Two Travel Trailers one large one very small?

[DwnSth]

We currently have the 31 ft. TT in sig. We have gone from Pop-up when we had young kids to a 24 ft and now the Open Range for just the two of us (and two large dogs). We love the TT and it has proven the perfect set-up for us. Our typical trips have been destination type travel with week or longer stays at one site. We would like to travel out west or north-east but hesitate to take the large TT because of site size limitations (we like national park and forest campsites). Also, ease of setup is another consideration. We have been considering a small TT like a Casita or even the new Airstream Basecamp as a 2nd TT to use for our longer trips with shorter stays at each location. Wondering if anyone else has done this - large TT and small TT. Don't want to give up the comfort of the Open Range for our destination visits but really can't see taking it on a 2k or 3k trip out west and parking for only one or two nights at a time.

[Murphsmom]

If always have my eye out for an older (vintage) small trailer that would be sufficient for the guys to take into hunting camp. I'm not thinking the Cougar would want to be in the places they go...and I don't want it going there!

[path1]

Interesting how people end up with 2 RV's. When I retired we picked up a short used cruise America class C, little bit longer than a camper. At the time we already owned a 33 foot 5th wheel but sold it. Being we already experienced the hassles of a large RV going small was a no brainier for us. But after spending a couple weeks in our small RV we then understood the space in large RV was missed. Wife found a 30 foot trailer she liked and it is her "doll house". We have a lot in Yuma that we use as a base camp. Our smaller is RV great for traveling and camping but spending any amount of time or stuck inside because of rain couple for a weeks might change your mind. At our park (full hook ups) many people with large RV's got tired of dragging them around over the years and they picked up a small traveling RV. And some put their large RV in covered storage (because sun damage) and go from their home and "camp" all the way down from Canada or other frozen places to the southwest. By the time they get to Yuma, camping all the way in Nat campground and such they fall in love they the bigger RV all over again. Being able to fit in anywhere without the hassles is great but we sure do enjoy the space of our big one. Also when at home, use the smaller class C as back up vehicle and spare bedroom. Having both small and large RV has many benefits. However this year we had to stay home because wife got new hip (don't want her in public, somebody might try to steal her:) Now with 2 rv's I now have to all the maintenance items and insurance of two. Also getting old that the place I buy RV parts from knows me by name.

[SoundGuy]

Personally I don't see any advantage to an ultra short trailer, as in any much shorter than ~ 20', especially for those already used to a much longer one. We ourselves downsized from a triple bunk bed family trailer measuring 26'9" coupler to bumper to a couple's trailer measuring 22'6" and after 3 seasons I can comfortably say that's about as short as we'd want to go. In our experience camping here in Canada and many parts of the US anything 25' or shorter can be placed on pretty well any campsite, with no significant advantage to anything much shorter. Why suffer a too small fridge, ultra small bathroom, less storage, and less interior space when there's really no need, especially when one already has a TV capable of easily handling a 20 - 25 footer? :h

[DutchmenSport]

Must becoming a common experience. Around where I live, I see more and more houses with more than 1 camper parked there. Usually, one larger, one smaller. Sometimes a motor home and a pop-up. Never could figure that one out. I thought, maybe one of the grandkids was storing their pop-up at grandma or grandpa's farm or something. But often wondered if they just wanted something smaller for different styles of camping. Or, maybe some folks where I live just enjoy collecting camper!

If I had the opportunity, I'd pick another one up in a heartbeat. I'd set one of them up semi-permanent in my back yard and use the the other for travel. Shoot ... we never sleep in the house any more! ... really! Our home has become a place where we can live in the camper! (to each his own).

Your idea sounds perfectly logical to me! Go for it! Have fun and enjoy the lifestyle!

[DanNJanice]

It doesn't seem to me that a 27ft 5th wheel would be all the onerous to deal with. Now, if you had a 35-40 footer, then yes, I could see a need for something smaller.

[Durb]

I sold a BigFoot when we "upgraded" to the 5er in my signature. I never once considered having two trailers but I have regretted selling the smaller trailer ever since. We love the luxury of our Domani but sometimes it isn't the right tool for the job.

[chr_]

Been thinking about doing a second smaller rig for when I go out without DW. Maybe a small cargo trailer converted with the basics, or a van as a TV with some RV features... Maybe something modular that can slide in and out.

Lots of inspiration at TNTT.com

[pasusan]

We just did the 2 RV thing... We have a comfortable trailer and wanted something more nimble for shorter trips - we got a class B.

Now we are finding we are buying everything over again. Bedding, kitchen items, levellers, water and dumping hoses, electric extension cords, those triangle things if you break down, on and on...

I seriously considered not keeping anything stocked and having bags of stuff to take to one camper or the other. But, we want to be able to jump into the B for whatever strikes our fancy. So - keep everything in the B, and then move things to the trailer when we take that?

No - it's easier but more expensive to buy duplicates.

Anyway - we are still happy with our decision, but it is certainly something to think about. :R

Good luck!

[Johndanielscpa]

I have a 30' fifth wheel for "glamping" and a 15' T@B for "camping." I don't think this is exceptionally unusual.

[theoldwizard1]

DwnSth wrote:
We would like to travel out west or north-east but hesitate to take the large TT because of site size limitations (we like national park and forest campsites). Also, ease of setup is another consideration. We have been considering a small TT like a Casita or even the new Airstream Basecamp as a 2nd TT to use for our longer trips with shorter stays at each location. Wondering if anyone else has done this - large TT and small TT.

Those sound like long road trips, admittedly not a lot of time in any one place. Storage (clothing, fod) in those TTs is a premium. I suspect you will have to use the TV for a lot of items.

I am not sure why, but the Basecamp has a high tongue weight, 410 lbs, for its base weight (with battery and LP but no water) of 2585 lbs.

[TomG2]

I picked up a little Jayco for just what you are talking about. Quick shorter trips. Kept the larger trailer. Easier towing, better fuel mileage, etc. were some of the reasons.