TRAVEL TRAILER QUESTION

[Walkman]

Does anyone have experience with either a HI-LO Travel Trailer or a TrailManor Travel Trailer. I like the concept. Just curious if the towing and mileage is as good as the manufacturers suggest. I like the concept of the folding/telescoping roof/top and have given thought to purchasing an older Hi-Lo or TrailManor, gutting the interior and rebuilding to my specs. I have also imagined a Runaway Camper with a telescoping roof. My thought is to tow a trailer with a van with the van being the main living quarters. The trailer will serve as additional living space/workshop/studio and perhaps storage.

 

[highdesertranger]

I looked at the pop up trailers and the thing that stood out for me is there is a lot less storage in them. this is because everything on top must fit into the bottom. so basically all your permanent stuff is kitchen counter top height wise. this poses problems as far as a shower and a closet for jackets and such. also after a few years the seals start to leak, in a desert wind storm this is no fun. you will be eating dust. highdesertranger

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

X2 on HDR's lack of storage comment. I had a caribou pop up truck camper and having no storage above counter height was very frustrating and not practical for long term living, I didn't own it long enough to know how the canvas would have held up, but I bought it used and it was already ten years old and I guesstimated the canvas had about five years life left in it.

I don't think the gain in gas mileage would be very much, weight is weight and it weighs the same with the top up or down, you are only saving on a little wind drag and it may or may not help at all.

 

[Walkman]

I looked at the pop up trailers and the thing that stood out for me is there is a lot less storage in them.  this is because everything on top must fit into the bottom.  so basically all your permanent stuff is kitchen counter top height wise.  this poses problems as far as a shower and a closet for jackets and such.  also after a few years the seals start to leak,  in a desert wind storm this is no fun.  you will be eating dust.  highdesertranger

Yes, you just mentioned two things I have pondered, the storage when towing, because of the top folding down and rain leaking in. Both of these trailers are hard sided, no canvass used at all, and the top overlaps the bottom. I didn't know if because the top over laps the bottom if that would reduce the chance of water leaks or not. The Trailmanor actually has what i believe are some unique design features. They actually have a wooden wardrobe which, at least in their videos, is on some type of track and slides from a laying on the floor position to an upright position with little effort. Once again, I've not seen one in person only youtube videos produced by the manufacturer or dealers. What appears to be another unique feature for a pop up is wooden walls and wooden door (perhaps pressboard but nonetheless not canvass/cloth) for the shower/restroom. The walls/door fold down when towing. 

Ah, just re-reading your reply. You didn't mention rain, you are talking dust. Didn't think of that as I have never been in a true dust storm. I guess regardless of the location of the seals if they are worn the dust will find its way in. Good point, thanks for mentioning that as I do plan to spend a significant amount of time on BLM land.

Appreciate your input.

 

[highdesertranger]

yes I was referring to dust. it will find it's way in anywhere. plus the drafts during the winter. my advice would be to go somewhere you can see it in use going up and down and setting up. a RV show or dealer would be good. highdesertranger