Small Travel Trailers to Tow Behind a Class B RV
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- We are shopping for a small travel trailer to tow behind a camper van or our truck. This video will cover what type of small camper trailer we are looking for, why we want a travel trailer for van life and the pros and cons of towing a small camper trailer.
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Here are some of the small travel trailers we've toured ruclips.net/p/PLpqJFyT0tg-Ihrg1fGwuyfUObLxNdNhW6
Have you considered a Watergen system.
Nu Camp T@B 320 S 2,900lbs 😉
Nevermind. Just continued the video & it is only a teardrop, doesn't open to haul anything.😞
E-Pro 19TH or Geo Pro 19TH
We have an E-Pro 19TH and it has air ride suspension that can be lowered or raised. Lowered for lower angle of the rear door for loading items and raised to cross the deep creeks. It has a large kitchen, dry bath, and two folding couches that make into a king size bed, solar power, freshwater, gray, and black tanks, an awning, furnace, and AC.
Thanks - we’ll take a look!
I think you have to order the 19TH from the factory. They have a newer version that has a front bed but the toy hauler are is for only one bike as the kitchen is located there as well as a couch/bed.
Your biggest limiting factor is the 3500# trailer weight requirement. You're probably better off with something like the InTech Flyer or building out an enclosed cargo trailer to fit your needs. The cargo trailer build would be a fun project if your comfortable doing a build which takes a lot of time and effort to complete. Enjoy the process, which ever way you go! 😎
Family of 4. We just bought a 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer on double axle to haul behind our 2020 7 passenger Explorer conversion van. We sleep in the van on the road getting around state to state for our kids travel sports teams. Now with the cargo van I’ll be adding a small kitchen set up, storage, simple bathroom and space for our bikes or atv. Depending on the trip. Instead of using it to get from hotel to hotel we’ll now be able to comfortable camp and see even more of the country.
Just a little note. For your little studio, I think you should put a background of mountains or dense foggy forest instead of those black sheets.
Pitbull makes trailer restraint systems for both bikes. No need for straps or anything. When not hauling bikes, all it leaves are two flat plates, giving you the empty space needed when wanting to tow your mower. I can see that work easily with the first camper you mentioned. Using the same system inside my sprinter van hauling around my Tiger 800, which roams at 500+ lbs wet. I could've attached it through the floor, but only ended up adding a layer of 3/4 ply under the van flooring to keep it bolted down. You can DYI a solution inside a premade camper/toy hauler. Plus, never needing to check if straps have come loose is a nice bonus especially when you're unable to see the load as youre driving.
Van/motorcycle combo is the best. Good luck.
I really enjoy that you celebrate the changes in life. There are so many ways to enjoy / live adventures on and off the road.
Thank you for taking us with you on your adventures as you research and experience life as the opportunity or mood takes you. May you have sucess for many years.🐸
Thank you so much!
That’s a big ask of a trailer and I can’t wait to see what you end up choosing. It may be a trend setter.
ColoradoTrailer has trailers like your friends '. But smaller like you want. They come with that bathroom, a kitchen counter. And they even have ones with the fold down beds similar to his homemade ones. And they have the floors made for putting gear in.
Thanks - I’ll take a look
Picking a trailer that serves multi-purposes and can be towed by both your vehicles is a great idea! Just make sure to learn from Dome Life and lock down the wheels of the trailer. Even when they were out in the wilderness, their trailer still got stolen.
Thanks for the tip
I personally would never pull a trailer. I've done it for years and hate it! Because of all the cons you mentioned. But my biggest reason is because of how cheaply they're made. The last one my brother bought fell apart on the first rough road. If you really want a trailer, build it out yourself.
Good point about going the DIY route
Get an Escape, well built Fibreglass trailers built in British Columbia. Built like a boat.
Hi Doug - we like Escapes but they don't have one with a garage we can put the motorcycle in, which is our #1 requirement.
Built my own bike/ toys trailer camper from an aluminum trailer to save weight. Made it telescoping so down the road it only stands 5 feet high but in camp mode stands 8 high. Main walls are plywood and the pop up is all canvas. Holds one motorcycle easily but could do two. My dry weight is about 1500 pounds so there is room for bike weights and other toys. I made a simple kitchen with water, but no bathroom or a/c. Because I as well have a sprinter van with a max of 5000 pounds, I think you need to stay as light as possible, under 4000 pounds total weight. Keep it simple and bring more toys.
Great ideas and I’d love to see it
Here is something to consider as it Carries its own weight in toys and permits a guest house trailer tow behind. Considering it for my Mercedes 3500 for enclosed E-Trike & Tools.
I really wish they would create a new Ford E-350/250 van. The towing on those cans are astronomical. Now we only have a Chevy Express that's capable of similar towing numbers.
Remember if you have a camper that is soft sided or with beds that "fold down" and have soft sides and top then there are campgrounds where you can't camp due to bear activity. Yellowstone NP and Glacier NP are the two that come to my mind but I'm sure there are more.
Correct however we’ve been through and camped at both with a soft sided camper and we only had one time where we ran into campgrounds we couldn’t stay at. It’s such a limited issue that it’s not something that we’d consider.
Canyon Running is a blast
One of the things I love most in this world
This is a subject I've been looking at for a while now as one of my RV plans is to tow a camper behind my minivan that has a 3600 lbs. towing limit. Must-haves are a bathroom w/ shower and separate sleeping and seating. Definitely a tall order. I've found a few that just barely meet those requirements, but not as a toy hauler. So I'll be interested to see what you find.
Thanks Ian. Check the comments as there are a lot of good suggestions
We love the idea of having different options for the different trips! It does seem like a small Toy Hauler with a custom build will give you the best of all your preferences. Also loving the videos from your studio. Hope the storm starts to calm down in your area.
Thank you! Yes the storm came through on Fri and we’re still without power but all is good.
Just my opinion, when you try and make a trailer a jack of all trades, it really isn’t good at any of them and the compromises are often too much. I agree with towing a small travel trailer to go with family and friends. Bringing the bike along not so much, I know you love your bike but I would separate the two activities and make things simpler. My wife and I carry two e-bikes on the back of our LTV and honestly the use we get out of them is not really worth the hassle. A nice walk in the park seems more enjoyable.
Thanks Norm. For us, bringing the motorcycle is the main priority over bringing people. Taking an actual motorcycle is much different than e-bikes and we’ve brought the smaller bike around with us for over 30k miles. It’s great to have along and opens up the possibilities of things we can do.
@@Weretherussos 👍👍👍
HA! I used to have a FJR1300ES. It was one of the best bikes I’ve ever owned. So comfortable and powerful. It has the zip and zing and then the plush to take a longer ride. Nice choice.
Couldn't agree more!
High Country Express was the lightest fully aluminum trailer I could find (if you're looking to build it out).
Thanks Jeff - appreciate that
I've been considering a small toy hauler to live in fulltime. One that's pretty much perfect for me is the 2020-2021 Rockwood Geo Pro 19TH. Has a restroom and kitchen up front, two couches that fold against walls in back. Has some upper cabinets over the cabinets. There are some different configurations but the one with the two couches in the back would be the one for carrying bikes. Don't know whether it's off-road doable but toy haulers are built more heavy duty to handle the weight being carried.
Cabinets over the couches!
Thanks - I’ll take a look
The problem with that one might be the weight, which is about 5000 lbs. The 3433 lbs. shown on the Forest River website is the empty weight. If Joe is comfortable with that behind his van, it does look like a potential option.
JOE,AND KAIT,HELLO,THERE WAS,ONE,YOU showed,that basically,had everything,you would need,,,,,, great idea,with your mom&AUNT,,BIKES,STAY WELL,🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
We have a 2022 Geo Pro 15 TB and my husband and I love it. Some call it the Swiss Army Knife of campers and it is so true - Check it out!
Building your own trailer might be what you want to do. It would allow you to determine the height, width, and length.
It would also allow you to decide the clearance for off road camping. Rocks and Ruts suck when camping in mountains and deserts.
We love having a trailer. With our small Escape 19 we can fit into 2 back to back parking spots. Like you mention it is a trade off but when we get where we want to explore we can unhook and go off-roading or whatever we like in the truck without limitation. Put the bike on the back of Leo and get a travel trailer, there you go. 😁
It would be great to do a camper build. You could put in a/c and a bathroom and basic kitchen at the front. Then, have a basic, portable bed/seating setup that you could move in when you are taking guests, and move out when you want cargo space. That is, if you have enough storage at your home base for something like that. Can't wait to see what you do! 🧡 #teamrusso
Great ideas!
I'm no expert, having only ever lived in one trailer. But I've watched a lot of youtube videos about them, and one that sticks out with your requirements is Happier Campers. Lightweight, fiberglass, modular. The furniture is all square boxes that can be shuffled around and removed from the trailer.
Ha! I just clicked on your list of small travel trailers you've toured, and Happier Camper was there, and I had watched it, so I'm thinking I probably know about it because of you!
Yeah we actually were just talking about them and that they might be a good solution.
You need an enclosed living space in bear areas. The drop down outside beds will not be allowed
Only in a select places. We’ve only ever been one place in the lower 48 that had that limitation and it was just outside of Yellowstone. I’m sure there are others but it’s not something that we’d take into consideration since it’s so limited and we’d just avoid those places. Thank you for the suggestion.
Cool stuff! We have a camper van and a small utility trailer that we are converting. It will have a bathroom and haul 2 motos but the gas mileage hit is big. I am losing 5-6mpg towing the 6x12 single axle cargo mate. We went with the 6' 6" height but only 6ft wide. It weighs under 2000lbs loaded so I was pretty shocked at the milage drop. We also have a Nobo 19.5 TT (4500lbs) w/ offroad-ish suspension and tires and we lose the same mpg. It makes zero sense to me but it is what it is : )
Keep in mind that bigger trailers sway a ton when you get passed by any vehicle moving fast. At least single axles do. I even had ant-sway and weight distribution but it just blows all over the place. Not much fun to drive on a long trip. So from experience and everything that you mentioned, keep it small!
I think inTech is the best choice. The Nobo 10.6 is perfect except no bathroom. I honestly haven't found anything else yet. Most toy haulers are big, heavy or both.
Thanks for the suggestions and advice. A toilet is an easy addition with just a portable potty. I can make due without anything else.
Love your channel. I think that you should put your great mind with that of the smart engineers of RVs manufacturers and have them build the ideal trailer for the benefit of all of us. Keep it up!
That would be cool!
This was super informative on even more topics than the title stated. Awesome!
Glad it was helpful!
I watch your channel because when my wife an I retire in 5-6 years we are looking to travel the US in an RV or travel trailer. Been watching you and Kate for several years as one of the more realistic, down to earth, RUclips channels for this kind of stuff. Really interested in your thoughts and decisions on the travel trailer. Cheers!!
The best trailer to tow behind a van is the Escape 17B. It’s a Fibreglass trailer built in British Columbia. We had the 17B for 5 years and now have a 19’ model. The 17B is about 3000lbs and has everything. It’s very similar to Casita built in Texas.
So you want to take the bike? Build your own toy hauler so it has only what you need, you don’t really need 2 kitchens and bathrooms, just extra beds with climate control.
That’s what we’re thinking
Sunray 139t close but only single bike and no indoor shower. This will be fun to see if you can check ALL your boxes. I don't think you can.
Someone else suggested that and it’s a great choice. That’s the reason we have our requirements and then the nice to haves - if we fulfill the requirements then everything else is just a bonus
@We're the Russos I'll rewatch video and pay special note of requirements. I was really excited to see this as I'm looking for similar rig and haven't gotten past the 139t but will consider what you find. Cool idea!
Late comment but I love my InTech Explore. No bath but that's a plus for me! Carries my WR250 or my Super Tenere. Mark in Louisville
Cool Studio. Great Barrel tables. You all need the Airstream Basecamp. Only the best for the Russo’s 😅
It’s nice but no way to put a motorcycle in it
Russo’s great job! I don’t think anyone has ever discussed this. I’m an aspirant RV’er. I have been intrigued with Winnebago Revel and Hike 100.
Hope we were able to help
We built out a 6x10 cargo trailer to haul our electric bikes with, but recently purchased a nucamp 400 and love it.
Those nuCamps are nice - just too bad they don't have one that can take a motorcycle. How was the cargo trailer...did it tow well, any issues, etc?
@@Weretherussos it was all aluminum and towed well. Nice thing with cargo trailer is you build what you need. We needed to haul 2 lectric bikes so I built a bed platform high enough for them to fit underneath. And the platform rear door was nice for air flow and doubling as a deck. I'd like to haul me a Yamaha tw200, but my 2 wheel days are behind me. Ride safe my friend and looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Sunray 139T.....sport.....That fits the bill!
Interesting. That definitely fits the bill - thanks!
Seems like an easy choice. Get the Intech Flyer Explore and modify it however you need to fit your needs. So much easier to buy something already built and make mods than building ground up.
True but it’s all quite a bit more expensive
We have a small travel trailer..14 feet It’s a Prolite Mini travel trailer (1000 pounds) and made in Quebec and we love it.🤗💕
Thanks - I’ll check it out
The intech trailers or a similar brand are a good bet. Probably a cargo trailer with your own build out is your most economical bet with a lot of your own time and elbow grease. You might want to look at the Taxa tiger moth or cricket though. With those if you need the motorcycles take them on the back of the F350 and tow the Taxa tiger moth or cricket for your living space. If you need space for friends tow either with your van and your "guests" stay in the Taxa. You are asking a lot of a trailer with your want list. The question you have to answer do you want a toy hauler or an expansion place for friends. If you want both, build your own with a cargo trailer. If you want a guest house, look at Taxa and pick your tow vehicle based on the trip. If you want a toy hauler, look at Intech or similar. I have taken a Taxa Cricket places it was probably not intended to go and it has performed far above my expectations. The Tiger Moth is more spartan but can also hold a rooftop tent, but you can't take the motorcycle without the F350 with those.
We love the Taxa campers but the #1 requirement is that it has to fit the motorcycle since most of our travel is going to be with the van.
Look at the airstream basecamp
We did and made a video on it. Very cool trailer but no way to get a motorcycle in it. Here is the video of your interested: ruclips.net/video/R7f92M2tpEc/видео.html
We have an Intech Explorer Cargo/Camping Trailer and have enjoyed it, but the fold out bed is okay for a couple of days but not for a long haul. Since we have that trailer, we have now purchased an AntiShanty trailer. Faster set up and take down, solid walls and roof, indoor cooking option with outside shower. Only down side for this trailer, for you, would be loading the larger road bike that you have. If you want, you can always reach out to me and I'll share what we have used over the years. Cheers!
Thanks for the feedback Greg - I may reach out
I love the way you guys take the time to explain stuff. It is appreciated. Joe, I've got the same haircut as you do and going to recommend you get some powder up there to prevent the shinola, up there, if you will. 😂 Just teasing. Great job!
Lol - thanks Gary
Joe, look at ATC trailers/toy haulers. You can tow pretty much any of them with the F350. Checks all the boxes except small size and possibly heavy duty off road suspension.
Crazy expensive and heavy.
They’re nice but it’d have to be one of the smaller ones as most of the travel we’ll do is with the van.
Intech could probably be modified with a different sleeping system. Like the elevator beds in some sprinter vans.
Flagstaff E-pro or Geo-Pro G19FBTH. It has everything you are asking but heavy duty off-road suspension.
Unfortunately they miss our one big requirement which is to have a GVWR of 3500 or under. Both have GVWRs over 4k
Good luck with your trailer search.
Wish we were as good as you guys are about making decisions. It’s been almost 4 years and nothing ever seems right and then life gets in the way so still no RV. You guys never let that happen and we admire that. Have you ever considered mentoring people in their choices for an RV?
If they were happy in their choice it would work out well. Otherwise, well…
Hey Barbara - we actually do coach people quite a bit to help them with decisions, etc. if y’all are interested here is a bit more info and the contact form: weretherussos.ck.page/coaching
We've been to several shows in the past year or so and i remember a NoBo that sorry of fits that. Another pricey one is the Sylvan Sport Vast, which might be too heavy.
A few people she suggested the Nobo. Sylvan is another good suggestion, thank you
We highly recommend Northwood Arctic Fox towables! Love our Arctic Fox 31D travel trailer.
Thanks but I don’t see any small toy haulers on their site. Any you specifically are thinking of?
@@Weretherussos looking more at the Desert Fox site, they're pretty heavy and don't come in under the 5k limit you're working with.
Ah yeah those wouldn’t work but thank you for the suggestion
Put the motorcycle on your flatbed truck. Now you’re free to buy whatever kind of trailer you want. Save your ADV Van for non motorcycle trips. Or at least non big motorcycles.😎👍
I'd look at the geo pro G19FBTH. Its a baby toy hauler with all the usual rv stuff just 20 foot and just under 3500 pounds empty. They have an option for a pretty capable power system with a 400 amp hour lithium battery and a 3kw inverter now too.
We’d need something smaller. 3500 pounds is our upper limit and we need something that’s going to be lighter.
The weight limit with wanting a bathroom might be hard to do. That would be especially true if you ad me the weight of two bikes on top of the camper weight. Check out INTECH EXPLORE FLYER. It doesn't have a bathroom. Storage, bed, lightweight and off road capable.
Mod might be your best bet. I had a Scamp trailer that I extended the tongue on to add a motorcycle rack and lifted the axel a foot.
Take a look at the geopro 16th...might suit all your needs
The one I have found that checks almost all the boxes is the Forest River 18RJBBL Wolf Pup by Cherokee. It is an 18 foot toy hauler with a dedicated front bed and bath. The Black Label gives it a two inch lift and off road tires. Since there is a kitchen along one side, I doubt two motorcycles would fit unless they were narrow. The downside is the empty weight is at 3500 pounds. It could sleep 5 if one was small.
I currently have a 1985 era 18 foot trailer that weighs 2250 empty, but has a max weight of 3500 pounds. It can't go off road or haul any toys, but it has a dry bath and all tanks inside. My old trailer has four tires on two axles that I like better than all these new light trailers on two wheels. I haven't had a flat, but I like the redundancy.
I have looked at the Hike trailers also, but feel they might be too minimal for me for a long term and it has the same issue with being under 3500 dry and well over loaded.
I have sold and donated all my motorcycles and switched to recumbent trikes which I can fit inside my SUV for now. When a longer range electric motorcycle appears, I may revisit the toy hauler decision
Yeah those would be too heavy...I think a cargo trailer with options for sleeping would work well. I've ridden the Zero motorcycles and they're awesome but, for me, not something I would want because I miss all of the sounds and feelings of a gas motorcycle.
We've had two small hard-sided pop-up trailers. Our difficulty, living in a moist climate (Oregon) is that when it rains, we were stuck inside and there are times when there wasn't enough room to get away from each other. 😂
When we experienced that in Oregon, we left 😂 That's the nice thing with being mobile.
thought I saw the suspension of the offgrid trailer I like in your video. Maybe this trailer's factory will be interested to do an interview with you all and their off grid trailer
Same suspension, different company. The shot was from this video: ruclips.net/video/u5Juh5BTdu4/видео.html
@@Weretherussos ah yes. The California company. Saw one of these for almost half price at dealership in AZ online.
Check out the ATC Game Changer 2015 - a bit pricey and a bit over your desired GVWR (about 5000lbs), but checks everything else on the list. The other option is the Forest River NOBO (No Boundaries). Fit and finish will be nicer on the ATC, but the NOBO will come in a bit lighter in both weight and price.
The ATC is nice but the dry weight is 5k and GVWR is over 11k so way too much trailer. The smallest Nobo would work though
from mrs: You may want to reevaluate your trips so you guys do one or the other. The size of joes motorcycle is almost prohibitive to put into a travel trailer. Good luck and will await next videos on this.
The travel trailers we’re looking at are made to take big bikes and side by sides so no issues there.
I don't think any of the small campers you list on your website can take in the Yam1300. If you find smt to that effect pls let us know as I'm also interested in carrying a large bike. The only small trailer (i.e not going to the 6 foot toy haulers) I've come across after several years of searching is the intech flyer look under their RV tab. I would pass the webaddress but utube would cut it. So check it out. Good trailer hunting.
I’ll be interested to hear what you get. The Hike seems to tick all the boxes. I have a built out mid roof transit adventure van and I wonder what I could potentially pull in order to bring Mom along as well, and have an indoor shower. Perhaps I need to go to the scales and weigh my van and then crunch some numbers but also thinking 3500 weight range. Good luck in your search and please let us know !
So cool guys!! 😊 Lincoln
we built a 6x12 cargo trailer over and on youtube. Gonagain was a big reason why i built it. these are tougher than regular trailers and mine weighs in at 2100 lbs but could haul 6000. only thing i have to disagree about is, a camper is only made for 2 people and maybe a dog. good luck
That’s what we’ve been looking at doing
My perspective, from someone who has pulled a 17ft fiberglass Casita 50,000 plus miles, trailers have their advantages.
1. You have over-complicated your mission criteria. For someone who wants to simplify, you are trying to keep too many balls in the air. Two specialty vehicles, an RV trailer, two motorcycles, and now you want to take guests. Remember the line about a camel is a horse designed by committee....
2. If motorcycling is that important, buy a cheap used toy hauler, pull it with Leo on motorcycle/family trips and forgo the spontaneity of van life for that trip. It would also handle the guest issue, although with less privacy. I can't imagine gas mileage is that critical with all the money spent on toys. Or rent a second RV, when needed. Or, buy a bike trailer and rent an Airbnb.
3. Re think the "convenience" of van life. Sure it is great to stop anywhere there is a parking space on route. That may be really important if you are a working stiff on a weekender but as "full(ish) time RVers, establish a campsite and explore unencumbered by a 10,000 lb van full of stuff, pack a picnic lunch and some chairs. We have found almost any place has a week's worth of exploring/resting from a base camp without the stress of finding a new campsite every night. With multiple people or nasty biking clothes you are going to want a campground bathroom, shower and laundry facilities. A truck cab can be a lot quieter and comfortable than a van. The back seats of a truck are way nicer than van dinettes.
4. You are asking too much of the van. I can't imagine that you wouldn't be overloaded. You might be "safe" on paper but how is it going to handle an emergency situation. Likewise, vans have too much weight and too little tire for most off-roading ( learned that on one of your videos!)
5. Likewise, be careful with cargo trailers, they are built low to the ground for stability - you will drag them off road.
6. In general, my advice would be to limit expensive, equipment intensive activities. Or, at least. don't try to haul all of them with you. Hiking shoes require little space. Host your cookouts at home. Travel with as few toys as possible and let the destination entertain you. Tailor your loadout to the trip - is it a camporee, bike trip, cookout? Leave the rest at home.
7. Have fun, you won't be the first person who ignored my advice and had a perfectly wonderful life!
Thanks for the advice! Some good nuggets in there. It doesn’t sound like you’ve been following us for too long but we actually lived on the road full time for 6.5 years and most of that was in a van or truck camper so we have very different opinions on points 3,4 and 6. That said, very much appreciate the time and feedback from someone who done it.
As mentioned by others, the weight limit of the van is your real issue. That said, I would propose to avoid duplicating functions in the trailer that the van already provides. Avoid a kitchen, and fixed storage in the form of build-ins. Use loadable storage containers that can be dedicated to your various use cases and then swap in and out as needed. Having a flexible sleeping system that is lightweight or easily removable should be highly considered. Why so much focus on weight, because of the motorcycle requirement. You will need a ramp style or barn doors in the back to load the bikes. Doors are heavy compared to a solid wall. If you get a barn door, then you will need to carry a ramp, more weight!
The off-road requirement, I really believe this has to be limited for a couple of reasons:
- High clearance will make loading and unloading the bikes more difficult
- true off-road trailers are expensive because of the stresses involved in off-roading itself
- light weight off-road trailers are not really an option in your weight requirements for an enclosed unit capable of loading 1 let alone 2 bikes, plus the weight of both bikes=1000#? so the trailer and everything in it is limited to 2500#. This is really a tough spec to meet. Plus the van would be towing at max rating, not good.
My recommendation, build up from a utility trailer if you have the time and energy or find a pre-owned RV/toy hauler trailer with a ramp/barn door setup with a front bathroom design and remove everything else and buildout to your spec, including adding an independent suspension system for the off-road needs.
Best of luck to you all
I know nothing about trailers and such, but Weeroll in Florida makes lightweight aluminum trailers. They have a new owner and seem to make a good quality product. But, I dunno...
I’ll have to look into it - thanks
I can't give you any advice or suggestions on this but will enjoy watching what you end up doing, oh and I heard you wrote a book!!!
Good reading 📚
Two of ‘em! Thanks!
👍sounds like a good idea Joe!
I would diy and put two twin Murphy beds on the sides. Also I would put a shout out to playing with sticks. He is great.
Thanks for the tip!
Very timely video, thank you. My wife and I both have Africa twins and dual sports. We’re looking at a similar setup or the big toy hauling fifth wheel.
We've lived in two different small travel trailers over the past 2.5 years. We spent almost 2 years in a NoBo 19.6 (do not at all recommend). We're currently in an Airstream Basecamp 20X. While we love the Airstream (it does not fit your specs at all), I can tell you we absolutely hate towing. However, we don't have motorcycles. You're definitely much more experienced at RV life than we are, however, we've been in the TT world for 2.5 years. Honestly, you might be better off building out your own cargo trailer. Just for quality alone. That way you can also prioritize what you want the most. You probably won't end up spending that much more money. Definitely time, but then you at least know what you're getting and you know it's to your specs. Just my $0.02.
Thanks for the advice!
Camping with a camping trailer (not a Uhaul) vs van camping are often two different styles. In a trailer you tend to stop in a spot and use that as a multi-day base for exploring, often with your vehicle as you did with the class A. Camping in a van is often more point to point exploring. So among other things, tight spots in parking areas aren’t usually a concern. Think about flipping your class A/camper plus tow vehicle model on its head.
Ah that’s a great point. Thank you
Russo’s I am absolutely convinced you should build your own camping trailer using a cargo trailer. From watching your videos over the years and yeas I read both books I know you all can pull this off. I went from a van conversion to a small travel trailer and I hated it due to some of the parking issues and pull offs as you mentioned in your video so I’m not a trailer guy but I think you have a real Ned for adding one to the Russo fleet !! Big question do you have time to build a custom camp trailer?
We have time in the off season when we’re back home. It’s certainly something we’re considering.
Check out Weeroll all aluminum trailers built down in florida. See what lenght comes in at your weight needs and have em build it to your specs on windows and diamond plate flooring in the rear with D-rings and drop ramp rear door for loading the bikes. You can then build out a simple camping setup to meet your needs.
Thanks - I’ll check them out
@@Weretherussos You could use extruded aluminum for the rest of your build out where possible and keep that weight in check for the van.
Check out Custom Coach Creations out of Deland Florida. They also do the cargo trailers.
Why not do a custom Enclosed Cargo Trailer conversion? Those are popular, light and durable. Great content doing a build.
It’s something that we’re strongly considering
Check out Taylor Coach in Millgrove, ON. I am sure Brad and his family could customize what you are looking for.
Thank you for the suggestion!
Hello. This is Robert and Terrie with the Harley trike. Wow wish we were closer. We have lots of experience with your thoughts. My question is do you still have your pickup camper. If you do you could put it on a trailer. Storing the bikes under the bed area. Joe we use a swivel wheel trailer that I built. We pull it behind our 5th.wheel. it works great. Travel safe. Robert Woods.
Hey Robert - might be worth watching again and you’ll see what we’ve done with the truck and our plans. I’ve seen the swivel wheel trailers but we want something enclosed with basic living quarters. Does yours have that?
They sold it.
Our swivel wheel trailer is open.
Hello. We chose an open trailer for convenience but also weight. Your van is a little light. I know you will but keep in mind towing is easier than stopping. They are building some sturdy off road campers nowadays but they are heavy. Electric brakes might come in handy. Also I am all in with equalizer brand hitch. I've had 3 over the years and swear by them. We towed with a dodge grand caravan front wheel drive from Florida to Yellowstone no problems. Weight and heat is not our friend. Travel safe Robert Woods.
Open will definitely not work for us. We need it to be enclosed because of keep stuff safe and out of the elements but also it needs to sleep two. Everything we're looking at is under 3500 pounds and that's not bad with a 9500 pound van.
Get a Taxa Cricket. It's super light.
We love the cricket but it’s not big enough to hold the bike.
Check out the RKS Offroad trailers. Their new Motive is pricey but meets your requirements 120%.... except a bit heavy in the two axle config once you add your bike. I also have a Transit and would kill for them to do a single axle version which they did design (not yet produced).
We're looking at the Hike as well.
I would keep the truck camper for the off road adventures. Look at the Apex Nano 17 TH - loaded it may be a bit much for the van but the Truck could definitely tow it.
Yeah that wouldn’t work as it has to be able to be towed with the van. Thanks!
I have been looking for the same trailer as you for years. And I went to purdue, but I would NEVER return to Indiana. I was thinking about a fiberglas casita and making a rear entry door that had a bar to have a one wheel ramp clasp onto it for rolling up a motorcycle. An industrial laminate on the floor to protect it and four tie downs. The Casita is a fiberglas uni-body, small, light, and has the ammenities you are asking for. Winnebago is also coming out with a small, rear entry trailer called a hike 100. Small, rear ramp, side door, light. No frills. I have seen people drop these small trailers next to them in parking lots to save space. they use a Manuel trailer dolly to move it off the hitch and also lockable wheel chalks to prevent it from being taken.
Funny I thought the same thing about Indiana but here we are. Southern Indiana however is nothing like Lafayette. The Hike is nice but not made for vehicles, specially venting gasses
Yea, I also just looked at the price of the hike and it's definately Winnebago proud. But I grew up next to lake Winnebago in Wisconsin. So it's a small world. There was once a b plus unit for sale in the bay area here that had a garage area in the rear. Was also expensive for me at $250k. Freightliner chassis. So I punt this. Nomadic fanatic is going through the same issue. I read his comments. I think this is a custom made toy hauler. Adding canvas popouts. Don't know if your mom will like the soft walls. My mom was always a little worried, my wife will not sleep with soft walls. Long time lurker here,. I was expecting your mom and aunts to document their walk of shame in fraternity row while at Purdue. Hahaha. Also, maybe a review of coffee makers is good content. Adding my favs, the clever coffee dripper, and the aeropress. Both go great with your water pot. Maybe go with a hand held grinder from orphan espresso. Saves a little space. Love our Berkey, project farm reviewed and has better. Meh. Good luck.
The limited towing capacity of your van is gonna be your major limiting factor.
It will - hence our 3500 lb limit. There are a lot of campers though that fall well within that limit.
I don’t understand why you got rid of the truck camper. Perhaps it wasn’t the right one, but with the right combination of truck and truck camper, you would have better choices and perhaps eliminate the role of a camper van. A truck camper could be your goto rig as a couple, but it could do that and simultaneously pull a full size travel trailer/toy hauler that wouldn’t require as many compromises as a small lightweight trailer does. When not carrying the camper, the truck could independently tow (or carry) your motorcycle. Or could be your drive around town vehicle, filling the role that a camper van would.
truck alone (fulfilling the role of toad)
truck + camper (fulfilling the role of camper van)
truck + camper + motorcycle (role currently unoccupied)
truck + camper + motorcycle + trailer (camper van is poor substitute for truck)
truck + motorcycle (role can’t be filled by camper van)
truck + motorcycle + trailer (camper van is poor substitute for truck)
truck + trailer (fulfilling role of camper van)
Enjoy the Hunt!
Check out Colorado Trailers Inc. They carry modified cargo trailers that might fit most of your needs.
Thanks, will do
Awesome video guys
Look at the Geo Pro Toy Haulers.
Will do - thanks!
One main point to consider ... all other things interesting ... is the ability to stand up. Obviously one doesn't ride in the trailer while in tow, but the guests will want to stand and may not visit if not able to and wouldn't always say why. Aerodynamically, the same nor near same height as the tow vehicle (van/motorhome) would be worth considering. ...
That's definitely something to consider but if people were with us, most likely they would sleep in the van and we'd be in the trailer
@@Weretherussos I saw this after I saw yours and a friend was looking too. I also would opt out of a slide out on the trailer .. incase parked connected and needed ... ruclips.net/video/acJH08AFJvg/видео.html I hope it is okay to list a tube here but don't know how to let one know otherwise. I am looking forward to your decisions. I like no rush, slow and you'll know the right thing at the time.
Check out the ATC 1210 and 1412 models…no wood, modular, low weight/high capacity!
I didn’t see those on their site but the Pla 350 looks pretty nice
I feel the need for speed- use tent air mattress
Im also looking for a small trailer. I can't wait to see the comments!
Check out an Arizona-based company that makes custom toy haulers, Dune Sport or Colorado Trailers. I think a DIY cargo trailer build would make a great RUclips series!
Thanks I’ll look into it
Second this. We bought a Dune Sport. You can customize it to what you need. Good luck Joe.
Thanks Cheri
We have been looking at the Intech Flyer, double bed, split back door.
And…where have you settled on it
ALCOM off road. Caldera:)
KZ 180 TH. I also had a cargo trailer I built out. They are on my you tube channel if you want to see them.
Thank you!
With all your trailer requirements, it’s like a second RV.
Black series and intech flyer. Airstream Basecamp is probably out of the question.
Black series and Airstream don’t have toy haulers for the motorcycle.
Man Joe, you are asking for a lot from one small trailer. My opinion is that you are going to have to either do a lot of modifications or totally build a trailer yourself. Congrats on the FJR. I sold all six of my bikes, but that being said, since riding since 1968, I do miss them a bit.
There are quite a few trailers that meet all of our requirements but it would definitely be less expensive to go DIY. Thanks!
@@Weretherussos I'm anxious to see what direction you go, Joe.
Good video 😀 I didn't know you have a home base I think it going to find a trailer with a your needs seems like you like small rv's just saying safe travels 😀
That's the plan!