Travel Trailer for Two

[onecb]

We are looking to step down from a Class A motorhome to a fairly small Trailer. Would like to find one set up for just two people and light enough to tow with a Chev Colorado. It would need a walk around Queen bed, a walk in shower, and a place to have a recliner couch to watch TV. Does such a Trailer exist? Alvin

[TCBear]

Most or all floorplans and related brochures are online these days for new RVs. So you could start with a search of "camping trailer brands" and then methodically go through that list by visiting manufacturers' websites. You could view most available options in a single evening. A few very large RV dealers also have libraries of both new and old brochures (and therefore floorplans) on their websites.

[Berefos]

Recently, I had to write an essay on this topic and I must say, it's an exciting subject. Exploring the world with a partner in a cozy trailer offers a unique adventure. But, when it came to penning my thoughts, fortunately, the Paper service at Studyfy https://studyfy.com/ came to my rescue. Their writing assistance made the process much smoother. It's amazing how the right resources can turn a daunting task into an enjoyable journey.

[deltabravo]

bgum wrote:
Airstream 25FB and 23FB
If price is a problem you may be able to find a lightly used unit.

I have a Chevy Colorado, and I wouldn't want to tow anything that long with it.

[Vintage465]

Outdoors RV Manufacturing has a pretty good assortment of coaches that have recliners and TV's in the same viscinity. The walk in shower could be a problem though.

[dave54]

Smaller rigs are easier to tow, but how long do you camp?

Do you take extended trips in winter?

Cooped up in a small trailer during a week long storm is rough on a relationship. Even in our 30' I have been known to don the raingear and take a walk in a downpour just to 'get away' for a while. DW is the light of my life, but 24/7 in a small space...

[BackOfThePack]

valhalla360 wrote:

ktmrfs wrote:

And Tow vehicle mfg generally assume max tongue weight of 10% while trailer mfg design for around 15% min tongue weight. See the problem?

Truck manufacturers are usually spec'ing based on a flat bed utility trailer with negligible wind resistance in addition to the marginal hitch percentage.

Correct. It’s not the weight, per se, it’s aero resistance to crosswinds that are the bane of trailer towing. Tongue weight at 12-13% is an ideal (it’s not “payload”), as 15 is harder to do, and 10 is a little light. WDH percentages are what matter in this.

A pickup isn’t an ideal TV anyway. What is it one carries that MUST go in the bed? An SUV or van is a better choice for DD as well as for being a TV due to greater inherent stability (suspension & COG) than a pickup.

A low COG TV AND TT is the better rig. Give both independent suspension (Airstream, for low crosswind trouble ) and it’s a slam dunk.

“Best” is otherwise non wet-bath and permanent beds (no fold out). 26-28’ TT “generally”.

Much depends on trip length. The longer & farther, the more the above plays in (as does freshwater & propane capacity). As third generation I wouldn’t consider shorter as a full timer rig.

Low cost of travel (daily) is from a clean sheet of paper for rig spec. My 62’ combined length 17k-lb rig averages 15-mpg in the South Central US. (Plan the trip via all stops; fuel cost savings are in the daily driver miles per annual fuel budget). What’s between the ears is what matters most.

10-15 year old AS is what I’d look at. Depreciation gone but still close to new. I bought both vehicles used more than ten years ago, and had just under $30k total into both (knew what to look for). Some DIY upgrade, and ongoing maintenance otherwise. Repairs minimal.

An all-aluminum fill-aero trailer always has a buyer. Or that children & grandchildren can inherit.
.

[nomadictxn]

Desert Captain wrote:

bgum wrote:
Airstream 25FB and 23FB
If price is a problem you may be able to find a lightly used unit.

Airstreams are nice, no doubt but they tend to be heavy. The OP will want to keep trailer GVWR below 5,000# if using a Colorado. My buddy pulled a nice Lance that was 5,000# with his Colorado and it worked fine but anything heavier probably would have had issues.

Good luck.

:C

I just bought my trailer from a couple that full timed for two years and towed with a Duramax Colorado. This trailer weighs 4200 lbs ready to camp with 520 lbs. tongue weight. They said their set up worked great with an equalizer hitch. I agree with the Freedom Express suggestion on a suitable floor plan. Good Luck!

[valhalla360]

ktmrfs wrote:

And Tow vehicle mfg generally assume max tongue weight of 10% while trailer mfg design for around 15% min tongue weight. See the problem?

Truck manufacturers are usually spec'ing based on a flat bed utility trailer with negligible wind resistance in addition to the marginal hitch percentage.

[onecb]

I came back to say thank you for all of the sugestions it gives us a lot to look at. We had not thought of most of these. Alvin

[Desert_Captain]

Dat's da fact Jack!

:C

[ktmrfs]

And Tow vehicle mfg generally assume max tongue weight of 10% while trailer mfg design for around 15% min tongue weight. See the problem?

[valhalla360]

bgum wrote:
Max towing capacity of Colorado is 7700 pounds.
Airstream 23FB GVWR is 6000 pounds. Wet weight is 4800 pounds. Well within limits of TV.
We have owned 4 Airstreams through the years and have pulled them with diesel 3/4 tons, 1/2 ton Chevy Silverado, Toyota 4RUNNER, and Toyota tacoma.
My observations are based on experience not on what someone said or what probably would happen.

Could it pull it? Probably.

Could it handle the hitch weight? Payload of the colorado is around 1500lb.

At 6000lb loaded, the airstream hitch weight should be up around 900lb. That leaves only 600lb for passengers and other stuff in the truck.

To the OP: Go swing by a CAT scale and weigh the truck loaded as if you are going on a trip. Subtract that from the trucks GVWR to get an idea of the max hitch weight (check the hitch rating too).

It's very common for lighter duty trucks to run out of payload before they run out of tow rating. Net result is the tow rating rarely sets the maximum trailer you can pull.

Honestly, you are probably better off moving to a 1/2 ton and find one with a 2000lb tow rating. The size difference is negligible and you will have much better options when picking a trailer.

[NamMedevac_70]

I have often and seriously looked at the small TABS and other tiny tear drop style trailers. They are very appeasing to look at both inside and out. The RV shows in Reno always have many of the styles on display. Fun day at the shows.

Cheers to Casino Gold.

[Reisender]

:). Lol. We did the same thing. After 17 years went from a 40 foot diesel pusher to an 18 foot teardrop trailer towed by an SUV.

Consider looking at the freedom express 192. It has a floor plan you may like and is within your towing specs.

Either way. Enjoy the new lifestyle. We love being able to get into campgrounds we could only pass before.

Safe travels.