted: Light enough for a Rav4 - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-29-2020, 08:40 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Name: Jen
Trailer: In the market
Pennsylvania
Posts: 3
Light enough for a Rav4

I would just like a small camper for a weekend getaways. I would like it to be completed so I don t have to do any work on it. I would like some thing that can be towed with a Toyota RAV4. I think the maximum towing capacity is 1500 pounds. I would like something that isn t too far away, I live in Erie Pennsylvania maybe up to a four hour drive . I have never towed a camper. Also I should have said, I don t want to spend more than 5000



View this ad at Fiberglass Classifieds - Light enough for a Rav4
Mamajen23 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2020, 06:00 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Name: Larry
Trailer: trillium4500
New York
Posts: 128
Registry
have a 13 foot 2014 scamp for sale in buffalo
lables is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2020, 06:24 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 12,316
Registry
See the thread “Trailer Weights in the Real World” in the General Chat section (post #297 links to a handy spreadsheet) for actual scaled weights of various makes and models. Some sellers will cite original manufacturer dry weights, which can be hundreds of pounds less than the actual towing weight with options, modifications, gear, and supplies. Note the 880# Burro in the database is an outlier and probably an empty shell.

Unfortunately not many end up under 1500# when loaded for a weekend. 13’ Burro, Predom Cadet, Hunter Compact Jr., and Trailswest Campster seem to run lighter than most. They’re all vintage units, so you’ll need to do a careful inspection to make sure it’s camp-ready. Modifications of a vintage unit can affect weight significantly, so be cautious.

They’re rare and not all-molded, but your best bet is an Eriba Puck. It’s just under 1000# empty, so with judicious packing you should be able to keep it comfortably within your rating. The top is fiberglass; walls are aluminum skin over aluminum frame, and the profile is low and narrow for an easier tow behind a smaller vehicle. There’s also a modern reproduction called the Meerkat made in San Diego. Nice and light, but pricey, which leads to...

Do you have a budget range in mind?
Jon in AZ is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2020, 07:26 AM   #4
Junior Member
 
Name: Jen
Trailer: In the market
Pennsylvania
Posts: 3
I am hoping under 10 grand - I was in contact with meerkat, but I’m sure I can’t afford a new one. I saw a Burro and a U-Haul on this site for 6 to 7000 but they went quick. Thank you for that information, I will look up the ”Ériba” I definitely don’t want to ruin my car by trying to tow something too heavy
Mamajen23 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2020, 07:40 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 12,316
Registry
Late thought... you will certainly need trailer brakes. Not all small trailers have them, and in some cases a new axle will be required to get them. Expect $1000+/- to add a new axle with brakes and a brake controller in your vehicle. Make sure to ask and factor that into your budget if necessary.
Jon in AZ is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2020, 10:03 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Trailer: Scamp 16 ft Side Dinette
Posts: 1,279
[QUOTE=Mamajen23;783663]I would just like a small camper for a weekend getaways. I would like it to be completed so I don t have to do any work on it I would like some thing that can be towed with a Toyota RAV4. I think the maximum towing capacity is 1500 pounds. I would like some thing that isn t too far away, I live in Erie Pennsylvania

What engine does your Rav4 have? I think the older ones with a V6 could tow up to 3500lb. even with the 4 cylinder. you can get away with more than the rated trailer weight, make sure it has brakes.
Wayne Collins is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2020, 10:50 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Glenn Baglo's Avatar
 
Trailer: Escape 17 ft
Posts: 8,317
What you can tow with a RAV4 depends on the year and how it was equipped. Mine is a 2008 V6 Sport with tow prep package. It was purchased in Canada so a larger alternator, radiator and transmission fluid cooler was standard ( optional in the US ).
Take down your VIN and ask your dealer how your RAV4 is equipped and what it can tow.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
Glenn Baglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2020, 02:13 PM   #8
Junior Member
 
Name: Jen
Trailer: In the market
Pennsylvania
Posts: 3
Thanks y’all! This is all so helpful
Mamajen23 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Friction Anti-sway: is Bigfoot tough enough? pindraak Towing, Hitching, Axles and Running Gear 1 06-30-2013 07:28 AM
Warm Enough To Ice Fish Without a Coat Cyndi B. General Chat 3 02-17-2011 05:22 PM
If Travel Trailer Dragsters ain't enough... Bob H Jokes, Stories & Tall Tales 5 06-01-2009 12:10 PM
When is your boat not big enough? Jackie Jokes, Stories & Tall Tales 1 05-14-2006 11:54 PM
I wish you enough.... Legacy Posts Jokes, Stories & Tall Tales 2 08-21-2003 06:47 AM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:24 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.