Hi there all!

Anyone ever owned one of these hard sided folding trailers? I looked at the alite 400 today. It has a total base wieght of 400 pounds and can be towed by a motorcycle! I am a very small woman, and could easily manuaver it and pop the roof and walls up without even straining a little.

The E will be my bedroom, the aliner will be my living room, kitchen and crapper, even tho the sofa folds down into a bed. They have an amazing amount of room on the inside. The website pictures don't do it justice.

This in combo with the E seem a perfect RV package without spending a fortune, relatively.

Before I buy it tho (It's spendy for something this small..5900 with battery and all the "extras") any opinions or experiences with one would be appreciated if you have 'em!

THX in advance!

http://www.aliner.com/page30.html

I saw one of these at the East Coast Canoe and Kayak Symposium in April. I asked if I could look at it and the people who owned it were very excited to show it off. It's all the benefits of a pop-up without the annoying sliding canvas parts and extra weight. Have you looked at the larger model for small Hondas? http://www.aliner.com/page10.html
I like these a lot, but they are quite pricey. Oh and by the way, this isn't really camping either!

well, I still DO sometimes run naked in the woods with a knife between my teeth chasing bears for breakfast..but this would be nice for my more sophisticated moments :lol:

I looked at the larger ones, yes. They have a little MORE than what I need. I already bought the bedroom! Don't need to tow one around with me ;-) I plan on keeping the sleeping space in the E, and use the trailer for all the other living functions.

These are so lightwieght tho, I wonder how they hold up?

Just one question.......
Where ya gonna hang the mail box?????
If you ever get out to MD. stop in and visit...LOL
Wish ya luck!!!!!!

I think I saw that the Element is rated to tow 1500 pounds.

The Aliner A400 is under 400 pounds, no problem, but how much do the others weigh?

Ah! I found 'em!

Sportliner 750 to 1045
Aliner 995 to 1175
Scout 895
Cabin Cruiser 1300
Cabin A 975 to 1310

Also consider

http://www.ptsnoozer.com/

http://home.centurytel.net/edevold/camper.htm

zetemo_52 ~ Thank you for your research!

I looked at the new teardrops, they are indeed cute, seem to be well made and are great lookers, but just not to my liking for some reason or another. I think it is the standing room thing, possibly a cluastrophobic issue? The aliner does have some standing room, it might be the space above my head and the more open feeling.

THIS coming from a 5 ft tall woman!

[quote:79dde8e2c2="spldr"]zetemo_52 ~ Thank you for your research!

I looked at the new teardrops, they are indeed cute, seem to be well made and are great lookers, but just not to my liking for some reason or another. I think it is the standing room thing, possibly a cluastrophobic issue? The aliner does have some standing room, it might be the space above my head and the more open feeling.

THIS coming from a 5 ft tall woman![/quote:79dde8e2c2]

might look a little something like this:

http://www.e-shen.com/eletrail.jpg


lol... i did some research into the teardrops a few months ago... and decided that during winter break i'll try and build my own...

[quote:09f4f74dbf="Sheniferous"]

might look a little something like this:

http://www.e-shen.com/eletrail.jpg


lol... i did some research into the teardrops a few months ago... and decided that during winter break i'll try and build my own...[/quote:09f4f74dbf]

Haaahahaha...I've seen bigger coffins!

Seriously though, SpIdr, that ALiner at 400 Lbs is really for motorcycles and may be a bit too small.

Burro 14 foot weighs 1400 pounds "dry".


http://www.burrotrailers.com/

Amazing, those little teardrop trailers. Back in the early 60's, my uncle built a teardrop about the size shown in the photo. It expanded sideways to sleep 4, had storage for food stuff and even hot and cold running water. When I went with them (aunt, uncle cousin and me) to the Seattle World's fair we camped in it from Denver to Seattle, then down to So Ca. Great little trailer.

If you don't mind (or like) sleeping in your "E", you might want to check out http://www.minicampingtrailer.com/index.html

It's a cute diy trailer with storage, kitchen, bathroom and shower. Best of all the plans are free.

Here's another option:

http://www.teardroptrailersexpress.com/products.php?Manufacturer=Little%20Guy%20Trailers

Anyone have any idea what type of trailer this is, and where I can get info on it?

http://coastlineoftheworld.com/images_us_az/az_599_sm.jpg

Where did he get that cool trailer? That's exactly the type of camper I'm looking for.

[quote:56491e8d10=" "]Anyone have any idea what type of trailer this is, and where I can get info on it?

Where did he get that cool trailer? That's exactly the type of camper I'm looking for.[/quote:56491e8d10]

I saw one like this once before on this site. It is in a thread with some of the "tents-on-trucks" stuff, I think. The company that sells that trailer also sells just the tent/platform part for mounting on the roof of an SUV. I wish I could remember more about the thread so you could search better.

Bill

Find it at www.tentrax.com I really like the looks and workmanship of these trailers. They are pricey, but fully customized to your needs.

These are the two I'm considering. The Scamp is right at 1,000# dry and without options, the Casita about 1,400# so more ify.

http://www.scamptrailers.com/
http://www.casitatraveltrailers.com/home.html

Now that Brian's back, he's gotta do some 3AM shots of his trailer for us...

-brendan

Here are some cool little trailers my friend found in his VW magazine.

www.trailmasterinc.com

I requested some info from them, but haven't gotten it yet.

That is really cool! It looks like he put some OEM rims on it too. Nice job whoever it is.

BTW, I have to haul a motorcycle from upstate with Boxy. I need to rent a trailer. I would like to get a enclosed one or something that works lol. Any suggestions?

http://www.tentrax.com/
that is where he bought that. A bit pricey with options.

and for tons of pictures of this guys adventure around the world, visit
http://coastlineoftheworld.com/

Wow! This guy should be voted element of the year! The miles on his E must be enormous!

Thanks for the link. I should have looked back to a earlier post and saw it.

it looks like it might be something homemade. it reminds of the back of an old jeep. whatever it is, i it has ex rims on it.
i plans in my head for building a teardrop out of an old vw bug sans the front end.

[quote:5417393485=" "]Hi there all!

Anyone ever owned one of these hard sided folding trailers? I looked at the alite 400 today. It has a total base wieght of 400 pounds and can be towed by a motorcycle! I am a very small woman, and could easily manuaver it and pop the roof and walls up without even straining a little.

The E will be my bedroom, the aliner will be my living room, kitchen and crapper, even tho the sofa folds down into a bed. They have an amazing amount of room on the inside. The website pictures don't do it justice.

This in combo with the E seem a perfect RV package without spending a fortune, relatively.

Before I buy it tho (It's spendy for something this small..5900 with battery and all the "extras") any opinions or experiences with one would be appreciated if you have 'em!

THX in advance!

http://www.aliner.com/page30.html[/quote:5417393485]

What a really slow site!

I like the Sportliner. It appears that the Element will handle it. The porta-potty option and outside shower is especially attractive.

Where did you find pricing guides? I'd like to build one before going to a dealer.

that a-liner is really cool.. first i have seen those.. i grew up tent camping, so we sneared at those with anything on wheels.. (ahh camping snobs, ya know.. but we thought anyone who brought a fridge and tv camping really lost the whole concept)..

anyhow seriously neat looking, this i would consider too..
that teardrop one, does look like a futuristic coffin.. creepy!

Thank you for sharing!

Aliner club

http://www.alinerclub.org/main_frame.html

How much can the Element tow exactly? No, I don't care about Honda's #s which are fake, I want to know the true tow rating.

I didn't know 'exact' tow rating numbers existed for the Element, or for any other car for that matter. What are the exact numbers for an Explorer? How were they determined? Do they make a distinction between short distance towing, and long distance, repeated towing? Which components limit the towing capacity, brakes, transmission, suspension, motor, handling?

paulj

I hauled a Starcraft 2410 rated at 1800 lbs dry this past weekend. I knew it was back there, but the trailer pulled and stopped with little effort. I also had the Element overloaded inside with about 1000 lbs worth of people and gear. It took a little while to get to 75 MPH, but it cruised there with no problems (Yes, the terrain was relatively flat, Houston to Fairfield, 66 miles south of Dallas)

http://www.starcraftrv.com/starcraft_folding_campers/starcraft_floorplans_ss.html

I think the 2106 would be ideal for the Element and 2 people (or a family with a few young kids)

I've pulled and used the 1704 (older model) and didn't even know it was back there, but it was small.

[quote:82f3669049=" "]How much can the Element tow exactly? No, I don't care about Honda's #s which are fake, I want to know the true tow rating.[/quote:82f3669049]I wouldn't say they're fake, more like conservative engineering guidelines, exceed at your risk.

[quote:30cea1a1f0=" "]I didn't know 'exact' tow rating numbers existed for the Element, or for any other car for that matter. What are the exact numbers for an Explorer? How were they determined? Do they make a distinction between short distance towing, and long distance, repeated towing? Which components limit the towing capacity, brakes, transmission, suspension, motor, handling?

paulj[/quote:30cea1a1f0]

Oh, he got all of that one, folks...

I've been looking around a bit and am getting frustrated with just how few options we Element owners have for trailers. I mean, I like the a-liner and all, but I feel like I'd get a little more room with a conventional pop-up. But thier DRY weights usually START at 1500 lbs - a little on the hefty side for the Element (allegedly). The last thing I want to do is blow out my tranny because I'm hauling too much.

So I'll have to second the question out there... just how much CAN the E tow?

Thanks everyone!

-D

BriBoy01 has a nice popup trailer...it's ~1350 dry, I believe.

My opinion...you can probably go over to 1600/1700 without too much risk (assuming you understand how to drive with a trailer responsibily). I trust that Honda's numbers are conservative. But I wouldn't recommend going too far above that (anything past 1800) due to handling issues (short wheelbase and all).

-brendan

If you already own an Element, maybe you should be asking how much trailer space do you need, and do you need all the amenities available. Judging from discussions on the RV open roads forums http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/active.cfm, RV salesmen will try to sell you all the goodies they can, often downplaying towing weights. There is also a towing weight war, as towing capacities of SUVs and trucks rise, trailer manufactures make bigger and more elaborate RVs. Construction quality hasn't risen so much as size, space, and amenities (fridge, full propane stove system, generator, cable TV, AC, garage for ATVs, etc).

I think the best trailer for the Element is one that is either aimed at 4x4 crowd (e.g. towed by a Wrangler), or at the motorcycle or sports car crowd.

paulj

[quote:78e6f5d8d2=" "]There is also a towing weight war, as towing capacities of SUVs and trucks rise, trailer manufactures make bigger and more elaborate RVs...
...I think the best trailer for the Element is one that is either aimed at 4x4 crowd (e.g. towed by a Wrangler), or at the motorcycle or sports car crowd.

paulj[/quote:78e6f5d8d2]

Very true. Also, you anyone buying a trailer might consider weighing the whole package before purchase. We bought a boat several years back that was 850 lbs (dry) heavier than the dealer had assured us. My first clue to the overweight problem was the bent roller pins on the skimpy trailer he matched up with the boat. :roll: There are several options for weighing vehicles and trailers. My favorite is the local rock quarry.

As for trailers, this one is by far my fav: http://www.tentrax.com

I regulary tow a small popup that is right aound 1400lbs loaded. Yes I can tell its back there but i feel the element handles it very well. I have pics but i am currently in a hotel on tv internet so i will post them when i get home.

I regulary tow a small popup that is right aound 1400lbs loaded. Yes I can tell its back there but i feel the element handles it very well. I have pics but i am currently in a hotel on tv internet so i will post them when i get home.

heh, hotel internet.

brian is ADDICTED to EOC! Say hi to dea for us!

-brendan

wow, this old thread got dredged up again...

I have been through 2 trailers since! on my 3rd now.. (yeah yeah.. 2footitis!)

Started with a cub kamparoo http://www.kamparoo.com .. towed like buttah!

in between I had a Coleman Colorado, still under 1000lbs, also .... towed like buttah! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2471823584&category=50064 (Sold and gone, sorry!)

Now I have an older Burro and have gotten it on the road.. have not wieghed it, but the older ones are 960 dry, I am guessing around 13-1400 with my crap in it (Including the crapper, Dan!)

It tows more like, er, semi frozen buttah, but it seems fine and handlable. I put in a tranny cooler, trailer has brakes. I feel perfectly safe with it.

http://spldr.com/burroinside.htm read both pages. It is great, small but perfect, and not a pop up, or a tiny aliner.

[quote:9d623364c3=" "]I put in a tranny cooler, trailer has brakes. I feel perfectly safe with it.[/quote:9d623364c3]

Pics! Or at least URLs! :)

-brendan

If I were to go with a camping trailer, that Kamparoo looks attractive. I saw one from a distance at a campground last summer, towed by a motorcycle. I'd want to look into the tent waterproofness in some detail.

A while back I had a pickup-based popup tent (Wildernest), which worked well on a 3mth road trip, except for its handling of rain. Eventually I had to routinely rig a poly tarp over the whole thing. By now I have camped enough in the Pacific NW that use of tarps has become second nature.

paulj

Im interested about info on the tranny cooler.

That Burro looks good. Somebody took good care of it.

Here's the current version of that, and the puppy I'm thinking about.

http://scamptrailers.com/images/MP/ImgLibrary_0024.gif

http://www.scamptrailers.com/index.cfm?PageID=21

Scamp 13' Specifications
Overall Length 13'
Overall Height 7'4"
Overall Width 6'8"
Interior Length 10'
Interior Width 6'6"
Weight* 1000 lbs. (YES!!!! - but before accessories like AC)
Hitch Weight* 85 lbs.
Hitch Height 18"
Ball Hitch 1-7/8"
Tire 13" B rating
Sleeps 2 to 4 people

http://scamptrailers.com/images/MP/ImgLibrary_0006.gif

> Pics! Or at least URLs!

Well, I would take a pic of the cooler, but.. ya can't really see it all that well, it's buried under the tranny. I didn't install it myself. I got U Hauls medium duty one, they installed. $125 total w/installation.

I took a look at doing it myself, and it looks easy enough, but for that cheap, I let someone else get dirty!

The brakes, I haven't had the controller wired up yet, I will try to get picks when I do shortly. I will have Uhaul do that too.. they are far too inexpensive to bother with doing it yourself. They quoted me 50 bucks to do the brakes and battery charge lines.

BigFoot ~ There are a couple of Element owners towing Scamps at this board: http://www.fiberglassrv.com There is a wealth of info over there about these trailers and towing them etc. Hints on how to keep the weight down and other stuff. Be aware that most scamp owners cliam scamps weight spec is way off.. they are well over 1300 dry. Scamp must be weighing before they put the accessories in like stove etc.

As mentioned earlier, the older units, if you can find one, are much lighter. There is even a fiberglass brand called "BigFoot".. perhaps you would like that one better? :D

I looked at that style camper but the pop up appealed to me for a few different reasons.
1. The bunks are always there and no dinette has to be converted into a bed so one can sleep while the other eats or whatever. plus there is a lot more sleeping room in a pop up.
2. The canvas tenting with wall to wall windows makes for a very open view. much better than viewing the outdooors through a small window.
3. more floor space.
4. the pop up towed a lot better.

The pop up also has some downfalls, like set up time for example, but I think it was a better decision for me.

Set up in the driveway
http://bboyles.brendan.org/camper1.jpg

View from back to front
http://bboyles.brendan.org/camper3.jpg

View from front to back through window screen
http://bboyles.brendan.org/camper9.jpg

Ill take some pics of it hitched to the element tomorrow if the weather is decent.

Hitched up the camper today. As you can see in the photos i get no rear end sag and it tows like a dream. It looks tiny but the thing with a pop up is its only 8 feet closed but when popped up that becomes 8 feet of floor because the bunks hang out.

http://bboyles.brendan.org/hitched1.jpg

http://bboyles.brendan.org/hitched2.jpg

http://bboyles.brendan.org/hitched3.jpg

now you have to start listing your trailer in your signature, like a good RV owner :)

Before you shell out all that money, you might want to take a look at motorcycle camping trailers. I've seen the Aliner or a close cousin being pulled behind quite a few bikes, but there are also a whole bunch of others. Some good, some not so good, but I'm thinkin', a lot cheaper.

The one I'm most familiar with is the Travelite. It's a pop-up type, just like a regular camper, just a smaller and lighter. The tent part is VERY sturdy fabric. It comes in either a hard top or soft top (the soft top model has a tent-like peak in the center, which my buddy at 6'7", could stand up in). Not sure if they're still making them, but I've seen them used in VGC for $750 .

Here's a Kompact Kamp ('bout 1/2 way down the page):

http://www.pipewrenchtrailersales.com/page3.html

Here's Timeout:

http://www.wikco.com/timeout.html

(...but aren't you supposed to be in "time out" when you're BAD??? So if you're "out of your element", you're "in time out" ?)

Some other light weight tent trailers that I've found include:

http://www.scooterschooner.com/

http://www.trailmasterinc.com/

http://www.com-pac-camp.com/about.htm - east Canada

http://www.kamparoo.com/cubspecs.htm Alberta Kamparoo distributor

http://www.globalrv.com/camper.html US Kamparoo distributor

http://www.timeout-trailers.com/ie/pages/campers/index.html

BriBoy01 ~ Thats a nice looking pop up. Did you get it new?

I had a Kamparoo, it was great behind the E. The price for what you get, like the Aliner, is pretty spendy tho. Average 4k for a new one of that ilk. I found mine used, but they are tough to find.. eBay had a few up last week, have a peek for any of those listed above (Good links, by the way)

Here is my Burro, and after this weekend where it actually SNOWED and rained all day yesterday in the campground I was at, I am sure glad I got rid of the pop ups. This thing is 960 dry. It's all fiberglass, no "sticks" or seems. The floor is fiberglass treated wood, and probably the heaviest signle part of it, outside of the frame. My frame is aluminum, not withouit its downside (They had a tendancy to crackat a certain spot.. mines all welded up and re-enforced now tho) Also hard to find, but they are out there.

http://www.spldr.com/eonthemountain.jpg[/img]

go here for lots of pics of the travelite.. it has sold tho. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2472045053&category=50064

another one like it went on ebay for 750 last week.

spldr-

Just curious if you took pictures of your welding fix...the crack picture you posted earlier was a bit scary. :)

-brendan

Yes I bought the pop up brand new. It was in the in the $4,000 range also. I dont get the dry comment mine has been up ine snow, ice, and more rain than I thought was possible and it stays bone dry. I really love my pop up and think it was one of my best purchases yet.

Dry comment: "960 dry" refers to the weight of the trailer before it is loaded with "stuff". Add my beer, and the weight goes up considerably :lol:

The 4k you paid was what I was mentioning about the smaller ones. See all the extra you can get for the same bucks? I am not sure why the "little" trailer companies think they can charge that much, other than it's a niche' market and if you have to have one that small, you pay what they are charging.

I have stayed dry (as in "not wet") and warm in my pop ups too, they aren't like the ones your Dad used to have. These days, "Canvas" on them is a decieving term.. it's more like vinyl, and yep, they stay dry inside usually even in the nastiest of weather.

I agree, they have much more room, indeed. I just had a hard time wrestling mine around to put away, and even the Coleman Colorado had a soft top, so no cranking down was involved. At 5ft 1 and 105, it was the wrong choice for me. But I do know why you love yours, once set up, they are great fun and comfort!

Here is a picture of the weld. I have been told it looks really bad, but it is a good weld and brace.. so, since I rarely crawl under the trailer for ambiance.. I kind of don't care about the cosmetics.

It is braces on 3 sides of the frame, and the cross memebr goes to the "Mirrored" spot on the other side, also braced, tho it didn't crack. I wanted the re-enforcement just in case.

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=59289

Hey Brian - I really like your setup and was thinking about going the pop-up route myself. Now, I've read through this thread and haven't seen what make and model you went with. Mind sharing?

I have two little Element fans who just LOVE to camp - just haven't gone the trailer route yet and am really looking forward to it!

Thanks in advance!

-DJ

Well, we decided to take the plunge and buy a 13' Scamp, which is similar to spldr's Bolo, or is it Burro? She's active over on the fiberglassrv forum and provides a wealth of info of interest.

The weight is an issue and I will probably be right at 1,500 empty if I'm lucky, so the tranny cooler and electric brakes may be a must have.

If we proceed we will drive 2,000 miles to pick it up and have it back home by the end of May. Pictures then. May have debadge it and paint it GGM!

I have a Flagstaff 176Ltd.
http://bboyles.brendan.org/layout.jpg
More info can be found here.
http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/floorplanview.asp?name=10&cat=MAC/LTD%20Series&page=ftc&loc=flagstaffmls&direc=tentcampers/flagstaff/floorplans

I like the carry out range feature, Brian. I have to carry my coleman 2 burner stove for the outdoor cooking.

Congrats on the Scamp, BigFoot! Now you will have to go over and say "hey" at the fiberglass forum and join a rally! The more E's the better! You might want to use a different handle tho.. that would be REALLY confusing! "Why is Bigfoot in a Scamp and not a Bigfoot?"

Are you getting it new and driving to the factory?

btw... it's a Burro.

Yes spldr, (not your real name), it's a new one. We bought a 1984 Class C RV a few years ago and spent a lot of time and money restoring it so this time we're buying a new thing and spending the same amount of money. Trying to keep all these life experiences under $10,000.

Your Burro looks really good from the pictures you posted. I could have easily abandoned my no-more-old stance if I had run across a used one that nice. But as you know, used 13' fiberglass trailers are difficult to find.

I'm registered over at fiberglassrv but you're right about my Bigfoot handle confusing things. May change it to Scamping Element.

I spent a LOT of time researching and tire kicking when I first decided to get a small pop up for the E. This is one of the ones I considered, but could not find one used.

It looks in real good condition, and the price is very good.

These are hard to sell on eBay, mine was up for 3 cycles before it sold. If this is something you folks are interested in, jump on it now!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2474644663&indexURL=2&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting

[quote:654522d27c=" "]If you don't mind (or like) sleeping in your "E", you might want to check out http://www.minicampingtrailer.com/index.html

It's a cute diy trailer with storage, kitchen, bathroom and shower. Best of all the plans are free.[/quote:654522d27c]

Their specs down't quite get it. They say that the wheels and tires cn handle "highway" speeds yet the manufacturer rates them at 45 mph. "Highway" speeds, I think not.

I emailed them on this issue but they haven't answered.

The plans aren't free. The cost is $2.50. I don't mind that. The inaccuracies bother me the most.

We saw one of these at a nearby RV store and liked them: http://www.tab-rv.com/story/index.php

They are rather pricey and wouldn't fit in my current garage.

I posted this on another thread the other day but it'll fit here too. Saw these at the L.A. County Fair. Real hoot! Best thing is you can get the original Popular Mechanics plans for it ifyou're so inclined. Enjoy!
http://www.socalteardrops.com

These Aliners look pretty nice, but the info doesn't say how many
they sleep. I get the impression all models sleep only 2.
Also does anyone know where they are manufactured?

The company link is given at the start of this tread. If their specs do say explicitly how many they sleep, you should be able to deduce that from the floor plans. I think most models have one bed, probably double (full) size, maybe queen. Also check the company's web site for their location.

paulj