Forum Discussion

sam22's avatar
sam22
Explorer III
Feb 22, 2015

Under 2000lbs

Hello! This is my first post here so hopefully I haven't put this is the wrong spot or asked a question that's been answered a thousand times! Anyways, my situation is that I want to buy a Jeep Patriot. I like the boxy look of them, it's affordable and would be a good winter car here in snowy Alberta. The downside is that it has a small engine with a towing capacity of 2000lbs. In addition to the new car purchase I very much want to get a travel trailer. My family is growing and tenting just isn't as appealing as it used to be. So, my problem is that I need to find something that the jeep could tow, something in the 1500lbs range. So, I'm looking for some advice from everyone on here On what my options are. It doesn't need to be big or fancy, just big enough to sleep 4 people and it does need to have a real toilette, not one of those port a potty things. I've come across a few smaller trailers that fit the list of requirements, but they cost a fortune! So, is there something out there that fits my needs or am. I out of luck if I go wih the Jeep and it's fairly limited towing capabilities? Thanks in advance for any help!

38 Replies

  • Forgot to comment on the Porta Potti problem. Most really light campers do not have toilets.

    I bought a lightweight truck camper and reluctantly purchased a portable toilet for it. It has proved very useful. The tanks can be easily refilled at any faucet and the black water can be dumped into a regular or pit toilet if necessary.

    We only use our toilet for liquid waste but that has been not problem for those quick nighttime needs. Real problem is the need to place or install in an open spot so privacy is definitely reduced.

    Lightweight and approx $100-150 so you aren't paying a lot for the experiment.
  • A popup with a 'real' bathroom can be a challenge. Some may have cassette toilets with a storage area. But then they only have a shower curtain type of enclosure. It was that lack of solid walls that eventually ended me in a 26 foot bunkhouse...lol. (it happens).
    The Aliner mentioned are nice, can be towed with just about anything. Which, is what your jeep's capability is, the same as just about any car. The Patriot is built on a car platform, don't expect much from it in the way of towing. (Or off roading or ground clearance).

    There is this, but not sure if it'll fit your needs. http://www.eggcamper.com/
  • See if you can find a pop-up with a real bathroom. That's about the only way you will be able to fit 4 people in a trailer under a ton.
  • You may want to look at some of the other Jeeps. Many can tow 5000 lbs, giving you more options for a small trailer. You'll be very limited with the one you selected, and probably won't be happy when towing. Otherwise, look at very small Pop- ups or a utility trailer that can carry a tent and your other gear. Probably no toilets, though.
  • if you buy a TT that meets your needs for your family, it will more than likely too large for the Jeep to handle.
  • Welcome to the forum. Search small travel trailer or light weight travel trailers or very small travel trailers or ultra light travel trailers.
  • ALiner.com is the smallest camper that I know of that has solid walls. Anything with canvas sides will have to be dried out if you go camping on a raining weekend. This can be a pain.

    Aliner sets up in a few minutes, and resists winds, so you can stay warm inside. It is very low profile.

    Basically if you want anything larger, pick a larger tow vehicle.

    Good luck

    Fred.