New TT for Compact Cars

[gheicher]

Columbia Northwest has just announced a new non-folding travel trailer that weighs under 1500 lbs. The ASCAPE
Utilizes a drop-floor to increase headroom while keeping the outside profile low. Being introduced at Louisville show this week.

Appears to be targeting small SUV tow vehicles with no more than two people that want to travel.

[dodge_guy]

I`de like to see the floor plan. but I don't think there is a floor to walk on?

[BroncosFan]

https://www.armadillotrailers.net/

[gheicher]

I know they have been looking at other configurations for the Ascape. No reason they could not offer an off-road version as they do on their Somerset line except CNW has been very busy and at this time and probably not going to do anything that might negatively impact production.
Website

[Fubeca]

LVJJJ wrote:
airplanes are bulbous in the front and taper to a point at the back, must be a reason why. LIttle TT is a little ugly alright.

Aerodynamics works differently at airplane speeds vs. highway speeds. It would be interesting to try some-type of foldable rear aero kit like some of the big trailers are using. This little trailer is very non-aero. Pulling it backward would likely be more aero. It cracks me up that companies market these types of things as aero with apparently little understanding of aerodynamics.

[patchelect]

There is a car running around for quite a nuber of years already that is called the Smart for Two. It's also 1/2 a vehicle and it also costs "good money" but it serves its owners well and satisfies the itch they have.

Dif'rent Stroke for Dif'rent Folks as Sly used to sing.

I own a RAM pick up but also a Mazda Miata. They both have a specific purpose that suits me fine.

[bakerkids]

Very close floor plan to Lil Snoozy, which I've always admired. I always thought it was a shame you couldn't order it with propane, because the layout is great.

I love your setup, but then I love the tiny ones.

[SkiMore]

LVJJJ wrote:

keymastr wrote:
With that tall flat back it will take almost as much power to pull it as a bigger ultralight. A Ford Model A is more aerodynamic in reverse than forward since the air clings to the large flat rear end.

Seems like there are already a ton of choices in this market segment. I would be more partial to a scamp type design.

Amen, that's why I built an air deflector and mounted it at the back of the roof on my flatback Tahoe. Breaks up the vacuum and releases the TT from the air flow and keeps the back clean. Note that airplanes are bulbous in the front and taper to a point at the back, must be a reason why. LIttle TT is a little ugly alright.

Could you post some pictures? How much did MPG improve?

[Community Alumni]

mgirardo wrote:
Here's an article with interior photos.

-Michael

Thanks for the link. It has more space than I thought it would. Looks like it has about as much space as some of those short bed truck campers.

[RobertRyan]

mgirardo wrote:
Here's an article with interior photos.

-Michael

Another similar one here is the Karakampa

[LVJJJ]

keymastr wrote:
With that tall flat back it will take almost as much power to pull it as a bigger ultralight. A Ford Model A is more aerodynamic in reverse than forward since the air clings to the large flat rear end.

Seems like there are already a ton of choices in this market segment. I would be more partial to a scamp type design.

Amen, that's why I built an air deflector and mounted it at the back of the roof on my flatback Tahoe. Breaks up the vacuum and releases the TT from the air flow and keeps the back clean. Note that airplanes are bulbous in the front and taper to a point at the back, must be a reason why. LIttle TT is a little ugly alright.

[RobertRyan]

Interestingly Avan who make the Aliner under licence in Australia( it is one of several models and brands that they produce) has it's own lightweight expandable Caravan called the Ray A midsize car can tow it.

[jackquontee]

At 54, I am in the process of downsizing from a 4,000sqft house to somewhere between 1200-1500 (I'm single). For almost 20 years (and, yes, I lived in it alone almost all of that time) I utilized a bedroom, a bathroom, and, occasionally, the kitchen of that 4,000sqft. I sure as heck don't need a trailer equivalent to the house I'm trying to get away from.

Give me somewhere to lay my head, use the bathroom, and, again, occasionally cook, and I'm good.

[CavemanCharlie]

My first TT wasn't any bigger then that. At the age I was then it worked perfect for me.

The one I have now is still only 20 feet and 4600 pounds. Some people think it's to small but, it works great for me and the dog. When I had a girlfriend it worked good for us too. Not everyone needs a big camper.

[SoundGuy]

SoundGuy wrote:
The Ascape is no doubt a niche product but there's nothing wrong with that if it serves your purposes ... and for just one or two adults it sure beats setting up a tent trailer in the rain. :W

bsandey wrote:
I have nothing against pop-ups.

Nor I, except I'd never own one again. 😛 We did an awful lot of long distance traveling back in our popup days but that was then and this is now. Our K-Z Spree 240BH-LX was the biggest trailer we've ever owned but we've since downsized to 19' couple's trailer which although larger than your Ascape would still be considered pretty small by most. As you, we like it, it serves our purposes nicely, it's easy to tow, and I can park it on virtually any site. :B Different strokes for different folks, but there's no question many more these days are gravitating to smaller trailers rather than those like that monster shown in the background in your pic. :W