Forum Discussion

girlbuffalo1's avatar
girlbuffalo1
Explorer
May 23, 2017

Help Me Pick A New Camper!

I am looking for advice on a new camper. I currently own a '13 Rockwood Premier A-liner style 124 camper. I love this camper however I really just want a little more space--and enough room for two separate sleeping quarters.

I haul my camper with a '15 Toyota Highlander XLE (standard with tow package for 5000k tow and 500lb hitch).

I want lightweight though and not to destroy my MPG (right now I get about 16mpg when towing).

Features I am looking for: Two sleeping spaces--would prefer two actual separate beds or a bed/bunks and a separate dinette that seats at least two---but will consider a regular bed and a convertable dinette (not preferred) Some that I really like right now:

Forest River Wildwood X-Lite 197 BH XL
Gulf Stream Amerilite Superlite 198 BH
Coachmen Apex Nano 185 BH
Forest River R Pod 179
Pacific Coachworks Northland 14 RBS
Serro Scotty S189BHR
Starcraft Launch 17BH
  • YShaheen's avatar
    YShaheen
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2017
    As the owner of a three year Pacific Coachworks travel trailer that has used a handful of times I would advise you to steer clear of that brand. We have had a litany of problems with ours and I would burn it to the ground if it was legal. Not cheap problems either. Leaking, floor buckling in multiple locations, etc. We were in ours last week (on our eighth camping trip in our trailer) while camping in the Tetons. It was raining outside and water was actually dripping on me head as I sat in bed reading. I would never purchase another Pacific Coachworks trailer and we are currently weighing our options.
  • sky_free's avatar
    sky_free
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2017
    Better fuel economy is possible with a small fiberglass trailer like a Casita, Escape or Scamp. We have a 2017 Honda Pilot which is very comparable to your Highlander and tow an Escape 17B which is right at about 3,000 lbs loaded. On the last trip I hand checked a full tank of gas and averaged 15 MPG. I don't drive slowly either -- 65 mph when conditions allow.

    With my diesel VW Touareg TDI I was getting 19-20. VW is buying it back so now we use the Pilot.

    However, I don't think it's really worth trading what fits your camping style for fuel economy. The only real issue is that you will be stopping for fuel very often. As an actual cost, it's not that significant.
  • Cyclops62's avatar
    Cyclops62
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2017
    We recently brought a used Lance 1575 and I think it's awesome. We camped with 4 adults and a large dog. We towed it with our 2016 Nissan Pathfinder, also 5000 & 500 hitch, without any issues. This summer we are taking it to Colorado.
  • Eugarps's avatar
    Eugarps
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2017
    FrankShore,

    If Lance would allow me to have dual tanks and dual batteries on their 1475, I'd order one tomorrow. That's a neat little camper!
  • drsteve's avatar
    drsteve
    Explorer
    May 26, 2017
    Forget about gas mileage--the wind resistance of the trailer, not it's weight, is what kills fuel economy. Expect a very different towing experience with a hard side trailer.
  • lgarcia's avatar
    lgarcia
    Explorer
    May 26, 2017
    I am partial to my Shasta 18BH. Has all the specs that you want - queen bed, bunks, dinette. I am well pleased with the quality. Information is in my profile link.
  • girlbuffalo1's avatar
    girlbuffalo1
    Explorer
    May 23, 2017
    ChuckV1 thanks--I actually do have one on my list the Escape Mini M181SS it is a good option Thanks!
  • ChuckV1's avatar
    ChuckV1
    Explorer
    May 23, 2017
    Have you looked at Kz TT, they build a pretty good TT and are pretty light, I believe you get more bang for your buck with them as well ...

    https://www.kz-rv.com/

    Safe Travels

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