Small camper trailers?

[riggerrob 598]

Have any DZers slept in teardrop trailers?

I ask because I want to sleep at the DZ Saturday evenings, but my car will only tow 2,000 pounds with a maximum of 500 pounds on the tongue.

[NewGuy2005 51]

I've slept in the back of my Subaru before and it was too small for me. I think a typical teardrop would be great.

[Dutton 0]

CheapRVliving on youtube has great videos on minimal vehicular camping.
I've spent many a night in the back of my Element and a small dedicated trailer would be pussy retard shit to me. I suppose comfort is relative, though.

[Phillbo 11]

How big are you? I was with a friend when she was looking at a tear drop and at 6'4" I would not be real comfortable sleeping in one.... Unless a lot of alcohol was involved.

[keithbar 1]

Pop up baby stupid easy to tow and lots of room in them when you pop them up . This coming from someone north of 6'4"

i have on occasion been accused of pulling low . My response. Naw I wasn't low I'm just such a big guy I look closer than I really am .

[GD64 1]

Riggerrob, have been inside friends but not slept in. I have seen some with tongue weights of 100#s and up from there.

Overall weights of less then 2000#s as well.

Those two factors are largely dependent on floor plan layout (she has kitchen appliances and cabinetry up front so heavier tongue). Second major factor, you want an aluminum frame with a light fiberglass (or composite) exterior shell.

A couple of other items: having a longer A-frame (trailer hitch mounting) member which will generally put less weight on tongue. Also take note of axle location (fore & aft) which will also affect tongue weight.

Best of luck.

[Niki1 1]

Tongue weight can be adjusted according to how you load it.

Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossilbe before they were done.
Louis D Brandeis

Where are we going and why are we in this basket?

[riggerrob 598]

6' tall and 200 pounds, but my doctor told me to lose another 20 pounds.
I lived in a VW Wesfalia camper for a couple of years. Sometimes slept with my feet hanging off the end of the bed.
I also sleep well in hammocks.

[Phil1111 1,045]

I'm most familiar with truck campers, about the same size.

Advantages of small trailers are:

- allow you to use smaller fuel efficient tow vehicles which are more often the primary mode of transport.
- allow you to lock up valuables in your campsite.
- allow effective heating
- allow reasonable place to cook and clean dishes.
- allow you to get out of inclement weather.

You can strap bikes, surfboards and other cargo carriers to them as well. IMO far superior to tent trailers. Which in turn are superior to tents.

They are generally in very high demand. Boler trailers sell for more today than what they did originally. As do VW Westphalias in good condition. Research carefully your towing ratings and hitch options for your vehicle.

[akjmpplt 0]

Niki1

Tongue weight can be adjusted according to how you load it.

But should always be 10-15% of total trailer weight.

SmugMug

[Phillbo 11]

You'll want to add a tranny cooler to your car.