Toad Campers

gypsy1997 wrote:
Thanks for the info Vermilyn. I just looked at the website and sent a request for info about possibly getting a 13' model. The two issues that really bother me: 1) would my Highlander be able to pull any kind of trailer coast to coast, a trip I make every year; 2)I'm 72 yrs old and do I want to go into something in the area of $20k for a trailer. I realize that only I can answer the 2nd question!

I'd be more concerned about my health, desire to travel, and, of course, financial situation in making the decision to spend the money before age. I've met a number of other "older folks" during my travels. I bought mine at the age of 67, and have made 2 4-5 month trips across the country as well as shorter ones around the east. Will be heading out for a month to Nova Scotia in a week, and plan to spend the coming winter in the southwest.

As to the Highlander as a tow vehicle, it all depends on what you expect it to do. If you plan to hit the interstates & keep up with traffic and travel primarily to get from "here to there", it probably isn't the combination for you. I avoid interstates when ever possible, preferring secondary roads. I tow at a maximum of 57 MPH, and prefer to do 150 - 200 miles per day. In other words, I'm not in a hurry. I enjoy the discoveries I make while traveling as much as my planned destinations.

Another consideration - with a 2006 Highlander you will probably want a weight distribution hitch, at least with an Escape 17 or anything with a hitch weight over 250 - 300 lbs. That does involve a bit more work connecting & disconnecting the trailer. You can save a lot of cranking by getting a power tongue jack. You might get away without one if you are hauling a smaller, lighter trailer. If all you are looking for is a sleeping location, the 17B is probably more than you need.

With the options I added, I have a wet bath, sleeping for 3, AC, solar, etc. Makes a great home for long trips, but again may be more than you are looking for. My reason for purchasing a fiberglass "egg" was their high resale value, light weight for the size, the fact that they rarely develop leaks, and the interesting community of other fiberglass trailer owners. While used ones are difficult to find and are usually only available for a few days before someone scoops them up, it is a way to save some $. At the last rally I attended the oldest trailer was 40 years old - not to many stick built trailers last that long!