Durability of lightweight trailers

[fastpopup]

After several years of camping with an A-liner clone, we are looking to move unto a slightly larger trailer that can withstand 2-3 month-long trips of 5 to 10K miles without needing serious repair. We normally stay in State and federal campgrounds not paved RV resorts.

We have looked at many under 3500 lbs. trailers and most do not seem to be built for the long haul. We are considering 15-18 foot models by Casita, Camp-Lite, Lance and Winnebago. Are trailers from these manufacturers up to this kind of travel and camping?


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[djsamuel]

BubbaChris wrote:
Camp-Lite moved off my shopping list when I read an owner report how cold that aluminum floor got, and what he did to solve that problem. But I did really like what I saw when I was able to step into one and look around.

The Lance was one of the 3 finalists I was choosing from. We went with our TT mostly because the value of being a 2nd owner and the floor plan felt so much better.

Camplite added a vinyl floor for late 2014/2015 that provides some relief from the aluminum floor. Never had an issue with ours since we just made sure to have sandals handy. We do have the carpeting that was provided, but it is still rolled up. It is definitely not a 4 season camper though except for locations like down here in Florida. The coldest we used our Camplite was upper 30's.

[BubbaChris]

Camp-Lite moved off my shopping list when I read an owner report how cold that aluminum floor got, and what he did to solve that problem. But I did really like what I saw when I was able to step into one and look around.

The Lance was one of the 3 finalists I was choosing from. We went with our TT mostly because the value of being a 2nd owner and the floor plan felt so much better.

[JJBIRISH]

As in all things, there are tradeoffs…

Heavy, light weight, cost, quality, are in the mix of tradeoffs…

If you want light weight and quality, the cost will reflect that…

If cost is a focus issue you may have to settle heavier construction methods, and/or higher maintenance attention…

Unfortunately in this industry (industry wide) you may not get all you bargained for or paid for at any price…

[djsamuel]

Construction of the Camplite Trailers

[bmj11]

On the Lance Forum , you can see a lot of owners in the west are using their in federal campgrounds, National Forest and others tough place. THey seem very happy.
You can ask them question ,
Lance Owner Forum
LOA

[hddecker]

The Lance seems to be a well built unit, if you go to their web site you can see a video of their construction methods.

Then go take a look at the others.

The durability has more to do with the construction process and materials used than the weight.

[fastpopup]

Serious repairs:
Repairs that can not be made without access to a repair shop and parts shipped in from the manufacturer.
We have had to deal with super-cheap tires that failed within 100 miles, exterior particle board bits and pieces that turned to mush when they got wet, parts of the lifting mechanism that were improperly installed -- and failed, cheap cabinet door latches that failed, allowing the doors to swing wildly until the hinges were destroyed. . . .

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[Dennis_Smith]

We have a 22 foot Funfinder. I think it would be lightweight. I am confused what you mean by serious repair. Do things need repairs, sure, a screw will back out, other little things. But that I think happens on anything that is bouncing down the road. We have a small tool box and repair not fix the little things that come loose

[Campfire_Time]

Care and maintenance are important to longevity of any trailer. Our last hybrid was a light weight Jayco. We bought it new and had it 10 years. Properly cared for it would last another 10 years. In my view the trick is to prevent or stop leaks before they get bad.

[djsamuel]

Our Camplite 21BHS has been very good for us.

[FrankShore]

fastpopup wrote:
Casita, Camp-Lite, Lance and Winnebago

All 4 are good, solid brands!

I'm partial to Camp-Lite and Lance, just to be honest!

The Casita is just too confining for my tastes, but the resale value is good and solid.

[colliehauler]

Scamp and Casita and other egg campers hold up very well. Look at resell value for a used unit.