Best TT for retired couple looking to travel

[jk123]

My in-laws have a Volkswagen Tourig Diesel (8000lb towing capacity). I'm trying to help them find the nicest camper that they could tow with their car.

Any advice? So far we've liked the Lance 2295 the most. Is there anything nicer / better built?

Thanks

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

djgarcia wrote:

colliehauler wrote:
It sounds like they already are looking at a nice camper. Airstream is always a iconic brand.

Airstream is a great trailer, the problem is that you have to rob a Bank to pay for it:):):) You can buy other brands of equal quality trailers for much less money!

🙂 Hi, I'm not rich and didn't rob anyone, but I own an Airstream. We bought it brand new; Made a small deposit and one payment after that. Equal quality is debatable. (for less money, is not debatable)

[djsamuel]

We are getting ready to retire and purchased a Camplite 21BHS. May be a bit big for the TV you mention, but they have smaller models. Really excellent units.

Camplite web site

[fitznj]

You have not stated what your in-laws requirements are?
Winter camping? then interior space is more important
How many beds ? are they expecting guests
Dinette? we don't have one and always eat outside or on the sofa
Slide outs? I can't live without one - but that is me
Size of the bathroom? I can't live with a cramped space
Are they taking"stuff" with them? where are they going to put it?
How tall are they?
What kind of floor-plane do they like - I prefer living room at the back and bed at the front.

Without knowing the requirements - it tough to recommend anything.

The Toureg is a short wheel base vehicle - be really careful with the length of the TT. I've learned over the past 20+ years of towing that the wheelbase of the vehicle will make a huge difference in the towing experience.
Gerry

[MarkTwain]

colliehauler wrote:
It sounds like they already are looking at a nice camper. Airstream is always a iconic brand.

Airstream is a great trailer, the problem is that you have to rob a Bank to pay for it:):):) You can buy other brands of equal quality trailers for much less money!

[sushidog]

I like that Oliver Legacy Elite II. It is only 4,600lbs (7,000lbs GVWR) yet 23.5' long. It has an aluminum chassis. They are pricy though, (as are the Airstreams.) http://olivertraveltrailers.com/brochure/2015-OTT-Legacy-Elite-2-pages.pdf

Being a tightwad, I'd go with a more conventional trailer like the Gulf Breeze Ultra Lite line by Gulfstream. For example, here's a 30'10' trailer with a slide that weighs in under 4,800lbs (with a generous 2,700lb CCC) - for less than half the price of the first 2 mentioned. Get one a couple years old and save even more. http://gulfstreamrvtrailers.com/gulf-breeze-sport/floorplans/28RLF.php

Chip

[bgum]

While Olivers are nice campers they should not be compared to Airstreams. Apples and oranges. First off Olivers are factory sold and serviced. Airstream has a solid dealer base for sales and service. Airstream has been made since the 1930s. Olivers first sold in 2007 went in hibernation and reappeared in 2013.
Good luck with any camper purchase you make.

[rexlion]

They might want to look at the Oliver, sold factory direct from Tennessee. http://olivertraveltrailers.com/ They seem to be building a top-notch, durable unit. Picture a white Airstream without all the seams.

[Dick_B]

www.trailmanor.com

[MarkTwain]

jk123 wrote:
My in-laws have a Volkswagen Tourig Diesel (8000lb towing capacity). I'm trying to help them find the nicest camper that they could tow with their car.

Any advice? So far we've liked the Lance 2295 the most. Is there anything nicer / better built?

Thanks

Look at the Casita or Scamp for real light trailers. Lance is well built and you can't go wrong. Lance holds its resale value too.

[handye9]

Do more research on the tow vehicle first.

1. The vehicle's tow capacity, is considering a propperly equipped vehicle, which has NO aftermarket accessories, No cargo, NO passengers, and may have included a limitation on frontal area of the trailer. Check the owners manual for info on frontal limitations.

2. Some SUV / crossover type vehicles are not recommended for use with a weight distributing hitch. Check the owners manual, regarding use of WDH.

3. The vehicle will most likely exceed it's payload capacity, long before it gets close to that 8000 lb tow capacity. Check tire and loading sticker (on drivers door jamb) for occupant / cargo capacity (payload). From that number, subtract the weight of occupants, cargo (stuff they plan to keep in or on the vehicle), and weight of the hitch (if that is a WDH - 100 lbs). What is left, is payload available for trailer tongue weight. As the available payload is going down, the towing capacity is going with it.

4. Check the vehicle's hitch receiver. Look for rating numbers for tongue weight with and tongue weight without weight distribution.

Consider some average trailer numbers.

1. Tongue weight will be minimum of ten percent of loaded trailer weight, and could be up to fifteen percent. Average about 12.5 percent. Keywords being "loaded weight" and "average". Tongue weights go up and down during every trip.

2. Average trailer load (dishes, pots and pans, camp chairs, BBQ, flashlights and tools, bedding, groceries, and water, etc) is 800 to 1000 lbs. If they buy a trailer with 4000 lb UVW, it will be close to 5000 lbs when ready to camp.

Once you know the real world towing and carrying capacities of the tow vehicle, and you have a good idea of what kind of "loaded" trailer weight will push their limits, look at trailer's that will leave them some cushion. The closer you get to exceeding any ratings, the more unpleasant towing can be.

You may find that Lance to be a good fit, or, you may find you need to adjust your search.

[colliehauler]

It sounds like they already are looking at a nice camper. Airstream is always a iconic brand.

[Oasisbob]

"nicest" . Airstream or Camp Lite. There are many in that weight range that will work. Few that are nice.

[donn0128]

They will want a really light trailer, maybe a hybrid, or something like an Rpod should work OK.