light travel trailers

Npdchief07 wrote:
What are some of the lightest yet still spacious (bunks, etc) on the market?

Coachman Clipper or Forest River Viking make a few small bunkhouse models that are pretty decent. 17BH is one.

While there are many areas of TT quality that can be improved. The vast majority do what they are intended to do; at a price people are willing to pay.

This is not likely to change soon. Not everyone can drive a Rolls Royce. If you want a better TT, there are the aforementioned upscale models out there. You do not have stay with the standard units.

(Segue for you construction experts. On RV are the interior and fiberglass exterior panel "bonded" to the wall framing with some kind of construction adhesive ?)

Old school = 1" x 2" (nominal) wood frame with some horizontal framing. Fiberglass batt insulation.

Newer = 1" x 2" (nominal) wood frame with some horizontal framing. Expanded or extruded foam insulation.

Newest = Aluminum tubing frame (may have joints backed with wood inserts, may have some horizontal aluminum framing) Expanded or extruded foam. Typically, composite construction where interior and exterior panels are pinch rolled or thermal set with adhesive onto frame.

rbpru wrote:
The bulk of the trailer on the market are carbon copies of one another.

From a basic construction stand point, you are correct. 2x2 pine walls with some thin interior sheathing for rigidity and aluminum siding. I am always amazed the they hold together as well as they do with no cross bracing.

I don't know if the 1x1 aluminum frames are really that much more durable. A lot depends on the welds. In theory, the fiberglass laminated sides should be more durable, but I have heard that is not always the case.


(Segue for you construction experts. On RV are the interior and fiberglass exterior panel "bonded" to the wall framing with some kind of construction adhesive ?)

rbpru wrote:
In the end the biggest concern is floor plan.

Very true ! For example, there are very few <20' TT that have sleeping areas at opposite ends for families or snorers. Slide outs for the dinning area or coach are not popular either, unless you have a larger RV.

afidel wrote:
... Most of their customers to date have opted for all electric.

I think Lil' Snoozy is missing the boat by not offering some kind of heated floor ! The outside mounted window A/C looks a bit odd, but it is very practical.

For 2 people, I think the "cassette" black tank under the toilet is a good idea. Yes, you have to empty it very other day or so, but there is very little chance of spilling while transporting it and it dumps into any toilet. The same chemicals you use in a port-a-potti should keep the smell contained.

TomG2 wrote:
... I was shopping last week and discovered that some of the lower end Coachmen models had only electric refrigerators ...

At the camper show, all of the high end models had French door 120V refrigerators.

The bulk of the trailer on the market are carbon copies of one another.

These that are not, usually cost more or look funny or both.

The big question is why do you want light weight? I chose a Dutchmen Lite because it was a better match to my half-ton truck. Also because my wife did not like the shape or floor plans of many light weight trailers.

I found gas mileage is more a function of shape rather than weight.

In the end the biggest concern is floor plan.

If you already have a tow vehicle, the very first question to ask is "How much can I tow?". Then you can know what trailers to look at.

THe OP's question is extremely broad.

Can you narrow down what "size" you are interested in?

Some that come to mind in small sizes:
Coachman Clipper.
Forest River Viking

We just bought a Rockwood Mini Lite 2104s. Had the most space for the size and just over 4000 lbs. dry. First trip out last weekend and we love it.