Suggestions to replace Rockwood Mini Lite 2306
We were on vacation (still are) when I got a text that the barn we were storing our 2015 Mini Lite 2306 and our boat burned down. Looking at getting our next camper very shortly.
TV: 2020 Silverado 1500, Crew Cab w/ standard bed, 5.3 L V8. Rated towing capacity 9600 lbs (w/ WD hitch).
Some trailer specifics: We camp almost exclusively in state parks, so length is a concern. Our 23’ fit almost everywhere, and I think somewhat bigger would be okay and still fit in most sites, but I don’t want to go crazy here. Perhaps around 30’? Not really sure, without having used a longer camper it’s hard to say for certain.
Insulation is a plus. I had put tank heaters on our camper but hadn’t gotten them wired up before the fire. Our intention was to start doing at least some winter camping. I’m assuming at a minimum avoid the stick built models and stick with the fiberglass/styrofoam sandwich construction like our Mini Lite was? Should we get an enclosed basement with pre-installed tank heaters?
I figured slides would be great at expanding camper size without extending length too much, but I’ve also heard slides are not great for winter camping. Are slides and winter camping definite no or are they manageable and just a pain in the winter?
When not too hot so that AC is required we often camp in non-electric sites for reduced cost and increased site flexibility, as non-electric sites usually don’t fill up as much. I know none come with good batteries but that I can do myself easily, our requirement is no AC only appliances. Our Mini Lite had LP/120 V fridge and water heater.
Sleeping: We currently have no kids though that may change in the future. Would like to go camping with at least one other couple a few times a year, so perhaps at least a double bed (or double bed bunks) would be preferable to just the typical sleeper dinette?
Budget is pretty flexible, but we’re not probably looking at getting a Winnebago here. Lightly used is an option as well (we got our 2015 Rockwood in 2018). Specific brands to avoid or ones to look at are desired.
TV: 2020 Silverado 1500, Crew Cab w/ standard bed, 5.3 L V8. Rated towing capacity 9600 lbs (w/ WD hitch).
Some trailer specifics: We camp almost exclusively in state parks, so length is a concern. Our 23’ fit almost everywhere, and I think somewhat bigger would be okay and still fit in most sites, but I don’t want to go crazy here. Perhaps around 30’? Not really sure, without having used a longer camper it’s hard to say for certain.
Insulation is a plus. I had put tank heaters on our camper but hadn’t gotten them wired up before the fire. Our intention was to start doing at least some winter camping. I’m assuming at a minimum avoid the stick built models and stick with the fiberglass/styrofoam sandwich construction like our Mini Lite was? Should we get an enclosed basement with pre-installed tank heaters?
I figured slides would be great at expanding camper size without extending length too much, but I’ve also heard slides are not great for winter camping. Are slides and winter camping definite no or are they manageable and just a pain in the winter?
When not too hot so that AC is required we often camp in non-electric sites for reduced cost and increased site flexibility, as non-electric sites usually don’t fill up as much. I know none come with good batteries but that I can do myself easily, our requirement is no AC only appliances. Our Mini Lite had LP/120 V fridge and water heater.
Sleeping: We currently have no kids though that may change in the future. Would like to go camping with at least one other couple a few times a year, so perhaps at least a double bed (or double bed bunks) would be preferable to just the typical sleeper dinette?
Budget is pretty flexible, but we’re not probably looking at getting a Winnebago here. Lightly used is an option as well (we got our 2015 Rockwood in 2018). Specific brands to avoid or ones to look at are desired.
