Coming to the darkside

IdaD wrote:


Maybe things are different these days, but I've always figured the lightweight trailers aren't built as well

X2, most lightweight trailers are laminated or glued together. I see it all the time, delamination from the glue failing and not from water. Not all do this obviously but a good portion do. All you have to do is look.

The interiors use less sturdy walls and often lack tub/shower surrounds. Floors are laminated also with few cross members and Styrofoam doing the structural supports. Many have commented on spongy floors because of the Styrofoam insulation breaking down. The same can be said about roofs which usually can not be walked on because damage could happen.

What do you get for all of this, a higher price because the flimsier build quality uses more expensive materials that are lighter and mostly weaker than tradional stick and tin trailers and fiberglass HUNG trailers (which are all but gone).

IMO, if you want a quality built trailer, get a smaller one for a less capable tow vehicle unless you plan on getting rid of it in 6 years or absolutely have no choice due to family size and the inability to buy/use a more capable tow vehicle.

IdaD wrote:

Terryallan wrote:
Just so you will know. there are thousands of lighter TTs that your 1500 can tow with ease. Example. Mine is 31', and weighs ready to camp, a little under 6000lbs. It sleeps 10 comfortably, and is very easy to tow.

you do not have to get a super heavy TT. No need really.

Maybe things are different these days, but I've always figured the lightweight trailers aren't built as well and aren't as well insulated.

And that is where you are wrong. My TT is made Of AZDEL. It is 50% stronger than wood laminate. It has a 50% higher insulation value than Wood laminate, or aluminum. It is also 50% lighter than wood laminate. It also will not rot. Can you say that about your's.

Progress doesn't wait. Jump onboard

Shorts and t shirt weather inside, oil filled heater, super hi wind gizmos, and reflectix in the bunk end screens. No issues at all during cold weather camping!

Terryallan wrote:
Just so you will know. there are thousands of lighter TTs that your 1500 can tow with ease. Example. Mine is 31', and weighs ready to camp, a little under 6000lbs. It sleeps 10 comfortably, and is very easy to tow.

you do not have to get a super heavy TT. No need really.

Maybe things are different these days, but I've always figured the lightweight trailers aren't built as well and aren't as well insulated.

Here is a link to end covers that might work for you.

PopUpGizmos

Good luck,
Stu

therink wrote:
Good call. Trailer regret is the worst thing. My advice is when and if you upgrade trucks, skip the 3/4 ton/2500 and get a SRW 3500. This will give you about 1,000 lbs additional legal payload and doesn't change the ride quality. Less than a grand price difference. Also if you plan on getting a 37' trailer, consider a fifth wheel. They are so much easier to tow and have tons of room. I had a 35' TT and kept it one year before moving to a fifth. It was a waste of $. Just my 2 cents.
Now that I am on my second fifth wheel, I will never go back to a TT.

This is my plan. My current setup is OK for the use we get from it. The plan is to buy a SRW 3500 and then later, a suitable fiver.

In the mean time, don't they make something that covers the tent ends of hybrid TT's?

Well you have the facts and the procedure for a proper TT and TV combo.

Look at it as a three legged stool. Floor plan, Tow vehicle and Cost. All three have to be right.

It is supposed to be an enjoyable hobbie not a source of frustration.

Good luck

Mike Up wrote:

FerrisFamilyof5 wrote:
Ya'll can stop... not gonna happen... thanks for the input. We'll use the HTT for next year and upgrade the truck. Won't be looking for a TT until after next season... the more i thought about it.... the more it makes sense. I'll invest in some heated mattress covers, since he biggest complaint I get is the DW being cold. I'm always fine... she not so much.

Thank you for all the input.

Great decision!! Plus if you can make the shorter trailer work, it will be a blessing as long trailers suck in not being able to get good state park sites. Mine is only 29' yet I'm disappointed in not being able to get the great sites I had with my 22.5' trailer. But I needed the room due to a growing family.

Good decision, as stated before skip the 250/2500 and get a 350/3500, for more more payload.

Then that opens up the possibility of a 5er, more storage, WAY better tow experience!

On the mattress pad get a queen with dual controls, that way your side off DW on High! :)

therink wrote:
Good call. Trailer regret is the worst thing. My advice is when and if you upgrade trucks, skip the 3/4 ton/2500 and get a SRW 3500. This will give you about 1,000 lbs additional legal payload and doesn't change the ride quality. Less than a grand price difference. Also if you plan on getting a 37' trailer, consider a fifth wheel. They are so much easier to tow and have tons of room. I had a 35' TT and kept it one year before moving to a fifth. It was a waste of $. Just my 2 cents.
Now that I am on my second fifth wheel, I will never go back to a TT.

X2, if you want something longer than 32', I would go to a 5th wheel. TT heavy tongue weights will require Class 5 hitch and very very good sway control.

Just so you will know. there are thousands of lighter TTs that your 1500 can tow with ease. Example. Mine is 31', and weighs ready to camp, a little under 6000lbs. It sleeps 10 comfortably, and is very easy to tow.

you do not have to get a super heavy TT. No need really.