Small trailer suggestions

BackOfThePack wrote:

mavapa wrote:
I’m a couple of steps away from buying a small trailer. I like what I have seen of the T@b 320 and 400, but they are pricey, new or used. Does anyone have a suggestion for a similar type? I want small, preferably narrow and light. I have looked around at several brands, but nothing has jumped out at me. I’m just wondering if I have overlooked anything.

— Why is “small” important?
(They don’t tow more easily).

— “Value” re money spent goes up in lineal feet increases.
(There’s a minimum, basically, and also a sweet spot for length/money)

— Inconvenience can weigh heavily after awhile.
(Constant hard use ups the wear rate of interior).

— Small capacities reduce boondocking ability
(Meaning increased energy use to go back/forth from
the store; propane supplier, get water; dump tanks, etc).

— Vast majority of its life it never moves. That IS the way to look at it.

The above is preparatory to asking:

1). How many years will you own it?

2). How many nights aboard annually?

— The “price” of the RV is the total number of nights aboard over those years.
Each night is worth = $$$

Shorter the period of ownership and lesser nights, the higher the cost of going camping.

The typical RVer spends too much as he keeps it five years and spends maybe thirty nights aboard annually. Then trades for another stapled cardboard box.

You’re say, age fifty and you plan to use this till you’re age 75?
(That’s a MUCH better starting perspective).

For a couple (even a family of five) a 28’ is a great size when it’s also quality. The type which will outlast your ownership. And there’s no need to buy new, much less buy over & over. My parents 1975 TT is still on the road with the second owners 17-years after they bought it. My folks had it thirty years.

“Used” (when you’re in earning years) just means an annual list of upgrades to tackle as time & budget allow. May not amount to much, or maybe you want to maintain the higher level of OEM quality.

TTs continue to go downhill from their 1960s quality. There are next to no true improvements save ducted A/C and distributed water-radiator heat.

The classic layout is rear full bath, beds going forward, and kitchen area with all appliances over the axles. The difference from there (length) was how big was the lounge area. (Dinettes separate are wasted space vs closets/cabinets). A full exterior awning package is what makes for camping versatility past “capacities”. One chases shirtsleeve weather (or, from 40F to 90F) to make the most of low thermal mass (all TT).

Greater clarity about NOW and SOME DAY will be of help. (Don’t discount being trapped by weather, days of rain, or being sick/injured. Don’t be FORCED out of the TT).

Good post. But re why some of us go small. We are a one vehicle house and it can’t be a truck (has to fit in the garage). So some people choose a small trailer to be compatible with their tow vehicle.

Other reasons for us was storage (max 20 feet)
Easier on and off the ferries we use.
Manoeuvrable by hand on the site or in the driveway.

Small has certain advantages for some. We all camp and travel different of course.