$9900 new travel trailer?

[vagari]

I saw one of these new 2018 Clipper Cadet 16FB at a local dealer for $9900. I realize this is on the lower end price and quality, but it meets a lot of rv'ing needs on the cheap. Might be an option over a cargo trailer or cheap used trailer.

Here's a video


18ft long, 7ft 4in wide, 6ft 5in inside height
33 gal fresh water
1200 lbs cargo, good storage
only single axle
decent clearance
power awning standard
side a/c, no microwave, no tv antenna
cheap interior, no frills on anything
1 year warranty

 

[Thirsty Boots Nomad]

I would be amazed if that man has EVER spent more than a single night in any kind of rv ...

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I would be amazed if that man has EVER spent more than a single night in any kind of rv ...

I'd be willing to guess the best salesmen/women in the world don't use anything they sell.  Not saying he's the best or even good, just that sales people are just that.....salespeople, not upstanding advocates of the goods they chose to peddle.


My largest issue with this RV is the cargo capacity.  1200 lbs can go really quick after adding water, gear, solar, batteries, etc etc.  



But I think it could fill the need of many.

 

[OutdoorFT]

Theres your problem. Single axle. If it was tandem, it might be worth a look. for the price, Id probably pick a cargo trailer. 1/4 the price, wont need to be at factory for repairs and you can design it how you see fit. Also..more capacity.

 

[vagari]

My largest issue with this RV is the cargo capacity.  1200 lbs can go really quick after adding water, gear, solar, batteries, etc etc.  

I agree 1200 lbs is on the low end, but the Casita deluxe only has 1200lbs and several people full time in those. It's getting harder to find under 20ft trailers with dual axles. Even some dial axles like the Venture sonic's only have 1200lbs cargo capacity.

 

[vagari]

Theres your problem. Single axle. If it was tandem, it might be worth a look. for the price, Id probably pick a cargo trailer. 1/4 the price, wont need to be at factory for repairs and you can design it how you see fit. Also..more capacity.

I've been seriously looking at the cargo trailer option but everything has pros and cons. I know several campgrounds near family I visit that won't allow a cargo trailer for extended periods and some won't allow them at all. Also, BLM LTVA rules state you must stay within 500ft of a vault toilet unless you have "a permanent, affixed waste water holding tank of 10-gallon minimum." I don't know if they enforce that rule. Cargo trailers can take you a little more remote. Just some things to keep in mind if you need these options. 

No doubt a cargo trailer is cheaper and will out last a travel trailer. A cargo trailer is 1/4 the price but has nothing but walls. By the time you fix up a cargo trailer, add refrigerator, fans, a/c, heater, bed, furniture, electric, etc. many people have over $5,000 in them not including labor/time. So that's 1/2 the price of a new coachmen clipper with a lot less comfort. A single axle cargo trailer after build out is limited to same cargo capacity as single axle travel trailer.

It's all about trade offs, needs and wants. Figuring out the trade offs, needs and wants is the tricky part as you might be stuck with it for a while.

 

[OutdoorFT]

No doubt a cargo trailer is cheaper and will out last a travel trailer. A cargo trailer is 1/4 the price but has nothing but walls. By the time you fix up a cargo trailer, add refrigerator, fans, a/c, heater, bed, furniture, electric, etc. many people have over $5,000 in them not including labor/time. So that's 1/2 the price of a new coachmen clipper with a lot less comfort. 
It's all about trade offs, needs and wants. Figuring out the trade offs, needs and wants is the tricky part as you might be stuck with it for a while.

But it at least be how you want it not what a manufacturer wants. Thats all I was saying...also the low quality of the build of most rvs is not appealing

 

[akrvbob]

How many times will you replace the roof of that RV while you never replace the roof of the cargo trailer?

But you're right--if you want an RV, you should buy an RV and just plan on replacing the roof every few years, and the fridge, and all the caulking, and repairing everything you break trying to boondock with it. And fixing premature failures on the tow vehicle from being overloaded.

 

[jimindenver]

Travel trailers require maintenance that is for sure. Mine is the cheapest of the cheap brands, is in its 8th season of boondocking in places others fear to tread. I did have a curtain rod fall after taking it down 4 miles of babies heads but it has never leaked. That is because I take care of it and washing and resealing the rubber roof is not that hard even for me. I have never had to replace it but if I did, it has a 10 year warranty.

I think the trailer is cute with a lot of cabinets for storage. 1200 pounds is limiting considering filling the water tank will consume nearly a quarter of your cargo capacity. I do agree about the single axle especially out here in the boonies. I love the fact that it has a dry bath and do not remember the fridge in the tour. Should it be a under the counter unit, that isn't a lot of fresh/frozen food for extended stays. The lack of a microwave is just the dealer going as cheap as he can. They are normally pretty stock anymore.

Not all travel trailers are trouble free nor as we have seen on the forum are all cargo trailers. Cost wise it would take a pretty penny to outfit a cargo the size of mine with the appliances, electrical, plumbing, vents/fans, as well as the other furnishings. It would take a fair bit of knowledge, tools and time too. The cargo's advantage is you get to choose what you want and you can make it fit your needs better. That said if you want everything that is in the travel trailer, it is the better way to go.

I would suggest checking rvwholesalers.com. They have many different brands and the lowest prices. You might find a dual axle that fits your needs.