a pop up trailer

[itsallmine]

i'm thinking about buying a pop up trailer- something small just for me and the dog. anyone else here tow one with a v6? any problems? also, i don't even know where to begin to look for one in the boston area. i also want to get one with a heater for use in the fall and winter. any help out there?

 

[peter78]

I bought a used pop-up this year and I went out West. I drove 6,000 miles. My pop-up has a 10 foot bed and wieghs 1,500 pounds and 2,100 pounds wehn fully loaded.

My 4Runner tows 5,000 pounds and it tows the trailer with ease. I notice the trailer when I acclerate or brake. I usually get 20 + MPG while driving on the highway and I get 16 MPG when I tow the trailer.

Most pop-ups come with a 3 way refrigerater, sink, dinning table and a propane stove which can be used inside or outside. Unforuately, most pop-ups do not have a bathroom. Some larger pop-ups have a porti-potti and a shower.

I have a AC and heater and I used the heater quite a bit out West since it snowed on us 3 times in June.

Here is a site that has RV's for sale, type in you zip code and the type of RV you want and you should get a idea what is out there.

http://www.rvtraderonline.com/

And if you want to know the price of a used pop-up go to this site.

http://www.nadaguides.com/RVHome.aspx?LI=1-10-0-2111-3-105-26532&wSec=15&wPr=0&wPg=2005&

Here is a forum about pop-ups.

http://www.popupexplorer.com/

 

[itsallmine]

great links!

great reply! thanks for the reply, that was exactly what i was looking for. any others want to share their photos or tips on towing a pop up with a 2005 v6 sr5? thanks again

 

[Gromulus]

A-Frames

Another interesting alternative is an A-frame hard-sided camper. There are only two manufactureres of this novel design: Chalet RV and Aliner. Built on the same concept and similar in design, they differ in a couple of ways. The Aliners have more floorplans and are lighter with an aluminum exterior. The Chalets are heavier (better built in most people's opinion) and have a Filon (fiberglass) exterior.

Both are very light and can even be towed by a Subaru!

Being hardsided and somewhat insulated, they work in winter and literally go up in 30 seconds. No other folding design can go up faster.

They are more expensive than traditional canvas type pop-ups but set-up time is faster and they hold up better to the elements. No wet canvas or mildew smell to deal with. They can be used year-round, even in cold winter weather. Unlike canvas pop-ups, they are OK to use in bear country. They also have great resale value. Just try to find a used one.

We love our Chalet!

Check them out. I would be happy to answer any questions!

www.chaletrv.com
http://www.aliner.com/

Another larger, more expensive option is Trailmanor. This is a folding design as well. But with only you and a dog this is probably more than you will need. Chalet and Aliner also offer smaller designs that are perfect for one or two. Lots of dog owners go with a bunk bed model. They keep dog cages on the floor (lower bunk) while using the top bunk as an extra bed or for storage.