surferbeads
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- Dec 25, 2011
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I've been browsing around this forum for about 2 years now and decided I would finally create a thread because I don't see very much information on fiberglass trailers.
Like many others here I have tried various camping setups I thought might work for long term camping. I've tried tents, vans, and now light weight fiberglass trailers.
I love tents. Nice canvas tents can make great shelters, but they didn't give me the security I wanted. It's to easy for animals and people to gain access to a tent. It's very unpleasant to learn someone stole your laptop or honda generator while you were out running errands in town.
Vans are great but for me I didn't like not being able to stand up straight. I was also concerned about being homeless for a week or so while a major repair was being done on the van.
My solution: I purchased a 1985 Companion egg shaped fiberglass trailer for $1400. It's very similar to Scamp, Casita, Burro, Uhaul, and Boler in shape. It weights about 1000 lbs and I can tow it with my 6 cyl minivan. My van typically gets 21 mpg and when pulling the trailer I've been getting 18 mpg. The inside of this little camper is about 6 ft wide, 10 ft long and over 6 ft tall in the center. I completely gutted the trailer and insulated it with reflectex. I use a Mr. Heater Portable Buddy for heat (always make sure to crack some windows, use a carbon monoxide detector and follow the manufactures instructions when using these heaters. YOU DO NOT WANT TO WAKE UP DEAD!) So far the temps have gotten as low as 10 degrees F and the camper stays a very comfortable 75 degree F with the buddy heater running. I'm pretty sure I can keep it comfortable even if the temps go below zero.
Why I choose fiberglass???
Fiberglass is very strong, light weight, and will last nearly forever. You can do a professional job repairing any damage to the shell yourself with resin and glass mat you can purchase at walmart. Let's face it, many trailers and campers these days are made with cheap materials and not built to last. Many of these old fiberglass trailers made in the 1960's are still on the road today. Fiberglass lasts nearly forever.
If you are like me and weren't quite happy with tents or vans I would suggest scanning craigslist, ebay, and behind peoples homes in your community for an old fiberglass trailer. These older trailers are becoming more scarce but they still can be found. Many of them will need some repair, but if you quickly watch some youtube vids on fiberglass repair, you will be able to fix any damage. It is not uncommon to find older trailers in a price range from $1000-$2000.
I am very confident my 1985 Fiberglass trailer will be the last camper I ever have to purchase, plus it can be towed with almost any vehicle.
I hope someone finds this thread useful and if anyone has any questions you would like me to try and answer don't hesitate to ask. I will try and get some pictures up if anyone is interested.
Surferbeads
Like many others here I have tried various camping setups I thought might work for long term camping. I've tried tents, vans, and now light weight fiberglass trailers.
I love tents. Nice canvas tents can make great shelters, but they didn't give me the security I wanted. It's to easy for animals and people to gain access to a tent. It's very unpleasant to learn someone stole your laptop or honda generator while you were out running errands in town.
Vans are great but for me I didn't like not being able to stand up straight. I was also concerned about being homeless for a week or so while a major repair was being done on the van.
My solution: I purchased a 1985 Companion egg shaped fiberglass trailer for $1400. It's very similar to Scamp, Casita, Burro, Uhaul, and Boler in shape. It weights about 1000 lbs and I can tow it with my 6 cyl minivan. My van typically gets 21 mpg and when pulling the trailer I've been getting 18 mpg. The inside of this little camper is about 6 ft wide, 10 ft long and over 6 ft tall in the center. I completely gutted the trailer and insulated it with reflectex. I use a Mr. Heater Portable Buddy for heat (always make sure to crack some windows, use a carbon monoxide detector and follow the manufactures instructions when using these heaters. YOU DO NOT WANT TO WAKE UP DEAD!) So far the temps have gotten as low as 10 degrees F and the camper stays a very comfortable 75 degree F with the buddy heater running. I'm pretty sure I can keep it comfortable even if the temps go below zero.
Why I choose fiberglass???
Fiberglass is very strong, light weight, and will last nearly forever. You can do a professional job repairing any damage to the shell yourself with resin and glass mat you can purchase at walmart. Let's face it, many trailers and campers these days are made with cheap materials and not built to last. Many of these old fiberglass trailers made in the 1960's are still on the road today. Fiberglass lasts nearly forever.
If you are like me and weren't quite happy with tents or vans I would suggest scanning craigslist, ebay, and behind peoples homes in your community for an old fiberglass trailer. These older trailers are becoming more scarce but they still can be found. Many of them will need some repair, but if you quickly watch some youtube vids on fiberglass repair, you will be able to fix any damage. It is not uncommon to find older trailers in a price range from $1000-$2000.
I am very confident my 1985 Fiberglass trailer will be the last camper I ever have to purchase, plus it can be towed with almost any vehicle.
I hope someone finds this thread useful and if anyone has any questions you would like me to try and answer don't hesitate to ask. I will try and get some pictures up if anyone is interested.
Surferbeads