Small Camper Suggestions

InertOrd13

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My wife and I are looking to buy our first camper. We are looking at something smaller, probably aroud 16ft, and below 3500lbs. She grew up camping, or glamping depending on how you look at it, while most of my camping has been field related in the military except for the last two years when we have been tent camping.

Looking around 16ft but can be longer, 3500lbs or less due to vehicle, and it will be my wife, myself, and two medium to large size dogs (Australian Cattle Dog and a Pit/Lab mix). Preferably no more than $10k but somewhat flexible. Just wanted to see if anyone has recommendations towards a camper or anything related.
 
We've had a few trailers and my best advice is go look at somewhere like Camping World or another dealer. You don't have to buy from them but they will have several new and used models to look at. Each brand will be different with different layouts and features.
It is very helpful if you can go out a few times with someone that has glamped before just to learn the ins and outs.
 
I've been looking at travel trailers for the last year. Market is kind of scarce on available product right now as I understand it. Here's couple links to look at. I have heard too many negative experiences from Camp World so would suggest you do your research into it. SunRay makes some small affordable trailers. There is also Jayco and then Forest Rivers two brands of similar trailers the E-Pro and Geo-Pro. You may also want to check out the R-Pods.

Make a list of the amenities you want ie fixed bed/murphy/fold down dinnete; wet or dry bath. Also ask how long do you are your trips and how far?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRS9u1f7074u0Rrgu05K9Wg
Haylett Auto & RV Supercenter
Rex and Sons RV
D & H RV Center - Apex, NC
https://sunsettrailers.com/sunray-mini-travel-trailers/
https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers


CD
 
We have a 2014 Salem Cruiselite 185RB (around 20 ft) that we have been thinking about selling. We bought it new in 2014, and it's been very well taken care of. New wheels and tires with less than 2000 miles, plus spare, everything works as should. New fridge (stock one didn't have separate freezer door), roof-top 13000 btu a/c, etc. Anyone interested, or want to know more, let me know. I'm in Black Mountain right now, so I will see if I have pics when I get back to our room.

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my neighbors were looking for the same thing, but it's a seller's market
right now, and the prices were to high for them since they were going
to use it only 6 times a year. RV's are red-hot, too.
 
We have a 2014 Salem Cruiselite 185RB (around 20 ft) that we have been thinking about selling. We bought it new in 2014, and it's been very well taken care of. New wheels and tires with less than 2000 miles, plus spare, everything works as should. New fridge (stock one didn't have separate freezer door), roof-top 13000 btu a/c, etc. Anyone interested, or want to know more, let me know. I'm in Black Mountain right now, so I will see if I have pics when I get back to our room.

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Dang it. Got a little excited until I looked it up. :(

I sold ours a couple of months ago and our next one we want a tandem axle, a slide out, and shower with a glass door.
 
We have a 2019 A-Liner Ranger 12 off-road edition. My turbo charged 4cyl Ford Escape towed it to WV and got 19mpg up the mountains.

Sleeps 3 people and a dog just fine. Weighs about 1400lbs.

Has AC, fridge (Runs on 120v, 12v or propane), sink, gas grill, outdoor shower hookup, solar port for trickle charging the battery

and it’s hard sided, so even though it’s a “pop up” it can go to places/campgrounds that traditional soft sided ones can’t due to animal concerns

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@kcult, yes, and this past June. That place was awesome.

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Thanks everyone for posting, we looked at a handful and it definitely helped us figure out what we do like and what we don't. Unfortunately, it does seem to be a sellers market like mentioned earlier. I think we are going to try and rent one for a weekend before we buy something to really see if we are good with something that size.
 
The R-Pods are awesome little units. I saw at least 5 on the road today. I had a 2014 R-pod with a toilet and shower it was a great easy tow.
 
This is what we had for years before we outgrew it. It was a great camper, and its small size was an advantage as it allowed us to camp in spots where larger trailers wouldn't be able to get into.

Nice and light too.

If you're considering a popup.

I always recommend used, start stalking facebook, Craigslist, etc and im sure you can still find a deal.

https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/camping-trailers/flagstaff-tent/176LTD/778
 
We bought at 21' KZ two years ago from D&H in Apex. The sales experience was great, no pressure, very knowledgeable, and honest. The service department has been a bit of a disappointment. Not many problems, but I don't think they fixed anything the first (and in some cases, the second) time.

Our third trip out we took it to Yellowstone for 21 days. Last year, we took it to Texas for 19 days. Both trips were just epic for our family. Here's some things I'd tell people shopping:
  • We started out looking at 16', but if you want a full bathroom, meaning a vanity, toilet, and dry shower, there are not many floor plans with that under 21'. I didn't want to brush my teeth in the kitchen sink, so we went with the slightly longer trailer and it was a good decision.
  • Towing is like golf in that there is a long game and a short game. The long game, i.e., interstates and open highway, was easy. Camper had a rear view camera but I soon learned to use just the mirrors when changing lanes. The short game, backing into campsites and maneuvering around gas pumps, was a little trickier, and I often still have my son get out and spot me, especially backing up. A set of walkie-talkies is helpful there.
  • Know that a 21' box is actually about 26' once you add the tongue, rear bumper, and spare tire. Campgrounds will ask you the length, you give them the total length.
  • Length doesn't seem to matter as much as width. Toll booths and narrow lanes in construction zones will make you appreciate narrow. Mine is 9" narrower than many in its class, and the shorter axles seem to make it more nimble getting into difficult campsites.
  • The Murphy bed is great. It gives us a queen sized mattress that lies flat and doesn't have any folds or creases. And when we wake up, the bed snaps out of the way and we have a nice couch that takes up less room and gives us more seating.
  • Dealer told me I didn't need a load balancing hitch, but I had been pulling a pop-up with a 4-Runner and it was uncomfortable and swayed a lot. I bought a top-of-the-line $900 Equalizer-4 load balancing hitch with sway bars and it was a good decision. I pulled it up and down a 10,000 foot mountain near Cody, WY and it performed fantastic. I never get any sway, it brakes straight and true, and the Tundra's front bumper rises about 1/4 inch when I hook up the trailer.
  • Budget $300-500 for hoses, dishes, sheets, pots & pans, chocks, water filters, camp chairs, etc.
 
We bought at 21' KZ two years ago from D&H in Apex. The sales experience was great, no pressure, very knowledgeable, and honest. The service department has been a bit of a disappointment. Not many problems, but I don't think they fixed anything the first (and in some cases, the second) time.

Our third trip out we took it to Yellowstone for 21 days. Last year, we took it to Texas for 19 days. Both trips were just epic for our family. Here's some things I'd tell people shopping:
  • We started out looking at 16', but if you want a full bathroom, meaning a vanity, toilet, and dry shower, there are not many floor plans with that under 21'. I didn't want to brush my teeth in the kitchen sink, so we went with the slightly longer trailer and it was a good decision.
  • Towing is like golf in that there is a long game and a short game. The long game, i.e., interstates and open highway, was easy. Camper had a rear view camera but I soon learned to use just the mirrors when changing lanes. The short game, backing into campsites and maneuvering around gas pumps, was a little trickier, and I often still have my son get out and spot me, especially backing up. A set of walkie-talkies is helpful there.
  • Know that a 21' box is actually about 26' once you add the tongue, rear bumper, and spare tire. Campgrounds will ask you the length, you give them the total length.
  • Length doesn't seem to matter as much as width. Toll booths and narrow lanes in construction zones will make you appreciate narrow. Mine is 9" narrower than many in its class, and the shorter axles seem to make it more nimble getting into difficult campsites.
  • The Murphy bed is great. It gives us a queen sized mattress that lies flat and doesn't have any folds or creases. And when we wake up, the bed snaps out of the way and we have a nice couch that takes up less room and gives us more seating.
  • Dealer told me I didn't need a load balancing hitch, but I had been pulling a pop-up with a 4-Runner and it was uncomfortable and swayed a lot. I bought a top-of-the-line $900 Equalizer-4 load balancing hitch with sway bars and it was a good decision. I pulled it up and down a 10,000 foot mountain near Cody, WY and it performed fantastic. I never get any sway, it brakes straight and true, and the Tundra's front bumper rises about 1/4 inch when I hook up the trailer.
  • Budget $300-500 for hoses, dishes, sheets, pots & pans, chocks, water filters, camp chairs, etc.

Was yours single or dual axle?
 
Has any heard of not using a weight distribution hitch with their vehicle? We have a Subaru Ascent to tow the small camper and it says due to the frame to not use a WDH.
 
Has any heard of not using a weight distribution hitch with their vehicle? We have a Subaru Ascent to tow the small camper and it says due to the frame to not use a WDH.

I've only heard you shouldn't use one with a single axle trailer because it shifts more weight over the already almost maxed out axle/tires.
 
Mine is a single axle, and I have a very nice Reece wd hitch and sway control with mine. I've never had any trouble with the axles/bearings and have been rolling it that way since 2014. My camper has the bearing buddies, and I've always been very good at keeping them greased, along with being a tire pressure fiend, lol.

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Has any heard of not using a weight distribution hitch with their vehicle? We have a Subaru Ascent to tow the small camper and it says due to the frame to not use a WDH.

https://www.ascentforums.com/threads/weight-distributing-hitch.2103/

I dont really need weight distribution as i tow with my F250, but there is no way id run without anti-sway out here. Cross winds are just too crazy. Maybe those fancy built in electronic sway units are so good you dont need a mechanical unit, but you can't get away from the need for weight distribution.
 
Last edited:
You definitely want anti sway and trailer brakes.
And I've watched my grandmother and grandfather flip a 28 footer right in front of me when a big rig crossed over in their lane on 601 right out of McBee many years ago. Pops had to go off-road, and when the camper went off and came around, it took their older F-250 along for the ride. Threw my grandmother out of the truck as it rolled (obviously no seat belt worn), 3 times. Both survived, but she had to be taken to the hospital immediately. Seeing that happen live, was crazy.

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You can check with campgrounds to see if seasonal campers are selling theirs. Could be worth a phone call.
 
We bought at 21' KZ two years ago from D&H in Apex. The sales experience was great, no pressure, very knowledgeable, and honest. The service department has been a bit of a disappointment. Not many problems, but I don't think they fixed anything the first (and in some cases, the second) time.

Our third trip out we took it to Yellowstone for 21 days. Last year, we took it to Texas for 19 days. Both trips were just epic for our family. Here's some things I'd tell people shopping:
  • We started out looking at 16', but if you want a full bathroom, meaning a vanity, toilet, and dry shower, there are not many floor plans with that under 21'. I didn't want to brush my teeth in the kitchen sink, so we went with the slightly longer trailer and it was a good decision.
  • Towing is like golf in that there is a long game and a short game. The long game, i.e., interstates and open highway, was easy. Camper had a rear view camera but I soon learned to use just the mirrors when changing lanes. The short game, backing into campsites and maneuvering around gas pumps, was a little trickier, and I often still have my son get out and spot me, especially backing up. A set of walkie-talkies is helpful there.
  • Know that a 21' box is actually about 26' once you add the tongue, rear bumper, and spare tire. Campgrounds will ask you the length, you give them the total length.
  • Length doesn't seem to matter as much as width. Toll booths and narrow lanes in construction zones will make you appreciate narrow. Mine is 9" narrower than many in its class, and the shorter axles seem to make it more nimble getting into difficult campsites.
  • The Murphy bed is great. It gives us a queen sized mattress that lies flat and doesn't have any folds or creases. And when we wake up, the bed snaps out of the way and we have a nice couch that takes up less room and gives us more seating.
  • Dealer told me I didn't need a load balancing hitch, but I had been pulling a pop-up with a 4-Runner and it was uncomfortable and swayed a lot. I bought a top-of-the-line $900 Equalizer-4 load balancing hitch with sway bars and it was a good decision. I pulled it up and down a 10,000 foot mountain near Cody, WY and it performed fantastic. I never get any sway, it brakes straight and true, and the Tundra's front bumper rises about 1/4 inch when I hook up the trailer.
  • Budget $300-500 for hoses, dishes, sheets, pots & pans, chocks, water filters, camp chairs, etc.
If you go to myrtle make sure you put a filter on the intake cause the water is nasty. I have a Reese weight distribution hitch and sway bars if anyone is interested from my old camper.
 
One other suggestion, hybrid campers offer the advantages of larger trailers while being more compact when stowed.
 
my neighbors were looking for the same thing, but it's a seller's market
right now, and the prices were to high for them since they were going
to use it only 6 times a year. RV's are red-hot, too.
One of my customers has an RV dealership. Usually he'll have 150 +/- units on site, all kinds. Tiny pop-ups to Willie Nelson motorhomes. He's the largest Jayco dealer in NC.
At the moment he has maybe 60 units in stock.
He's rolling them out the door faster than he can keep up.
Lets say he wants 16,000 for a camper. Last year he would start out at 16,000 and come down from there. Now, he puts 17,500 on it and takes 16,000.
So right now, campers are selling for a premium. Pretty much msrp, unless you take one that has features nobody else wants. Used and trades are also expensive.
I would check into camper cabins also. Just drive to the park and start camping.
 
Everyone and their brother is buying campers right now. Good luck with your search. I'm sure it is a combination of people working remotely, kids being out of school, and folks wanting options, but they're more popular than ever before right now...
 
Sub $2 gasoline and lower Diesel fuel vs a few years ago is helping to drive sales.
 
As mentioned, it is a seller's market for RVs and campers right now, due to Covid19 issues. That said, THE best/cheapest place to buy one is in Florida. Lots of people move here to retire. Too old or lose interest in their rig and sell it for cheap. Check all the usual online stops to see if you can find one here. The price difference will more than pay for the trip to pick up. Good luck.
 
there's still deals out there, look at this

2018 Keystone Hideout 262LHS
Whitewood, SD · over a week ago ·
$12,900

2018 Keystone Hideout 262 LHS. Has queen bed up front, bunks in the rear, fold down sofa and fold down dining table. EVERYTHING WORKS. 26 foot interior, 30 ft overall length. 5100lbs weight. Has A/C, furnace, central vacuum, stove, fridge and the works. Power awning. No slideouts. I bought this brand new in March 2019 and have only used it on a few short trips. I just recently added an electric jack to the tongue and a hitch mount on the back. The bathroom and shower were never used. The camper is in new condition and doesn't have hail damage. I have a clear title in hand. If the listing is still up its still for sale, no need to ask 100 times if its for sale. Have some camping supplies that will go with it; chairs, outdoor mat. Comes with weight distribution hitch and sway bar. Weighs about 5100lbs dry, we used a half ton Chevy to tow it most of the time. $12900 obo
 
Mine is a single axle, and I have a very nice Reece wd hitch and sway control with mine. I've never had any trouble with the axles/bearings and have been rolling it that way since 2014. My camper has the bearing buddies, and I've always been very good at keeping them greased, along with being a tire pressure fiend, lol.

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Check the date on your tires, if they're not newish. I think there might be a recommended age to replace, regardless of miles, etc.

My tires were only four years old and looked fine. No dry rot. Tire pressures and lug nuts checked each trip. I believe age and those dreaded divots on the side of the highway (the ones meant to alert you that you've drifted there) contributed to my blow out. Those divots are huge, if you're sitting beside the road looking at them. I bet they are responsible for plenty of tire problems.

Also, your tire is before your doorstep. I lost my doorstep when the tire blew. It was laying in the road about a hundred yards back. Luckily, we retrieved it before a car had a chance to hit it.
 
Well...I had a camper....had.

If I were to do it again I would explore a converted enclosed trailer....seriously, there's some nice rigs out there that have been converted, usually cheaper in the longrun.
 
I give my tires a 5yr lifespan, blowouts are too costly and dangerous.

DOT code is on the side of the tire, week/year so if will look like this 35/18, made the 35th week on 2018
 
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