Travel trailer / Camper Rigs

[Figmo]

What kind of camper is that?

It's a "one of two"

I had it made to order from a factory over in China. I made two of them and imported them into the USA. Sold the other to a guy over in Idaho. (note: importing trailers into the USA is a curse I wouldn't wish on my worse enemy - groan)

It's got a poly block articulating hitch. 35" tires. 200AH lithium battery. 12v charger and 12v inverter. Fridge/Freezer. Water heater. Shower. Audio system. Roof rack/ladder. Awning. Pretty comfy for something that goes just about anywhere your tow vehicle can go.

It's got 35" tires and I matched the wheels to the Bronco I originally planned to tow with when I spec'd it out ( To be used as emergency spares). Also designed it to have the same wheel track width as the Bronco when towing through snow/mud. So it could follow the ruts.

But I've been doing more towing with the Gladiator now - so I'm considering swapping wheels.

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[Guns_N_Rosaries]

After seeing people post theirs, a Casita is what I'm wanting to get someday.

 

[BourbonRunner]

@Figmo

Now you've got me (and likely others) curious. Would you mind sharing a few details if it isn't an imposition?

 

[kevman65]

Okay, let me throw this out there.

If you're going to do an LS/LT swap, plan on tons, with the bigger axles comes bigger brakes and bigger wheels.

You can increase your trailer weight with this set up.

Just a thought out of left field.

 

[Figmo]

@Figmo

Now you've got me (and likely others) curious. Would you mind sharing a few details if it isn't an imposition?

Here's a little video I put together back when I had #2 up for sale. It highlights all the highlights.

My original plan was to continue to build and import these into the US and have a little side gig selling them. But the transportation/duties/inspections/government interloping/etc. fees proved the concept to be cost prohibitive. (man the NHTSA? Holy Hannah!! You don't even want those guys ever knowing your name)

I was hoping to be able to sell in the "sub $25K" range - turns out it would be more like the $35K range. And at that price point - there are several big names already out there doing the same thing.

So I kept #1. Sold #2 at just a little over cost. And I'm happy.

(wish I would have spec'd a diesel heater in the initial design - will be retrofitting soon to #1 here)

 

[Ferg]

I built this few yrs back. I too got to get back into camping.

THAT is FREAKING COOL!

 

[Ferg]

 

[RubiNewbCB]

I built this few yrs back. I too got to get back into camping.

M1101? Or older?

 

[Dummy SALAPA]

Im picking this up on Saturday, Ill let you know how it tows. However I dont think you could get a bike in it.. LOL I do like what you posted for that purpose.

 

[Jcsii]

I have gone through a few options:

Intech Pursue. I really like the Intechs, we just wanted something with more headroom. The back barn doors may not latch and come open going down the road if you are not careful. Not an issue if you get the ramp. The original design for the kitchens can also come open going down the road. They fixed it with a new latch design. I would get one without the kitchen if you can. Nice idea but I prefer not being limited by its design.

Aliner, not applicable to you. I liked it but after awhile wife decided on wanting a bathroom.

Livin Lite, I HIGHLY recommend. I went to a Livin' Lite CampLite 16DBS. All the benefits of the Intech but better if you get the older ones. ALL aluminum construction (pre 17 i think) including the decking and roof. Mine has the tandem axles and membrane roof but has the aluminum decking. They were acquired by a bigger company and ended up being shut down. I think they made some toy haulers under the VRV label. May also be under Quicksilver. Same company that supplied campers to Jeep when the JK came out. There interiers seem to age better than other brands.

This one is sold but gives you an idea
https://www.evansrvsales.com/product/used-2015-livin-lite-quicksilver-vrv-7-x-20-2592739-28




I'll be the party pooper since I have not seen anyone bringing it up, not sure axles and engine really upgrade your tow rating.

 

[Jcsii]

Since you specifically mentioned the slide out kitchen I'll fill in some more details.

It worked ok but the add on shelf for work space was always a pain to deal with. Had to be removed from storage spot to access fridge. Was smaller than I needed anyway so just left at home.

The stove was ok, storage under stove almost too small for kitchen gear, just ended up not using it and cooking out of a setup in the bed of my gladiator. For me worked better that way since I could use it for day trips also when leaving the camper at the campsite. Same for fridge, preferred it in the back seat.

I loved the camper just out grew it. You can get a 2" lift for the axles though you would probably be better of going with an axle with more down angle.

Actually looking now for a used pursue for our trips out west. Unless I get that Power Wagon I am looking at.. then I would feel better pulling the Camplite I have.

 

[KevinC]

Looking to see what you're all running and got. I think this set up will cover everything I need, after 20 years in the Army I don't need a much and have no need for an onboard bath. The AC is the only option I care about; I can handle cold.........hot and sticky.....hell no

I applaud your process of researching first before making a decision. Kind of like issuing a WARNO before an OPORD. I can only offer a little more opinion than the good information already posted.

After 22 years in the Army when I retired, I thought I would be comfortable with tent camping. That didn't last a year. I'm too old and had slept on the ground (or cot) for too long. It was time to reward myself in better comfort.
1st - Winnebago Micro Mini. About 4K lbs towing. Didn't like towing in with a JT but it was doable. Wife decided she didn't want to camp anymore so I downgrded.
2nd - I tooked at pop-ups, teardrops, Scamps, Casita and other small campers. They all have pros and cons. I finally decided on an Aliner. It tows easy at less than 2k. I can stand up and walk around inside the camper. I am able to buy and use the best quality mattress for a quality night sleep. Window unit a/c keeps camper at 72 degrees in July in Florida. Collapses down for easy storage at home, can even fit inside most garages. I camp mostly at State parks, so I saw no need for a wet bath.

 

[legacy_etu]

All great discussion point and advise.

1) the wife issue thing is going to resolve itself soon lol
2) I'm only 5'7".......so I'm good on interior height
3) Yes, a rear screen will be added
4) I'm not going crazy off roading with it. I will drop it either at the trail head or camp ground before I hit the trails.
5) AC for sure, heat I can do w/o
6) larger battery(s) and solar panels on the roof

Ugh, sorry to hear about the wife situation.

Did you buy a trailer yet?

 

[Lance]

Flagstaff popup for trailhead camping. But I don't get out as much as I'd like

 

[Free2roam]

I had wanted one of these but they went out of business pretty quickly

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