From another female with limited vehicle, load limits or mechanical knowledge,,,,,I suggest you think outside of the box. I've compromised between my wants and my needs based on my not wanting to replace my 2007 Ford Escape. I had Haulin by Forest River customize a 6 x 12 mini-wedge enclosed cargo trailer to use as my travel trailer. With double cargo doors at the rear, a side cargo door with RV handle, 2 windows 48x30 and a 15x30 window, and insulation in the ceilings and walls. The company was very easy to work with and can pretty much add/delete any feature you choose. I have a great start on a modest TT. I also had several other upgrades and all for less than $4000 and a dry weight of 1431 lbs. I'm adding a memory foam bed, cabinets, etc. and what I call my hybird shower and sink (shower stall with solar shower setup and kitchen sink, which both empty into movable tank under the TT when parked) 2 burner stove and of course a porta pot. I just bought the cargo trailer and have painted the existing plywood walls and ceiling and put down a vinyl floor. My goal is to have a dry weight between 1800-2000 pounds, which I should be able to do using light weight but strong materials. For one person I figure I will not need more than 400 pounds carry on putting me at 2400 total plus a person/people and gas weight. I have already made two 400 mile trips with camping gear (probably enough to offset the permanent fixtures) and the trailer has pulled, stopped and manuevered like a dream. I turn the OD off when pulling the trailer and the rpms are only slightly above plain driving, the vehicle climbs small mountains without changing gears (Monteagle TN if you know the area) and the gas mileage went from 22 to 15 mpg at 65 mph which isn't bad. I have had no swaying, even when large trucks zoom by me or the wind gusts. I am fully conscious that I am pulling the trailer and drive accordingly but a lot of the time I physically can't even tell it's back there. Maybe a cargo conversion would be a good alternative over a teardrop (I just couldn't convince myselt a teardrop would be comfortable enough) and you could still afford to have the type trailer you want for your permanent location. Again, the only thing I can go by is actual experience in pulling and staying in the camper. How it handles in an emergency is yet to be seen but like any other thing we do in life,,,,,,we cannot predict what might happen or what the results might be. Just be prepared, careful and drive defensively. Granted if I had plenty of money and could get exactly what I want I would have one of those nice pull behinds or 5 wheels but I simply don't have $70+ just to go camping. These are just my thoughts and I can only take responsibility for my own safety and well being ,,,,,,,but I'm not afraid and am having a good time:)
