Expandable campers, pros and cons - The DIS Discussion Forums

Linda Talbot · 08-15-2004, 01:36 PM

Just saw a nice expandable camper, you know the kind with the beds that drop down from each end. Sort of like a pop-up but with hard sides. This one also had a slide out. It was nice.
So now the question, does anybody have one of these kinds of campers and if so, what are the pros and cons of ownership.
I like the idea that the main part of the camper is living space, more work area for the kitchen, extra seating capacity, and your beds are always made and out of the way.
Any comments from owners of expandable campers.

parmtoo · 08-15-2004, 01:50 PM

We do not own one, but very good friends of ours do. They love it. The best thing about them is that they usually weigh less then the traditional travel trailer.
Your right about the work space, and the beds are out of the way. I'm sure someone here will have more first hand info for you..............good luck

aldebnj · 08-15-2004, 05:27 PM

Hi,

We bought a Trailmanor Model 3023 last Columbus Day weekend (http://www.trailmanor.com) to replace our pop-up trailer and love it. We have put about 6,000 miles on it since then. Our last trip with it was to Fort Wilderness for 10 days. It has given us the stability and security of a hardsided trailer with the low profile of a pop-up.

Let me know if I can be of any more help.

Al

Firebug · 08-15-2004, 05:50 PM

We own a 2001 Jayco Kiwi 23B. We love the camper. The best purchase we ever made. You are correct the extra space in the middle is great. The only drawback we have found over a traditional camper is if it rains the day you are leaving the campground. You really don't want to put canvus away wet. You must open the bedends when you get home to dry out. This is no different than a popup and is really no big deal. Beware though some of these campers are just as heavy as a traditional camper.

Firebug.

tim5055 · 08-15-2004, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Linda Talbot
Just saw a nice expandable camper, you know the kind with the beds that drop down from each end. Sort of like a pop-up but with hard sides. This one also had a slide out.

What you describe is known as a "Hybrid", a cross between a pop up and a TT.

Almost all the manufacturers are getting into the act, so you should have plenty to choose from.

You may want to check out the Hybrid Explorer web site.

Live4FW · 08-16-2004, 12:06 PM

A few more comments:

I don't own one but seriously considered one before purchasing our traditional hard-side.

If you must store you trailer away from your home (those of us with deed restrictions - AARGH), the opening up once home to get the canvas dried out will be a problem as it will require multiple trips and security could be an issue.

Also, I checked the RV.net boards (they have a forum for hybrids) and many folks complain of leaks.

And, there can be a condensation/temperature problem since the tent canvas is not insulated to same degree as the hardside portion.

Other than that, I think they are a really great option. I would take my chances on the leak issue but the storage off-site was a definite no for me.

Good luck

David Johnson · 08-16-2004, 02:21 PM

Check this link out

http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/in...d/14190558.cfm

David Johnson · 08-16-2004, 02:27 PM

Also take a look at this link
http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/in...d/14188564.cfm

08-15-2004, 01:36 PM	#1
Linda Talbot Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: CT Posts: 98	Expandable campers, pros and cons Just saw a nice expandable camper, you know the kind with the beds that drop down from each end. Sort of like a pop-up but with hard sides. This one also had a slide out. It was nice. So now the question, does anybody have one of these kinds of campers and if so, what are the pros and cons of ownership. I like the idea that the main part of the camper is living space, more work area for the kitchen, extra seating capacity, and your beds are always made and out of the way. Any comments from owners of expandable campers.

08-15-2004, 01:50 PM	#2
parmtoo Buzz & Woody's Gram Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Northern NY Posts: 950	We do not own one, but very good friends of ours do. They love it. The best thing about them is that they usually weigh less then the traditional travel trailer. Your right about the work space, and the beds are out of the way. I'm sure someone here will have more first hand info for you..............good luck __________________ Me, DH, DD , DD, DS 14& 2 DGS's, both 2 ,

08-15-2004, 05:27 PM	#3
aldebnj Earning My Ears Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central NJ Shore Posts: 51	Hi, We bought a Trailmanor Model 3023 last Columbus Day weekend (http://www.trailmanor.com) to replace our pop-up trailer and love it. We have put about 6,000 miles on it since then. Our last trip with it was to Fort Wilderness for 10 days. It has given us the stability and security of a hardsided trailer with the low profile of a pop-up. Let me know if I can be of any more help. Al __________________ 94 Tioga Arrow Class C 61 Me, 6? DW, 86 DD, 92 DD, 98 Pug WDW 83 -Honeymoon (off site), 04 -FW, 06 -FW (1 night), 07 -FW (My Dad's last trip)

08-15-2004, 05:50 PM	#4
Firebug Earning My Ears Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Vermont Posts: 64	Trailer We own a 2001 Jayco Kiwi 23B. We love the camper. The best purchase we ever made. You are correct the extra space in the middle is great. The only drawback we have found over a traditional camper is if it rains the day you are leaving the campground. You really don't want to put canvus away wet. You must open the bedends when you get home to dry out. This is no different than a popup and is really no big deal. Beware though some of these campers are just as heavy as a traditional camper. Firebug. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

08-16-2004, 12:06 PM	#6
Live4FW Camperteer Probably going to be useless trying to sleep Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 510	A few more comments: I don't own one but seriously considered one before purchasing our traditional hard-side. If you must store you trailer away from your home (those of us with deed restrictions - AARGH), the opening up once home to get the canvas dried out will be a problem as it will require multiple trips and security could be an issue. Also, I checked the RV.net boards (they have a forum for hybrids) and many folks complain of leaks. And, there can be a condensation/temperature problem since the tent canvas is not insulated to same degree as the hardside portion. Other than that, I think they are a really great option. I would take my chances on the leak issue but the storage off-site was a definite no for me. Good luck __________________ Fort Wilderness - - 1993 (Sep), 2003 (Apr, Jun, Dec), 2004 (Apr), 2005 (Apr, Nov), 2006 (May/June) (Dec/Jan), 2007 (April), 2009 (May), 2010 (Nov) Disney Cruise Line - - 2008 Wonder 3 night (Sep), 2009 Wonder 3 night (Nov) _____________________________________________ '06 Cougar 301BHS

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08-16-2004, 02:21 PM	#7
David Johnson Earning My Ears Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Palmetto, Florida Posts: 52	Check this link out http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/in...d/14190558.cfm Last edited by David Johnson; 08-16-2004 at 02:52 PM.

08-16-2004, 02:27 PM	#8
David Johnson Earning My Ears Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Palmetto, Florida Posts: 52	Also take a look at this link http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/in...d/14188564.cfm Last edited by David Johnson; 08-16-2004 at 02:52 PM.

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