Dusting Off The Small Trailer Enthusiast

For several months, I’ve been kicking around the idea of getting this website restarted after a 3 year hibernation. It’s been a great little hobby since I launched it in September of 2011. It grew to levels I never thought imaginable, and opened several doors for me.

But as time passed discouragement set in. Google algorithms did the site no favors unless you posted daily or weekly content to your site. It would get buried in Google searches, which took a hit on the site’s visits, which in turn made it difficult to stay motivated to put the time into heading to an RV dealership to gather info and photos of a new towable you all might be interested in, coupled with the actual writing of the posts on the website, which were often done in the wee hours of the morning. I could easily count on two hands the number of times I rolled into bed at 2am after posting a feature on the website! And mind you, I’ve had a regular 8:30-4:30 job outside of the RV industry the whole time.

As many of you know, I would share the posts on our Facebook page. Facebook’s algorithm was just as difficult to help the site gain traction as Google. With nearly 5000 followers on the site’s Facebook page, the metrics would show “maybe” 10% of the followers would actually see the post in their feed. And maybe 10% of those 10% would react to and/or click on the link to the website.

So it was after I wrote my last feature in early 2022 on the  Encore RŎG that I decided to just let the website sit there with the 11 years of content it had. I didn’t post and didn’t update the comprehensive Manufacturers Page, which was by far the most frequently visited part of the site. Daily visits have taken a hit without new content to the tune of 35 visits a day in 2024, down from 1,400 daily visits during the website’s peak in 2017.

But as I mentioned, a little voice in the back of my head has been talking. I finally listened to that voice this weekend when I attended the Louisville Boat, RV, and Sportshow. I found a nice display of small trailers and teardrop campers that 62 Sales of Charlestown, Indiana had on display. I’d taken a handful of pics and thought of just putting a few comments on our Facebook page, but then decided this would be the perfect spot to dust off the website with a post. It was modest as my previous posts go, but it was just enough to get those creative juices flowing again. I also started going through the links on the Manufacturers page to correct any broken links and clear out any manufacturers that have closed up.

While I may never see 1,400 daily hits on the website again, I’d be happy just to get it back over 100 and be of help to those small trailer enthusiasts researching for their first, or next, small trailer. Afterall, that was my sole intent back in 2011: To be a clearinghouse of small trailer news and resources, “for the small trailer enthusiast in you.”

If you’re an RV dealer or an RV manufacturer reading this and have a small trailer 20 feet or less that you’d like to get noticed, shoot me an email: pat@smalltrailerenthusiast.com I’m located in southern Indiana just north of Louisville, KY. I’d be happy to drop by and see what you’ve got.

Please bookmark and share the website, and join us on our Facebook page: The Small Trailer Enthusiast

 

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Modern Buggy’s Mod Bug BB14

While at the Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow today, I got my first look at the Mod Bug camper from Modern Buggy RV in Edwardsburg, Michigan. 62 Sales of Charlestown, Indiana is the local dealer for Modern Buggy, and they brought a nice selection of their towables.

The Mod Bug BB14 is a nice little starter camper for those looking to get their feet wet with a first-time camper. With a dry weight of 2200 lbs and just under 17’ long from hitch to tail, the BB14 offers a nice U-shaped front dinette, wet bath, gas range, microwave, and 56”x74” rear bed.

This size single axle camper is part of a competitive sector in the small trailer market. With the MSRP of $29,850 and the price at the show of $24,995, the BB14 is competitively priced compared to similar trailer within this class.


If the BB14 is a little more trailer than you need, Modern Buggy RV has a nice selection of teardrop-style off-road  campers that offer some options including rooftop tent set-ups to create more sleeping space for additional guests.


For more info on these and all the Modern Buggy RV offerings, check out their website at https://www.modernbuggyrv.com

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REV Group announces plans for Lance Camper production in Indiana

Brookfield, Wisconsin based REV Recreation Group announced today plans to add an assembly plant and component warehouse in Decatur, Indiana for its Lance Camper line of travel trailers.

“With the growing interest in and demand for travel trailers, our Decatur facilities will help to better serve those dealers in the Midwest and in the East,” said Mike Lanciotti,president, REV Recreation Group. “Adams County is known for its loyal and diligent workforce, many with expertise in RV manufacturing; we look forward to more employees joining the Lance team.”

This expansion will create more than 100 jobs in Adams County with initial recruiting expected to begin in early April.  Preliminary startup is planned for July, with production ramp-up to follow for six to eight months.

Lance received support both from Adams County and the Indiana Economic Develop Corporation in the form of property tax abatements and incentive-based tax credits. Tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

As the RV Capital of the World, Indiana offers a business-friendly climate and skilled workforce for a variety of RV and camper manufacturers to increase production and meet rising demand of Hoosiers wanting to explore, said Ann Lathrop, executive vice president of global investments for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Were excited Lance Camper has chosen to expand operations in Indiana and look forward to supporting the companys continued growth.

Located just 20 miles south of Indiana’s second largest city, Fort Wayne, Lance will join one of REV’s other brands in Decatur, Fleetwood RV, makers of motor homes Bounder, Discovery, Southwind, Pace Arrow, and others.

The addition of Lance manufacturing trailer in the eastern half of the United States should be good news for dealers in this part of the country. Currently Lance’s manufacturing facility is in Lancaster, California, and shipping trailers to the east coast adds a good chunk of change to the cost. This should help ease some of those costs.

For more info on Lance Campers, visit their website at lancecamper.com.

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Encore RV hits the ground running with the RŎG 12RK

Having owned a teardrop trailer for a couple of years, I’ve got somewhat of a baseline to gauge others. I always thought mine was a well-built, solid unit that was put together well and one I felt confident in recommending to others. I found out this week I was quite naive on what a well-built, solid teardrop was. That’s because I met this.


The RŎG 12RK is the initial offering by Elkhart, Indiana based Encore RV. Encore RV founder, Rich Schnippel has over 20 years of experience in the motorsports/cargo trailer, RV, and marine industry.  Schnippel has worked for some of the top manufacturers in the industry including ATC (The Aluminum Trailer Company) and inTech Trailers/RV.  After parting ways with inTech in August of 2019 he waited out a non-compete and then formed Encore RV.

“This was an opportunity to create some incredible products,” Schnippel stated, “I’ve always been passionate about developing new products and building brands.”

The RŎG utilizes an all-aluminum frame construction that was designed, engineered, and built in-house at Encore RV.  The entire camper is 100% wood-free.  The floors, walls and ceiling utilize lightweight composite materials instead of the wood you will find in traditional campers.  This not only saves weight, it also will not rot, mildew, or promote the growth of mold that can occur in campers using wood-based materials. Simply put, this is a trailer that will last for generations.

Starting with the frame, Encore chose aluminum instead of steel to eliminate rust and corrosion as the unit ages. The frame chassis, walls and roof utilizes Encore’s exclusive Tri-Bond Construction. The components are first assembled together with an industrial adhesive, mechanically fastened and then welded, creating a bullet proof yet lightweight cage frame.

The RŎG features lightweight aluminum cabinets that are CNC laser cut, formed and then powder coated. I was very impressed with these in the galley. They had excellent fit and finish, opened and closed without a hint of struggle, and were quite spacious.

While we’re back there, let’s talk about the galley. It’s a very well thought-out design with everything you need to get your supper ready. The sink and range are the perfect size for this layout, which allows a nice center section between the two for excellent space for food prep.

Below the counter you have a microwave and handy bottle opener, and below the sink you find storage that stretches to the back wall, amongst the sink plumbing, which actually you won’t find taking up hardly any of that area like you’ll see on most RVs. Above the counter you’ll find two cubbies for more storage, which is centered around two stereo speakers, and a spice rack on the left wall. I like the little attention to detail back here with the addition of the rounded trapezoids integrated in the two cubbies and the spice rack. It gives you some handy spots to hang some hooks for your utensils when you’ve got your campsite set up, which allow you to maximize your counter space.

To the right of the sink, you’ll find a spacious 12 volt, 3.3 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer, which sits below a generously sized cabinet with a handy automatic interior light. Want a little shade and shelter from the elements while you’re back there? You can opt for the awning package, which includes a rear awning that measures 4′ 7″ wide X 6′ 7″ deep.


Moving to the living quarters, the interior of the RŎG exceeds expectations. With most teardrop style trailers, you have just a mattress to lay on. However, the RŎG features a 60″ X 80″ futon/mattress  with 8″ thick posture foam. You have the option of sitting on it as a futon during the day, and then fold it out at night for a true queen size bed.

The back interior wall features overhead storages that covers the full width of the interior, complemented with LED lighting as well as two LED reading lights, two corner shelves, and both 120 volt and USB outlets.

Opposite the back wall, the front interior wall displays a recessed TV cabinet with an aluminum wall backer. And for that TV, your power is ready for it with 120V receptacle, 12V receptacle, and HDMI & Cable Outlets. To the right of the TV you’ll find an AM/FM/bluetooth stereo with HDMI input to TV with two speakers below the TV cabinet. You may also notice between those two speakers a couple of vents. Those are for the 8,000 BTU LP furnace with wall mounted thermostat. A propane furnace in a teardrop style trailer is nearly unheard of, but that coupled with the RŎG‘s Radiant Barrier insulation make it a trailer you can camp in in nearly any climate.


To the left of the TV cabinet you’ll find a nice sized cabinet (more like a mini closet) as well as two cubbies above the TV. It’s also in the cabinet where you’ll find the power converter and breaker panel for the RŎG‘s 30 amp service.


Moving to the exterior, the RŎG features fiberglass exterior sidewalls and roof, which is one piece and seamless. On that roof, you’ll find a 12 volt power roof vent and an optional 11,500 BTU low profile air conditioner, which will be more than adequate to keep you cool on those hot days. Also optional is the Roof Rack System with four 74″ crossbars, allowing you to carry multiple items of varying size while traveling.

A cool feature you’ll find on all four corners of the RŎG are 12 volt power ports each with interior switches.

The options for connecting 12 volt devices is limitless with this feature, but I suspect additional lighting would be one of the most popular choices.

On the front right side, there’s ample exterior storage for tools and other camping hardware. And below that is a removable floor that houses the 12 volt battery…and room enough for two for extended off the grid camping. As an option, you can go for the 12 volt AGM deep cycle battery with 90 Amp hours.

A feature on the RŎG that will really open the eyes of boondockers is the 38 gallon fresh water tank. You read that right. 38 gallons! It sits above the frame near the rear of the trailer. The fill neck for it is on the left rear side with a city water connection next to it, so you’re covered for water either way. And to clean off, you’ve got a hand-held shower head with hose. The RŎG is also equipped with a 12 volt water pump to get the water from the fresh water tank to both the shower and the galley sink when not on a city water connection.

The RŎG sits on a 2500 lbs torsion axle with ST235/75R15 load range C all-terrain tires, including the spare and electric brakes. With those tires, that creates an impressive 13 3/4” ground clearance. Overall height of the RŎG varies from a maximum of 81 1/4” if you option in the roof rack system to a low of 74” if you don’t option in the A/C or roof rack.

Some other key specs include a dry weight of  1,985 lbs as optioned. That coupled with the 2500 lbs axle gives you around a 500 lbs cargo capacity. Overall length from hitch to tail is 15’, with a box length of  11’10”. Overall width (including fenders) is 7’11”, and box width is 6’ 3/4”, making it a comfortable “6-wide”.  Interior dimensions include a 4’ interior height, and floor length of 6’8”, which is also the length of the mattress when in bed configuration. Interior width comes out to 69 1/2”.

Some other features include:

  • 2″ Coupler
  • 2″ Receiver on Rear (Bike Rack Mount)
  • 4 Stabilizer Jacks
  • Front Hand Jack & Safety Chains
  • 20# LP Tank & Regulator
  • LP Quick Connect
  • 12V Solar Prep
  • Cable/Satellite Input & AM/FM Antenna

Optional features include:

  • 11,500 BTU Roof Mount Low Profilet A/C – Roof Rack Clears A/C
  • Roof Rack System w/Four 74″ Crossbars
  • Awning Package (Require Roof Rack)                                                                                      Curbside Awning 8′ 2″ Wide X 7′ 7″ Extension                                                                  Rear Awning 4′ 7″ Wide X 6′ 7″ Extension
  • 12V AGM Deep Cycle Battery 90 Amp Hour
  • Choice of Exterior Graphics Color – Red, Blue or Grey (No Cost)

There are plans to develop 7 RŎG models that will range in size from a very small, lightweight utilitarian camper up to larger floorplans offered in both a toy hauler and traditional camper configurations. When asked about other products that Encore RV will be developing, Schnippel explained, “We have already started the design process of our next two product lines and we’re pretty excited at what we will be developing.  So, to speak, we’re looking to break the mold on what’s already been done and bring some unique and exciting products to the marketplace!”

I’ve see a lot of trailers of all shapes and sizes in the nearly 11 years of doing this website, and I have to say the RŎG has left an impression on me of a trailer that’s tough as nails that will last not only your lifetime, but likely several generations. For those of you whose camping style meshes with what the RŎG has to offer, you’d be hard pressed to find one in this price point that offers this much. As for price point, this unit I looked over at Mount Comfort RV was fully loaded and checked in at time of inspection with an MSRP of $27,000. But when you compare other manufacturers and compare features, you’ll see the value.

For more info, check out the walk through video below by Encore’s Rich Schnippel, courtesy of  Mount Comfort RV, or visit the Encore RV website at https://encore-rv.com

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Little Guy adds to the Max lineup with the Micro Max

After several years in the making, Uniontown, Ohio based Xtreme Outdoors has announced the Little Guy Micro Max to its Max line of trailers. The Micro Max could be considered the runt of the Max litter, with big brothers Max and Mini Max previously introduced in 2017 and 2018, respectively. I first saw the prototype of the Micro Max at the manufacturers open house in Elkhart, Indiana back in September of 2019. As we know, the pandemic hit not long after that and turned the world, and RV industry, upside down. But with supply chains slowly starting to get back online, Xtreme Outdoors has raised the curtain on the Little Guy Micro Max, just in time for its public debut this week at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa.

From a press release today:

The Micro Max is designed to fit in most residential garages, which is one of Little Guy’s most sought-after features. With a starting weight of just 1,785 lbs., the Micro Max makes Little Guy trailers accessible to a larger customer base than ever before.

Manufactured by Xtreme Outdoors in Somerset, Pennsylvania, the Micro Max features the same high quality materials, superior craftsmanship, and thoughtful details as the rest of the “Max” line.

“The lightweight, garageable Micro Max is great for customers with smaller vehicles that still want the luxury of an RV! We have packed in so many features that will make this a home away from home. Ample storage, large windows, and many residential features that make this the perfect get away trailer,” said Xtreme Outdoors Sales & Marketing Manager, Jessica Lovett.

“We have been perfecting the Micro Max for some time now. We have listened to our customers’ requests and are beyond excited for the official launch! Our team at Xtreme Outdoors has been crucial to the quality and craftsmanship of the Micro Max and we cannot wait to share it with the RV world,” said Xtreme Outdoors Director of Sales, Joe Kicos.

You can see the Micro Max soon at your Little Guy dealer, or if you’re heading to the Florida RV SuperShow this weekend in Tampa, it’ll be on display through Sunday, January 23. To find out more about the Micro Max or find a dealer near you, visit the Little Guy website at https://golittleguy.com/lg-micro/

photos courtesy Xtreme Outdoors

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Small Trailer Snapshot: The Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK

At first glance, you may look at the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK and think it’s another boxy teardrop trailer…or as some refer to it as a “boxdrop”. But upon further inspection, it’s anything but typical.

Inside the 12SRK, instead of a typical wall to wall mattress, you’ll find a jack-knife sofa that converts to a bed with a comfortable 6’4” length. Having owned a traditional teardrop trailer in the past, you don’t always want to lay down when you climb inside to take shelter from a rainy day at the campground. And underneath that sofa, you have full access storage that’s accessible from inside as well as an exterior cargo door. Jayco has does an exceptional job with the 12SRK creating good interior storage. Aside from the storage under the sofa, you have a mini wardrobe just inside the door as well as overhead storage across the front wall, and to the side of the sofa a handy concealed nook for additional items. But wait there’s more! On the door side wall near the rear, there’s a shelf with two cubbies below. The back wall you’ll find a mounting bracket for the 32” 12 volt TV that you can swap between there or outside in the rear galley. The interior is ventilated with a power roof vent, and for additional cooling, you can go with the optional 8,000 BTU wall mounted air conditioner.




The rear galley gives you a nice area for food prep, which sits above the slide-out 17” Blackstone grill, which is standard along with a nice sized 12 volt cooler. An overhead shelf across the width gives you ample storage for food, and handy peg boards on both side walls gives you the ability to be creative with kitchenware to hang. And as we mentioned earlier, the back wall has a spot for the 32” 12 volt television.


The 12SRK is built with laminated sidewalls using Azdel composite, while sitting on 15” Goodyear off-road tires with self adjusting brakes. A generous 25 gallon fresh water tank is there for the handy outside spray port for washing off dishes, or even yourself!  Interested in camping in the 12SRK in cooler temps? Jayco has you covered with an enclosed and insulated underbelly. Options aside from the 8,000 BTU air conditioner include a Thule awning, accessory roof rack system, solar power package, and an upgraded 30 lbs propane tank for extended off-grid use.




The Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK checks in with a base weight of 1585 lbs, 180 lbs dry hitch weight, 1210 lbs cargo carrying capacity, and 2795 lbs GVWR. From hitch to tail the 12SRK  measures 13’4” long, 7’9” tall, 6’8” wide, and with an interior height of 4’7”. Base MSRP starts out at $20,063. For more info on the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK or other floor plans in the Micro series, visit the Jayco website at Jayco Jay Feather Micro 

Special thanks to Josh Winters at Haylett RV for the tour and the pics! Interested in the 12SRK? Be sure to visit the fine folks at Haylett RV! https://www.haylettautoandrv.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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And now a word from our sponsors…

It’s been a while since we’ve had advertisers on The Small Trailer Enthusiast, but I want to welcome back to the fold two previous advertisers, The Teardrop Shop and Lance Camper.


The Teardrop Shop has been on the scene for nearly 10 years and is an online, one stop shop for all your teardrop trailer needs. From awnings to covers and everything in between, they’ve got it. But they carry accessories not only for your small teardrop, but for also larger teardrops like the Little Guy Max, T@B 400, and r-pod.
The categories on The Teardrop Shop are endless. And I’m finding they have a lot of great products even if you don’t have a teardrop. Accessories for inside and outside your trailer, as well as clothing, decals, hitching and towing  accessories, solar, cooking needs…the list goes on. You can visit The Teardrop Shop by clicking on the thumbnail on the right column of any of our pages, or just click here and explore: The Teardrop Shop.

Lance Camper needs no introduction. Starting out as a truck camper manufacturer in 1965, Lance Camper has evolved into one of the most respected trailer manufacturers in the industry. It’s no secret if you’ve ever owned or toured a Lance truck camper or trailer that you won’t find a better built product, and their reputation for quality that has lasted for decades. With trailers ranging from 19’8” to 29’5” in length, they’ve got you covered for every stage of your camping life. You can explore the Lance Camper website by clicking on their thumbnail ad on the right side of any page, or by clicking here: Lance Camper

 

 

 

 

 

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KZ RV introduces the HATCH to the Escape lineup

Shipshewana, Indiana based KZ RV recently debuted three new floor plans to the Escape lineup with the HATCH. A cross between a small travel trailer and a toy hauler, the HATCH is geared to those who bring along their non-motorized toys to their camping adventures, such as bikes and kayaks, as well as an incredible amount of storage for just your everyday camping gear.
Looking at the mid-sized E17 HATCH, you’ll find the front two-thirds of the trailer is typical of what you’ll find in a small trailer in its 22’ hitch to tail length, with a front east-west queen bed, kitchen, bathroom, and a pantry.

It’s the back third where the HATCH shows its unique qualities that sets itself apart from other trailers of this size. It starts with its signature rear hatch, measuring an impressive 60” wide by 66” tall. The hatch opens vertically and is supported by two struts for ease of opening.

The rear dinette consists of two fold-away tables that can be stored underneath the dinette booth when the space is needed for hauling your gear or when converting the dinette to a second bed. Instead of using the tables as part of the bed, KZ uses three panels that lay between the two dinette booths, where you then just slide your cushions over to form your bed. When the bed panels aren’t needed, they’re conveniently housed on the side of the pantry.


The HATCH offers the new optional Off-Grid/Off-Road package for added off-grid capabilities. The package includes a 100 watt roof-mounted solar panel, 1,000 watt inverter with dedicated 110 volt outlets, solar controller, portable Bluetooth audio player and flashlight, tongue-mounted bike rack, griddle, solar on the side (for additional solar power), aluminum wheels with mud tires, extra ground clearance, electronically-controlled heated holding tanks and double entry steps.

Standards include an aerodynamic front profile with front windshield, Alum-a-Tough seamless roof with 12-year limited warranty, power awning with porch light, 2-burner cooktop, microwave, 8 CU FT 12V refrigerator, and 20K BTU furnace.

The HATCH comes in three floor plans, the E14, E17, and E20, with total lengths ranging from 15’3” to 23’8”, and dry weights ranging between 2825 lbs to 3510 lbs. All three offer an 8 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer, 6 gallon water heater, 20 gallon fresh water tank, and 30 gallon gray and black water tanks. As the HATCH is hitting the market in early 2021, I’m seeing prices in the upper teens to low $20,000’s, but your results may vary depending on dealer and location.

Here you’ll find a couple of informative videos from KZ RV featuring both the exterior and interior features of the E17 HATCH:

To learn more about the HATCH, visit the KZ website at https://www.kz-rv.com/products/escape-travel-trailers/

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Small Trailer Snapshot: The Aliner Scout Lite

There comes a time in the life of most tent campers when they start to think, “It’s time to get off the ground”. I’d venture to say some of you can raise your hand to the affirmative with that sentiment. While it’s uncommon for a tent camper to jump right from their $89 tent they got at the big box store into a $400,000 42’ diesel pusher, it’s not uncommon for them to jump into something that’s not that much larger than the tent they’re leaving behind. Some folks just like small spaces, whether it’s on the ground or on two wheels. One such trailer that fits that mould is the lightweight and light on the pocket Aliner Scout Lite.


Key Features: Opening or closing an Aliner can be achieved in less than a minute; Azdel thermoplastic composite interior wall and ceiling panels; Performax 500 premium marine grade flooring; City water hookup; Dinette that converts to a 40”x76” bed; 30”x76” bed; 14” aluminum wheels; 10″ electric brakes; Diamond plate stone guard; Solar port; 35 amp converter; 3000 lb axle; Optional front soft dormer; Optional Command A/C Heat Pump; Sink; Two skylights with night shades (Dormer option eliminates skylight with night shade).

Key Specs: At a dry weight of 1,180 lbs before options (which are few) and a total length of just 13’, the Aliner Scout Lite can be hauled by just about anything.

  • Box length: 10’
  • Total length: 13’
  • Width: 78”
  • Height closed: 57”
  • GVWR: 3,000 lbs
  • Tongue weight: 130 lbs
  • Cargo capacity: 1,320 lbs

Why I like it: The Aliner Scout Lite gives you a lot of the same features as a teardrop trailer does…with more. It gives you a lightweight trailer, but unlike a teardrop, it gives you the ability to stand up and move around. And unlike some high end teardrop trailers, it gives you a much more favorable price point, checking in at just over $10,000 depending on options.  Aliner the company has been building A-frame campers in their Mount Pleasant, PA factory for close to 40 years now, and have been the pioneer of this design.

I’ll be honest, this is not going to be a trailer for everyone. However, Aliner does make other A-frame campers that give you a stove, a refrigerator, more room, and even a wet bath in some. But knowing my readers like I do, I’m pretty sure there’s a large group of you that will be intrigued by this lightweight, low cost option to get you out of that tent at a reasonable price.
For more info on the Aliner Scout Lite, visit their website at https://aliner.com/campers/scout-lite/

Special thanks to Aliner dealer Mount Comfort RV for having me out to check out the Scout Lite and many other Aliner they have in stock.

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Small Trailer Snapshot: The r-pod 192

Recently while traveling from Indiana to South Dakota for vacation, I had an 1100 mile (each way) chance to observe on the highways what people were camping with. One thing stuck out: There are a lot of Forest River r-pods out there. Just on the trip out from home to our Custer, South Dakota base for the week, I encountered roughly 10 r-pods in that two-day trip. And it should come as no surprise, as the r-pod has been the number one selling small trailer under 20 feet for a few years now. I don’t know all my r-pod floorplans from the outside, but one of them I did see on Interstate 90 in South Dakota has been my favorite since it debuted last year, and that’s the RP-192.

Key Features: Laminlux Exterior Azdel Fiberglass; Full rear bathroom with ample linen closet; 60” x 80” Murphy bed; 6 cubic foot gas/electric refrigerator/freezer; 4 speed MaxxAir® Fan; 13.5K BTU air conditioner; Convection microwave oven; Central vacuum; Solar prep; Optional Solar Package (110W Panel, Digital Controller, 1000 Watt Inverter); 20,000 BTU furnace; USB Charging Ports

Key Specs: With a dry weight of 3,449 lbs and total length of 22’, the RP-192 isn’t going to be a small trailer for every tow vehicle. However, if you have a tow vehicle capable of towing 4500 lbs or higher, you should have no problems in that regard.

  • Hitch weight: 460 lbs
  • Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1411 lbs
  • Exterior height: 9’10”
  • Exterior width: 96”
  • Fresh water capacity: 30 gallons
  • Gray water capacity: 30 gallons
  • Black water capacity: 30 gallons
  • Awning size: 11’

Why I like it: When I first stepped into the RP-192 at last year’s RV open house in Elkhart, Indiana, it wowed me instantly. I’m big into having a lot of natural light in a trailer, and the RP-192 offers just that. A big part of that light is aided by the huge 65” x 24” dinette window, which stretches nearly the entire length of the dinette. And although it’s a small window, the addition of a window in the bathroom on the back wall of the trailer really ties in well with the natural light theme of the RP-192. In total, there are six windows, including the door. When you have the bed down in sleep mode, you benefit from a big front window. And speaking of the Murphy bed, it’s not your typical RV queen bed. It’s a full 60” x 80” standard queen.




Even without a Murphy bed, this is a popular floorplan used by many manufacturers, and the design team at r-pod have taken it a step further. Storage is ample as well, with full pass thru storage up front, two wardrobes (with backlighting) on either side of the bed, storage under the sofa, cabinets above the dinette with additional storage u see the dinette booths, a nice mirrored kitchen pantry, cabinets above and below the kitchen counter, and a big wardrobe with additional cabinets in the bathroom. So you get all of this kitchen storage and still get the benefit of the big 6 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer.

 


r-pod has been the king of the small trailer market for a while now, and I don’t see that letting up. In recent years they’ve been coming up with some new floorplans and adding twists to old floorplans. The RP-192 is no exception. If you’re looking for a well thought-out couple’s trailer with good storage and good room for two from a trailer with a solid reputation, you’ll want to add the r-pod RP-192 high on your list. 
 
For more info on the r-pod RP-192, visit their website at: https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/r-pod/RP-192/5158

Also, here’s a great walk-thru with PJ from one of our favorite small trailer dealers, Princess Craft RV

 

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