Hello, first a newbie here from the snowy, cold state of Maine. I have graduated from tent to pop-up and now looking for a small TT (under 20'). It is just my wife and I and our Golden Retriever and we will be doing mostly backwoods camping with no hook-ups, etc. Looking for something light and able to be hauled without worry on dirt roads. Not looking for the Taj, but something to be comfy in after a day of fishing or hunting. Also, if any ideas on where to look for these, they seem hard to come by. Thanks in advance, and feel free to pm me if you would like regarding the TT. Happy Camping!!

Jayco makes a small one called the jayco Lite or something like that.Jayco is a well built trailer for the money but there are others too. One thing I would look for in a trailer that size is ground clearance, especially if you plan to take it to some of the more remote places.

If you are going to be on back roads you might want to look at travel trailers that have a better frame.We have a Nash and we are very happy with it.Nash Trailers made by Northwood Manufacturing

Any idea about what you'd like to spend, or any features you require? For some trailers there's a few that always really take my eye when I see them, Lance Campers and Grey Wolf. Others in this forum love the Livin Lite models. Let us know of more specifics and we can help narrow your search.

Speedogomer wrote:Any idea about what you'd like to spend, or any features you require? For some trailers there's a few that always really take my eye when I see them, Lance Campers and Grey Wolf. Others in this forum love the Livin Lite models. Let us know of more specifics and we can help narrow your search.Yeah, sorry I failed to mention the important stuff $$$, lol. Unless I can find a stellar deal, I am going to buy used. I do not mind something that has been used a bit, but not abused or dirty, if that helps. Like I mentioned it is going to be more shelter and comfort that tenting if you will. Thanks for the replies!! And feel free to add where to start my looking. We have a couple buy/swap magazines in the state along with Craigslist, but both have very little in the smaller TT department. Thanks again guys.

Sounds like you’re looking for one like I have. A 16’ TT, but it’s a 1989. I looked off and on for a few years for a replacement and finally gave up. The newer ones all had so few windows I felt like I was in a closet and between the dry bath and full size bed there was little room left. There must be quite a demand for the small ones, I found they’re hard to find used. So I just kept my old one. I think all you can do is be patient and keep looking. Online, dealers, private sellers, etc.If you can go new you’ll have some good options. Nash, Lance, Casita, and others with decent ground clearance and a sturdy build.

Small Travel Trailer Please!! | Good Sam Community

32 Replies

Jandsa
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
Hi again,
Just want to add here it is so nice to be among others who are enjoying their smaller travel trailer. It took us a long time to decide on the Bullet Premier, but we are glad we bought for quality in a smaller unit.

I would suggest to edubay whatever model he chooses to buy, go for the quality built, as in the long run, it isn't worth the savings. The cheaper-built units won't hold up and especially in rugged towing, there will be issues with the frame.
djsamuel
Nomad
Mar 29, 2014
Gunship Guy wrote:
Livin Lite. Owned one and can speak for their durability. No wood anywhere in their construction.

+1 on this. Have a Camplite 21BHS and love it.
Gunship_Guy
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
Livin Lite. Owned one and can speak for their durability. No wood anywhere in their construction.
RobertRyan
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
gmw photo wrote:
I really have not seen much written about how well they may work on rough roads.

The Fundinder , Scamp Casita are for nicely paved roads. The Off Road Caravans that can be 30ft or more, are built specifically for much tougher stuff than you would encounter in the US and do it for years, not as a one off or occasionally.
Mike_Up
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
Double post
Mike_Up
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
Captain Obvious wrote:
We have a 2007 Jayco 20BH. At 20' long and 6000lbs GVW, its probably about at the top end size wise of what you are looking for. For us its just right - big enough that our family of 3 plus the occasional MIL fit comfortably, but small enough we don't have to worry too much about it fitting. We primarily boondock for 2 night trips and have a great time.

Only catches:
Mod the water tank overflow by adding valves. On some inclines, water will be forced out and you can loose up to 1/3 of your water. Cheap and easy mod.
You may want to flip the axles for better clearance.

I had the less featured 19BH. These trailers are not light but are standard build and heavy so the OP may not have a TV suited to tow it.

We loved the floor plan so much that we upgraded to the same model series and floor plan but with an added queen bedroom on front known as the 26BH. :)
avoidcrowds
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
I am biased, as are most of us on this forum, but I love our TrailManor. We have a 2417, which is almost the smallest they have made. It is the smallest they currently make, but there are very few used 2417 models for sale.

But, even the 2720 tows at 20', and opens to 27', with various floorplans. You can find used TrailManors listed on the TM site.

Look at the new models page to see pictures and floorplans.

We do most of our camping off-road, and ours does fine. No land speed records, but I don't go any slower with our TM than I did with our Jayco tent popup.

Good luck!
doxiluvr
Explorer II
Mar 26, 2014
I happened to see this 2009 Lance online that looks really nice and they are asking a reasonable price. Looks like something you might be interested in from what you have posted. It is less than 20 ft. and looks very comfortable. Might be something to look for.

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2009-Lance-1880-111910380
LenSatic
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
profdant139 wrote:
Could you raise a Casita for better clearance?

Ours is raised and is on 15" wheels. It has as much or more clearance as the Tahoe. It's the angle of the rear once the wheels start to climb out of a rut. Check out those Aussie rigs and you'll see that they built a pretty good angle into them. Our bumper was bent because we went through a rut too fast. Lesson learned. ;)

LS
profdant139
Explorer II
Mar 26, 2014
Could you raise a Casita for better clearance?