Best constructed travel trailer

[Steve_911]

I know I'm opening a can of worms here, but, I'm in the market for a new trailer about 20 to 24 feet in length and am having trouble determining who makes the best constructed TT's. I want something solid with a roof that won't collapse when I walk on it or fall apart when I want to occasionally take it off road boon docking. I like the idea of a roof ladder so I can access the roof when needed, but many TT's don't have them. Which leaves me to wonder perhaps the roof is not strong enough to walk on or?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
??

[TSeck]

I think the critical factors are, Manufacturer reputation, Layout, Construction, Cost and Dealer service. Not necessarily in that order. I've had everything from tents, pop-ups, very large rigs, small rigs and now that 2 of four kids have left the nest a medium size rig. See below..... Very satisfied so far.

Take your time, do the research and go for it.

[RobertRyan]

Slowmover wrote:
Thanks for that rule of thumb! It makes sense.

Anything above 33ft is better handled by a 5th Wheeler. Large Caravans per se ,are dying out here, replaced by a 5th Wheeler.
A 33ft Triaxle Caravan


A 32ft Viscount Supreme from the very early 1960's

A 37ft one from the same period.


Interesting tow Vehicle. Caravan is 32ft. Looks like the owner runs a business as well

[Slowmover]

RobertRyan wrote:

You cannot build a useable Off Road Caravan bigger than 24ft Internal. about 27-29ft Overall. As large as you want one on road, but not off road.

Thanks for that rule of thumb! It makes sense.

.

[Roadrash450]

Mik68 wrote:

Roadrash450 wrote:
I was kinda keeping to the size that the OP was requesting, 20 to 24ft. And yes I would do that if I could get a locally made unit built like those!

Anywho, to bring one of NA trailers back with you, Mik68, you have some good suggestions but if something breaks or parts are required, you may have an issue getting them to you or finding replacements at home. Just a thought.

Ahh, The world is getting so much smaller Roadrash. As you are aware, anything of any size can be sought & shipped these days.
FYI, 40 foot containers to Aus i'm told are $7,500. So I need to be able to fit my TT & with the room left over hopefully a American muscle car, prefer Dodge charger '68. Mmmm.

I like your thinking!!!:B

[Mik68]

Get the new SRT, a much improved ride and probably, about the same price. If you need it transported to your shipment point, I'd be happy to drive.:B

Looks like a nice ride Westend & I know u where joking but, It does need to be older than 25 years so i don't have to convert to left hand drive.

[westend]

Mik68 wrote:

Roadrash450 wrote:
I was kinda keeping to the size that the OP was requesting, 20 to 24ft. And yes I would do that if I could get a locally made unit built like those!

Anywho, to bring one of NA trailers back with you, Mik68, you have some good suggestions but if something breaks or parts are required, you may have an issue getting them to you or finding replacements at home. Just a thought.

Ahh, The world is getting so much smaller Roadrash. As you are aware, anything of any size can be sought & shipped these days.
FYI, 40 foot containers to Aus i'm told are $7,500. So I need to be able to fit my TT & with the room left over hopefully a American muscle car, prefer Dodge charger '68. Mmmm.

Get the new SRT, a much improved ride and probably, about the same price. If you need it transported to your shipment point, I'd be happy to drive.:B

[Mik68]

Roadrash450 wrote:
I was kinda keeping to the size that the OP was requesting, 20 to 24ft. And yes I would do that if I could get a locally made unit built like those!

Anywho, to bring one of NA trailers back with you, Mik68, you have some good suggestions but if something breaks or parts are required, you may have an issue getting them to you or finding replacements at home. Just a thought.

Ahh, The world is getting so much smaller Roadrash. As you are aware, anything of any size can be sought & shipped these days.
FYI, 40 foot containers to Aus i'm told are $7,500. So I need to be able to fit my TT & with the room left over hopefully a American muscle car, prefer Dodge charger '68. Mmmm.

[RobertRyan]

canoe on top wrote:
Clearance and overhang become an issue even at that length. Turning radius becomes a factor as well. Maneuvering gets much more difficult as the size increases

Also they become surprisingly hard to tow. That is why you have a F350 Diesel towing a 22ft Caravan. The stop start nature and dirt roads dramatically increase rolling resistance.

[canoe_on_top]

RobertRyan,
Would agree with around 24' being maximum for much off road. Clearance and overhang become an issue even at that length. Turning radius becomes a factor as well. Maneuvering gets much more difficult as the size increases. My quad cab Ram is 4WD but it won't go where me Jeep did.

[RobertRyan]

canoe on top wrote:
Would agree that the market may not exist in U.S. for extreme off road TT's, at least not enough to make it profitable. On the other hand, for $100K or so, I would expect you could build or have built a pretty stout off road TT small, but with all the comforts.

You cannot build a useable Off Road Caravan bigger than 24ft Internal. about 27-29ft Overall. As large as you want one on road, but not off road.

[canoe_on_top]

Would agree that the market may not exist in U.S. for extreme off road TT's, at least not enough to make it profitable. On the other hand, for $100K or so, I would expect you could build or have built a pretty stout off road TT small, but with all the comforts.

[RobertRyan]

Another manufacturer Spinifex and a 24ft Van.

Specifications
Model: Spinifex Outback Explorer Off-Road
Length: 24 ft Ext. (22" internal)
Colour: Champagne Powder Coating/Maroon & Black Decals
Year : 2010 (October)
Chassis Laminated 2X4" (50mmX 200mm) hot dipped galvanised.
Frame: Custom riveted aluminium (No chance of wood rot here)
Tare: 2840Kg (The empty weight)
ATM: 4200Kg (Total allowable weight of the van and contents. Note: Landcruiser
towing maximum 3500Kg)
Ball Wt: 280KG (Down force exerted on tow ball)
Reg To: 10/2011
Brakes: 12" Electric over hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels
Wheels: 17 inch, 5-stud Landcruiser
Water: 1X90 litre dedicated drinking plus 3X90 litre shower etc.
Tyres: 275/75R17 Cooper Discover A/T on 17 inch, 5 stud alloy wheels.
Susp: Vehicle Components Independent Airbag with shock absorbers.
Tow Hitch: Vehicle Components DO45 (4500Kg capacity.)
Beds: Custom Made Queen (6'10" X5'1")
Fridge: 230 litre, 2 door, Vitrifrigo, 12 volt compressor.
Solar: Three X Kyocera 130 Watt solar panels (Capable of 32 Amp
charge in full sun)
Batteries: Three X 120Amp/hr, Absorbed Glass Matt Sealed, 12 volt.
Charger: Fully automatic Phoenix 1600 watt/70amp charger. (70amp
charger allows for rapid recharging of batteries in a very short time).
Inverter: Fully automatic Phoenix 1600 Watt integrated with charger.
Supplies 240 volts to all 23 power points whether using shore power or not.
Insulation: Fully (and carefully) insulated with 25mm poly foam.

More details on the added extras on the Caravan.

[RobertRyan]

Brulaz wrote:
Yikes! Looks expensive. Is that a welded Al frame?

Correct and panels are screwed in not stapled.

[brulaz]

RobertRyan wrote:

...
Has to be built as an Off Road Caravan from the start, substantial OFF ROAD Chassis. Your right no slideouts, weakens the whole structure.Suspensions are Independent not reversed Leaf spring. You cannot "modify" a Dirt Road caravan into an Off Road model. The suspensions allows them to go Off Road and track well on a road being pulled by a vehicle.

Yikes! Looks expensive. Is that a welded Al frame?