Now I never said that Ford or Dodge never made anything worth having. It's just that over all the GMC and Chevrolet products have been better over all. The instances where GM has shot their own foot are much rarer than Ford or Dodge. One thing I'll tell you about the GM's is the older ones are the worst, or at least as bad as the worst for rust. Dodge had/has? the 318 and the torque flight was a pretty good transmission. The slant 6 was among the best gasoline engines I've ever encountered. Ford has the 5.0 and older was the 300 - 6cylinder and the 390. I used to love an old Ford truck that had a 390 in it. I used to love the comfort and ride of the LTD's. Heck, I even loved my little Pinto and an old Duster with a slant 6 that just wouldn't give up. But when I had to go back to working on them myself, I found the GM's to be easiest and most, or equal to the most affordable to get parts for. Then Ford came out with the Escort before they had things ironed out and then the V8 with so many issues with changing out the plugs. And Chrysler with the Neon which wasn't the first junky thing they ever built, just the worst. The thing about them being the cheapest made would mostly show in the flimsy steel they made their uni-bodies with from the beginning. But that was one of the reasons they would run like a scalded dog, cheap, light weight bodies with strong engines.
Living in a small travel trailer in the desert and forrests
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LeeRevell
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I am ambivalent on the 318. Basically a good reliable motor, but chronically underpowered in most applications, and not very efficient. But it's hard to kill.
My first car was a 1971 Dodge Polara full size car. Nice car, top-o-line in it's day. But it was a slug with poor mileage.
The tranny was strong too. I abused that poor car, and it rarely failed me. But it guzzled gas. 9 to 13 MPG, at best.
My 1985 Dodge Ramcharger 4X4, which sits out back and hasn't run in ten years, has the 318 also. It got a best of 18MPG highway, when fully tuned. About 12MPG around town. Sometimes I think of getting it back on the road, but the priority is low. I'm already paying insurance and registration on three vehicles and a trailer.
My first car was a 1971 Dodge Polara full size car. Nice car, top-o-line in it's day. But it was a slug with poor mileage.
The tranny was strong too. I abused that poor car, and it rarely failed me. But it guzzled gas. 9 to 13 MPG, at best.
My 1985 Dodge Ramcharger 4X4, which sits out back and hasn't run in ten years, has the 318 also. It got a best of 18MPG highway, when fully tuned. About 12MPG around town. Sometimes I think of getting it back on the road, but the priority is low. I'm already paying insurance and registration on three vehicles and a trailer.
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In vans the later 318s have a reputation for unusually good MPG. 18-20 is common!
Bob
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dragonflyinthesky
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I thought to wait to answer this question until I had been out with my very small travel trailer. 1972 with a 10 foot by 7 foot living area. I've only been out a few weeks, thru snow and ice and blizzards and now in a cool Florida praiire and swamp area.
I'm happy in it and I don't feel it is at all to small. I will wait for a while but I will probably be getting rid of more things. I'm surprised at how little one needs to be happy.
I tow with a 2003 GMC Envoy rated with a tow package at 5700 pounds. I'm towing about 2000 pounds and so far satisfied with performance. I haven't been out to real mountains like what's out weat yet, that will happen this fall.
I'm happy in it and I don't feel it is at all to small. I will wait for a while but I will probably be getting rid of more things. I'm surprised at how little one needs to be happy.
I tow with a 2003 GMC Envoy rated with a tow package at 5700 pounds. I'm towing about 2000 pounds and so far satisfied with performance. I haven't been out to real mountains like what's out weat yet, that will happen this fall.
LeeRevell
Well-known member
"Oh, and you do know that there are mermaids for real here in Florida.......don't you? Weeki Wachee Springs Florida. They are really cool to watch. And I think they are in fresh water."
Yep, they are one of the last remaining "Old Florida" attractions left, after the depredations of "Da Mouse" doing his take-over. The Mermaids are a true Florida classic!
Yep, they are one of the last remaining "Old Florida" attractions left, after the depredations of "Da Mouse" doing his take-over. The Mermaids are a true Florida classic!
LeeRevell I went to see the mermaids a couple years ago. They are amazing. Great show they put on for us land people.
I hope they don't wind up like Cypress Gardens and get taken over by more plastic.
But it's good to know Sponge Bob is still living in Tarpon Springs Florida.
dragonflyinthesky I will answer my own question. I really like your 72 Shasta. Nice blog also.
I hope they don't wind up like Cypress Gardens and get taken over by more plastic.
But it's good to know Sponge Bob is still living in Tarpon Springs Florida.
dragonflyinthesky I will answer my own question. I really like your 72 Shasta. Nice blog also.
I love the mermaids, but don't forget the alligator houses, air boat rentals or rides, and the Space Center, Busch Gardens, & Sea World.
Key West, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and some of the lighthouses are some of my favorites too.
Florida is one of those places with lots of great places to see and things to do.
Key West, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and some of the lighthouses are some of my favorites too.
Florida is one of those places with lots of great places to see and things to do.
Yes, Off Grid 24/7, Florida is famous for all those things.......alligator houses, air boat rentals or rides, and the Space Center, Busch Gardens etc......but.....don't forget that Florida also has the largest cow-calf ranch in the United States, Deseret Ranches. It's spread across 3 central Florida counties. And everyone thought Florida was just famous for oranges. And, by the way, Polk county is larger than Rhode Island and as big as Delaware. Dare I mention that Florida has one of the oldest trees in the world. Lady Liberty, 2,000 years old. Her companion, The Senator was 3,500 years old til an arson burned it down. Both of them are in Longwood, Florida.
All these facts I have learned about Florida and I have only been here since I relocated from Cincinnati 6 years ago.
All these facts I have learned about Florida and I have only been here since I relocated from Cincinnati 6 years ago.
But getting back on topic, I just received the brochure I requested from Scamp trailers today. The prices of the new 16' Scamps are out of my range for now. the Deluxe model is around $19,000 dollars, (I am about $14,000 short of that). So I guess if I am going to go the light weight trailer way it will have to be used. But they are kinda scarce.
I am back and forth between the travel trailer and van thing. Decisions decisions.
I am back and forth between the travel trailer and van thing. Decisions decisions.
LeeRevell
Well-known member
Every once in awhile, I see a nice old vintage "Canned Ham" mini trailer for sale. A bit roomier than a Scamp, but not too much heavier. True 'Light Weight' TTs are scarce down here, as most seem to prefer RVs or huge 5ers.
And if you get to the Orlando area, drop down to Kissimmee, Fl. and check out "Gatorland". Largest reptile research place in the world. Huge collection of snakes and gators, crocs too. The nature walk goes over some wilderness area where the gators live and breed. There are interesting things like the "Gator Jumping Jamboree", and Gator Wrestling. Good talks on the various indigenous reptiles here in Florida. Big gift shop - hey, with no state income tax, we'uns gotta fleece y'all Yankees for all we can.
The nearby Warbird Rework Facility is a fantastic place for aviation buffs.
Back to trailers. A neighbor recently stripped out a mid sized pop-up trailer, and junked it Wish I had known earlier. Could have been an interesting project to rebuild, maybe as a fixed wall small TT.
And if you get to the Orlando area, drop down to Kissimmee, Fl. and check out "Gatorland". Largest reptile research place in the world. Huge collection of snakes and gators, crocs too. The nature walk goes over some wilderness area where the gators live and breed. There are interesting things like the "Gator Jumping Jamboree", and Gator Wrestling. Good talks on the various indigenous reptiles here in Florida. Big gift shop - hey, with no state income tax, we'uns gotta fleece y'all Yankees for all we can.
The nearby Warbird Rework Facility is a fantastic place for aviation buffs.
Back to trailers. A neighbor recently stripped out a mid sized pop-up trailer, and junked it Wish I had known earlier. Could have been an interesting project to rebuild, maybe as a fixed wall small TT.
VJG1977
Well-known member
Here are a few more links to lightweight trailers. There are several sites with trailers for sale.
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://uhaulcamperfun.blogspot.com/p/find-your-own-fiberglass-camper.html[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]/http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.scamptrailers.com/[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://rvs.smartcarguide.com/scamp-13[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://bolerlife.com/Specs/specs.html[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.fiberglassrv.com/[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.eggcamper.com/[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.camperfinds.com/small-travel-trailers-for-sale[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]http://escapetrailer.com/[/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.bigfootrv.com/[/font][/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.casitatraveltrailers.com/[/font][/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.scamptrailers.com/[/font][/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]http://www.casitaforum.com/invboard/[/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]http://www.escapeforum.org/[/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif]One of the options near the top of my list is, a lightweight trailer pulled with my currant 2002 Nissan Quest w/ 3.3L V6. It has a tow rating of 3500 pounds but I would not want to go near that. I've pulled 2100 lbs with no problems. As all of my towing will be east coast, I believe I could get away with routinely pulling 2500 lbs. If I find out that the Nissan is just too small, I'll look to move up to a full size van as a tow vehicle.[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://uhaulcamperfun.blogspot.com/p/find-your-own-fiberglass-camper.html[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]/http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.scamptrailers.com/[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://rvs.smartcarguide.com/scamp-13[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://bolerlife.com/Specs/specs.html[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.fiberglassrv.com/[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.eggcamper.com/[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.camperfinds.com/small-travel-trailers-for-sale[/font]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]http://escapetrailer.com/[/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.bigfootrv.com/[/font][/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.casitatraveltrailers.com/[/font][/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][font=arial, sans-serif]http://www.scamptrailers.com/[/font][/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]http://www.casitaforum.com/invboard/[/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]http://www.escapeforum.org/[/font][/font][/size]
[font=arial, sans-serif]One of the options near the top of my list is, a lightweight trailer pulled with my currant 2002 Nissan Quest w/ 3.3L V6. It has a tow rating of 3500 pounds but I would not want to go near that. I've pulled 2100 lbs with no problems. As all of my towing will be east coast, I believe I could get away with routinely pulling 2500 lbs. If I find out that the Nissan is just too small, I'll look to move up to a full size van as a tow vehicle.[/font]
Mr.LooRead said:
Are these trailers inside height 6 feet? On the site it says that it is 76" from the ground to the roof. That is about 6 1\2 feet. So the inside must me shorter than that ? About how much distance from the ground to the bottom of the floor would you estimate there is? I know this is a late response but I have been through a lot since I was posting this thread and am now trying to decide on maybe going with your idea on the cargo trailer.
In this economy if you have the money they will build whatever inside height you desire.
And I am sure they will also build you a 12' long model too.
You might have to put down a 50% deposit but there made from a steel frame and will not fall apart.
As long as you don't do too many build its basically a rear full-width plywood bed and a counter in the front it will always have good resale value as a toy hauler.
BTW back in the day I had a 5x10 about 5 feet high with a single swinging rear door and a side door to haul around my drag race murder cycle and associated gear.
I had to take the wheelie bars to made it fit but the other men with the 12' models did not.
And I am sure they will also build you a 12' long model too.
You might have to put down a 50% deposit but there made from a steel frame and will not fall apart.
As long as you don't do too many build its basically a rear full-width plywood bed and a counter in the front it will always have good resale value as a toy hauler.
BTW back in the day I had a 5x10 about 5 feet high with a single swinging rear door and a side door to haul around my drag race murder cycle and associated gear.
I had to take the wheelie bars to made it fit but the other men with the 12' models did not.
Here's a link to a trailer company in New Hampshire that I'll be buying from next year. Father and son family company, sells direct--no dealers.
Excellent web site--can explore numerous options and ideas. I crawled around and under a big one (8 x 20) at the racetrack a couple months ago...very good build quality and welds---they only do aluminum trailers.
They have 6 x 10 or 6 x 12 I think would work for you...choose the interior height 5' 6" lowboy, 6' 1" standard, or 6' 6". The length is augmented by a 3 foot V nose for added interior room. I've linked to the cargo section but read the entire web site...lots of neat stuff.
http://www.nhtrailers.com/aluminumcargotrailer.htm
I'll be getting a 'MultiSport' model a bit larger, but I have a bigger truck (expected fully loaded weight @ 3300 pounds). Here's my anticipated floor plan:
Excellent web site--can explore numerous options and ideas. I crawled around and under a big one (8 x 20) at the racetrack a couple months ago...very good build quality and welds---they only do aluminum trailers.
They have 6 x 10 or 6 x 12 I think would work for you...choose the interior height 5' 6" lowboy, 6' 1" standard, or 6' 6". The length is augmented by a 3 foot V nose for added interior room. I've linked to the cargo section but read the entire web site...lots of neat stuff.
http://www.nhtrailers.com/aluminumcargotrailer.htm
I'll be getting a 'MultiSport' model a bit larger, but I have a bigger truck (expected fully loaded weight @ 3300 pounds). Here's my anticipated floor plan:
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Full height cargo trailers are easy to find in 6 foot or wider. 5 foot wide models with full height are less common .
Bob
Bob
I have been going back and forth on the decision to tow anything. The Runaway didn't work out for me. And now I am thinking that maybe the cargo trailer may not either. There are a couple reasons that I am starting to realize that may be the problem. The vehicle I will be using to to tow a trailer or whatever.....just is not suited for it. Even though it is rated at 3,500 lbs, I have been given many reasons on this site why it is not a good idea to try to do that (thanks everyone for helping with your honest advise). Also.....there is this gut feeling I am having that says I should not get a cargo trailer to convert to a camper (I think I should listen to that inner voice this time).
And.....I read Bob's new blog on living in a van off grid. There was a couple sentences that jumped out at me and made me take note. I am pretty sure that I am one of the 90%ers of the higher travel instinctive type he mentioned. When I am on the road during my road trips, I am always itchy after a few days to get moving again. It's almost like a curse. And I always dread having to pickup, gather, and hook up. So, when I am responsible to have to tow something it nags at me, and I get aggravated when I have to unhook, setup, then break down and then hookup again. I just like to turn the key and go. So maybe I should just drop the idea of towing anything altogether.
And.....I read Bob's new blog on living in a van off grid. There was a couple sentences that jumped out at me and made me take note. I am pretty sure that I am one of the 90%ers of the higher travel instinctive type he mentioned. When I am on the road during my road trips, I am always itchy after a few days to get moving again. It's almost like a curse. And I always dread having to pickup, gather, and hook up. So, when I am responsible to have to tow something it nags at me, and I get aggravated when I have to unhook, setup, then break down and then hookup again. I just like to turn the key and go. So maybe I should just drop the idea of towing anything altogether.
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