Trail Manor vs. Fiberglass TT

Zebedee wrote:
I've been digging into some fiberglass trailer research recently. I also really like the Trail Manors with their low profile and expandability.

I'm trying to make a list of positives/negatives of the two. So far, it seems to me that:

-Egg-style fiberglass trailers keep in the heat/cool better
-Being fiberglass moulds, they are less likely to leak, and may require less maintenance.
-You don't have to pop them up, which is nice during poor weather conditions.
-Trail Manors may allow for better MPG due to their low height
-They are a pop-up but with hard sides

What would be some other observations regarding these two TT types?

We looked at the "egg style" to cramped and just as subject to leaks.
Since the trailmanor uses an adjustable torsion bar system to raise the shells they are easy; unlike the pup we had during setup/break down in rainy weather we haven't had a problem with the TM getting wet.

TM's hold their resell value very well. Took us 6 years to make the decision but we have been very pleased with it over the last 5 years.

Our avg mpg goes from 14 (empty TV) to 13 with two weeks of supplies, and either a jon boat or canoe on top of the TV.

The Trail Manor and fiberglass "egg" trailers are very specialized products that have limitations, as all RVs do. With the Trail Manor, you get a larger, more traditional trailer-like interior but with limitations due to the design. I wouldn't be happy with the smaller refrigerator and less overall storage, but that is due to the type of traveling/camping that we do which includes multiple week trips. The design of the Trail Manor can make it more efficient to tow i.e. higher gas mileage and smaller tow vehicle. The same can be said for the fiberglass eggs. I've looked at the "eggs" online, and feel that they are a viable option if you really want to have a smaller trailer. Right now, I'd rather keep our 26' Winnebago, but if the time comes when I want a smaller unit that can be towed by a smaller truck or tow vehicle, the fiberglass eggs are really nice and should be very durable but that comes at a price. I don't think the DW and I would be happy traveling in one for multiple week trips, but for shorter trips, we could adjust.

It all boils down to what meets your needs. When we had kids, we had a pop-up trailer and really enjoyed it. When the kids were in college, we had a 29' trailer with 1 ton truck. A couple of years ago, we downsized to the Minnie and it works well for us. We're in our sixties...so who knows what the next rig will be!!

I believe it is an apples to oranges comparison. They both have unique features and staunch supporters.

As mentioned you have to decide what you want when you travel and camp.

The DW and I wanted,
+ A TT we could stop and access without having to set up. Handy for lunch and potty breaks while towing.
+ A bed we can exit without crawling over your partner.
+ A full bath.
+ A pantry, closet and storage.
+ Enough room for two adults and a dog when it rains.
+ A price we could afford.

Obviously your requirements will be different but it helps to write them down and compare them with the DW.

I can't speak for the egg style but we purchased a used Trailmanor this past summer and have been very happy. The only cabinets that would be considered flimsy would be the one around the bath room as they are the only ones that fold up. As far as holding heat or cold we camp in 100 degree temps with high humidity this past summer and the a/c on low cool kept us very comfortable. The pull great behind my Tacoma and are actually lower in height that my truck with the camper shell.

I only have an 84" garage door opening so we had to go with a folding type or pop up style. And we didn't want to deal with canvas and ran across the Trailmanors which is hard sided.

As far as setting one up it takes less than 5 minutes to pop it up and get the inside set up.

We could use a little more info on your camping plans/style, tow vehicle, number of occupants, etc.

MFL is correct, the eggs hold their value far better than most small TTs but that may not be a concern to you. Let us know.

LS

Have you been inside a Trail Manor? The cabinets are very flimsy -- they have to be, because they fold up. You have to clean off all surfaces before lowering the top.

Have you been inside an Egg? Some folks find them kind of cramped -- make sure they have enough headroom.

Trail Manors not only save gas, they tow better in the wind. Eggs are very durable -- great for rainy climates.

The egg style fiberglass seem to hold resale value, more than the normal pop ups.

Which would work better with whatever tow vehicle you have, is something to consider.

Good luck with your search!

Jerry