Recs for camper for solo female

[katmu]

Rather than continuing to add to the teardrop thread, I thought it might be better to start my own. I grew up camping with my family, and also with school and other groups (Girl Scout camp, Outdoor club trips, etc.). My sons are now in their early 20s and will both likely be out of the house within the next 6 months, leaving just me and the dog.

I would really like to get back to camping more. I enjoy visiting state and national parks. Any purchase would be at least a year out but I'm really a planning, researching type of person so I'm ok with taking my time.

I currently have a 2009 Subaru Forester so I would likely be looking at a different TV unless I went with something like a Class B. Here are the features based on what I've looked at so far I would want:

• Kitchen with 3 way refrigerator, microwave and 2 burner stove (colud be camp style stove)
• Sleep area with full size bed. A 2nd bunk or twin size would be a plus
• Either a toliet or space for a porta-potti (emergency middle of the night use)
• Secure locking door (so no pop-up)
• Length definitely less than 16' for a trailer; Class B/C might be slightly bigger.
• Budget up to about 20K but would prefer to spend under 15K.
• Willing to consider used and new

As a solo female what else do I need to think about? My dog is a medium size dog (about 40 lbs) but she is a good watchdog and will bark and bear her teeth if she thinks someone is trying to break in. (My younger son works nights and when he comes home if she doesn't know it's him she will bark and growl like she means business.)

 

[jbrostek]

You seem to have a good idea of what your comfort level is and the amenities you want. There are lot of options out there that would fit your bill, rather well. I think what you will find is you will end up looking at more tags and small class C's over the class B catagory. B's are really nice, compact, but from what I have seen are wildly expensive.

If your Subaru is a manual transmission, it could be configured to tow 4 wheels down behind a small class C for trips when that would be preferred. It would be no different then a larger tow vehicle and a 16-18' trailer (which is where youll likely find the floorplans you will like with your wishlist.) If it is the automatic transmission, then you wont have that option....another item to consider.

I would search around RV trader online and depending on where you are, see if you can attend and RV show where you can walk around a LOT of makes and models to see floor plans and get an idea of what you are looking at.

The final piece is your price, for 15-20k you will get a lot more trailer then Class C, but then you are also getting into another tow vehicle and the increase in cost for that should be considered.

 

[KristinU]

Having had two towables and now a driveable, there's some consideration and pros and cons to weigh out as you think about which direction you want to go. What is your camping style? Do you like to set up and just chill for the time you're there, or do you like to go sightseeing? Do you like to set up a lot of accessories (or "barf out all over the campsite" as we call it) or do you stay pretty minimal?

I love having a driveable now, and if I think about if it were just me and one of my two dogs, I think I might lean toward a B or a small C if finances allowed for it. The downside to a driveable is the sightseeing if you happen to be one who sets up a decent amount of stuff at camp (awning, grill, chairs, etc.), however we don't pull a toad and opt for bikes if we want to go somewhere nearby or rent from Enterprise if there is something we want to drive around and do.

However, if you go towable, then you have that sightseeing vehicle built in. Again, it depends on how you travel and camp and what you like to do. Lots of small trailer options now - we had a Gulf Stream Visa that was fun, and I know they make a 17 footer now, maybe even a 15? Not sure. But there's also the KZ Sportsman series where I know I've seen a smaller floorplan, Forest River has some small lightweight ones as well, as does Jayco with their Swift line. Or you could also look at a hardside pop-up like an Aliner or Chalet or Forest River A frame, or a Trail Manor. Your Subaru would likely tow one of the A-frame pop-ups.

The other thing to consider is if you bring along a bike or kayak or any additional gear, and how/where you will transport it/them.

I will say that I find backing our 31 foot class C easier than backing either towable, and sounds backwards, but I found backing our 26 foot (bumper to hitch) travel trailer easier than our 15 foot Aliner...it just didn't respond as quickly to corrections with the steering wheel. And if I were planning to always be by myself without a spotter, I think I might lean toward a driveable since it is easier in my mind. Not a deal breaker, but just something to consider.

 

[katmu]

You both have a lot of good points for me to consider. The current Forester is an automatic, as I haven't driven stick since high school. I would likely be looking to replace it either later next year or the following year regardless so that is something to consider.

I did check on RV shows locally, and it looks like the big one here is in February so I think will plan on checking that out.

And I agree on the Bs being expensive. The ones I'm seeing, even used, are a lot more money. I do really like some of the Forest River models, and was looking at the Aliner types but saw some mixed reviews on those. I will check out the KZ and Gulf Streams as I haven't looked at those before. I don't travel with tons of stuff - 1 chair, and possibly a small coleman type grill depending on my kitchen setup.

One important thing I forgot is that part of the reason I'm interested in getting a camper is that I would want to bring my bicycle along as that is a big part of the motivation for me to camp.

 

[bama_ed]

I would suggest an A-liner to meet your needs.

I've looked hard at the Aliner Expedition model for me and DW when we become empty nesters. They have different models and sizes and one might be right for you.

It folds down like a popup so it's low (no extra wind resistance which helps mileage), you can store it in a garage, it's light (at most no more than 2100#). It's hard sided with a solid door that you wanted. The bigger ones you can get with a bed or a sofa that converts to a bed. Has the stove, micro, a/c, potty options you wanted plus 3 way fridge.

Here is their website: http://www.aliner.com/campers

They have a receiver on the back of the camper that can take a bike rack (or you can maybe use an over-the-spare rack?) to take your bike. Some folks worry about the bike rack in back creating sway but with one bike it won't be an issue.

It can stay hooked to your car for quick one-night stops where you simply pull in at night, sleep/eat, and pull out in the morning. My popup now has to be unhooked, pads cranked down, etc.

Here is a youtube link to an Aliner dealer in Pennsylvania. I like their videos because they show often times setting up and things inside. It's easy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Nqaw8kxDXg

You can use this dealer's website (Danny's Campers) to price out different models and options (I think he's cheaper than most dealers and gives good service from what I've heard - he also will deliver for a fee). My Expeditions I price out come out slightly under $20k.

http://www.dannyscampers.com/prices%20d.htm

It also appeals to me because you can camp in an Aliner in cold/freezing temps (minor precautions of course) which I can't really do with my popup. That gives me year-round camping capability instead of 2.5 season in my popup.

There is a big trailer conglomerate named Forest River who makes all kinds of trailers. They make a Rockwood line that has 12 ft A-frame campers (the Aliners go as big as 15 ft under the roof).

There is an Aliner dealer about 15 miles off I75 at Inverness, FL on the way to WDW named Como RV that sells Aliners new. I'm going to stop by there my next trip so I can actually walk inside a couple and see if me and DW can handle the smaller space. It's all a tradeoff. Check "Inventory", Make=Aliner they have a variety right now.

http://comorv.com/

Used Aliners are somewhat hard to find.

So I made all my points. I know KristinU is laughing at me since she is the former Aliner owner (what was that, KU, about 3 campers ago for you? ). I'm sure she'll correct any mistakes I made.

An Aliner, an easy up awning, maybe some storage tubs in the back of the car. It would work. What is the Suburu's towing specs?

Bama ED

 

[Trigal]

We just sold our little pop-up and bought a T@B. The T@B was reasonably priced and has everything we wanted. The set up is a snap and it tows like a dream as it is lightweight. In fact it is so lightweight that if you are on a paved pad you can push it anywhere you want it. The couch folds into a large bed and we got an RV Superbag to use as the bed cloths as it can be rolled up and put in a stuff sack and store behind the couch during the day. You should check them out.

 

[Teamubr]

The T@b is really cute. I just checked out their web site and it looks like it checks off most of your list. They even have a model (S) with a wet bath/shower. Looks like the other models have a port-a-potty option if that's what you were thinking when you said "emergency use".

I also looked up the tow rating on a Forester. Newer ones are rated at 2400 lbs. The T@b Maxx with A/C, furnace, water heater, TV, pretty much loaded, comes in at 1650. That leaves a decent margin for your personal stuff.

I'm not sure of prices new, but there are quite a few newer (2010-2012) used ones between $7500-$11,000. One other thing to remember about new, is you should be able to negotiate 20-30% off MSRP. (At least for mid-level trailers).

The Aliners are also nice, but you still have some setup to be able to use it. It's really nice being able to open the door and run in when you get to the campground and it's raining. Been there with a popup.

Sounds like you have plenty of time to do your homework.

j

 

[KristinU]

I would suggest an A-liner to meet your needs.

I've looked hard at the Aliner Expedition model for me and DW when we become empty nesters. They have different models and sizes and one might be right for you.

It folds down like a popup so it's low (no extra wind resistance which helps mileage), you can store it in a garage, it's light (at most no more than 2100#). It's hard sided with a solid door that you wanted. The bigger ones you can get with a bed or a sofa that converts to a bed. Has the stove, micro, a/c, potty options you wanted plus 3 way fridge.

Here is their website: http://www.aliner.com/campers

They have a receiver on the back of the camper that can take a bike rack (or you can maybe use an over-the-spare rack?) to take your bike. Some folks worry about the bike rack in back creating sway but with one bike it won't be an issue.

It can stay hooked to your car for quick one-night stops where you simply pull in at night, sleep/eat, and pull out in the morning. My popup now has to be unhooked, pads cranked down, etc.

Here is a youtube link to an Aliner dealer in Pennsylvania. I like their videos because they show often times setting up and things inside. It's easy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Nqaw8kxDXg

You can use this dealer's website (Danny's Campers) to price out different models and options (I think he's cheaper than most dealers and gives good service from what I've heard - he also will deliver for a fee). My Expeditions I price out come out slightly under $20k.

http://www.dannyscampers.com/prices%20d.htm

It also appeals to me because you can camp in an Aliner in cold/freezing temps (minor precautions of course) which I can't really do with my popup. That gives me year-round camping capability instead of 2.5 season in my popup.

There is a big trailer conglomerate named Forest River who makes all kinds of trailers. They make a Rockwood line that has 12 ft A-frame campers (the Aliners go as big as 15 ft under the roof).

There is an Aliner dealer about 15 miles off I75 at Inverness, FL on the way to WDW named Como RV that sells Aliners new. I'm going to stop by there my next trip so I can actually walk inside a couple and see if me and DW can handle the smaller space. It's all a tradeoff. Check "Inventory", Make=Aliner they have a variety right now.

http://comorv.com/

Used Aliners are somewhat hard to find.

So I made all my points. I know KristinU is laughing at me since she is the former Aliner owner (what was that, KU, about 3 campers ago for you? ). I'm sure she'll correct any mistakes I made.

An Aliner, an easy up awning, maybe some storage tubs in the back of the car. It would work. What is the Suburu's towing specs?

Bama ED

Nah, you got it all right Bama Ed! I think DH and I would be in an Expedition if DS wasn't in the picture wanting his privacy and buddies along on some trips...and now we've added a second full-sized dog to our crew, so 5 would be way tight....but I digress. The biggest downside to the A frames is the awning situation. The one we had seems to have been the best there is (Mariah Awning), but still putsy to set up. If I were to do it again, I think I'd skip the awning and just use an EZ up like you suggest.

And I can attest to how wicked easy and quick Aliners are to set up. We often slept over while still hitched, one of us popping up the A while the other one of us unbuckled a sleeping DS from the car to carry him into his bed. Literally, it would be set up by the time the other got to the door with the heap of sleeping child. We'd often close it and open it for people at campgrounds, kinda fun to do the show. That said, if you don't like talking to people, don't get one...people were always very curious, but I'm all about chatting it up with fellow campers.

Oh, and they are fairly difficult to find used, but they totally hold their value. We sold for $500 less than we bought it for 3 years later. We did add a fridge, so that would have pushed a new price up, but still. I can't imagine any other RV holding its value like that.

 

[katmu]

bama_ed and trigal apparently read my mind. I had printed the brochures for those yesterday.

I spent last night watching youtube videos of both and I think either one could work, depending on whether or not I keep the Forester. Some of the bigger Aliners might cause me to want a slighter bigger TV. I do see that the V6 version of the newer Outbacks is rated for 3000 lbs so that might work.

And Danny's campers would be only a slight detour when I drive down to see my family, so I may go by and take a look. Actually, my great aunts and uncles used to live a little farther north from there up 39. I also found another dealer that sells both Aliner and T@b (no T@bs in stock at the moment though) about 10 miles from my office.

 

[TinCup]

My wife and I purchased an Aliner a couple of years ago from Danny's Campers. We had Danny deliver it. Danny is a super nice guy and a straight shooter. I would not hesitate to buy from Danny again.

Before we got the Aliner we spent a bunch of time researching other types of camping trailers. We considered Little guy teardrop, TAB, Casita and one more that I can't recall at the moment but it was similar to the Casita. We didn't want a canvas popup, so something small and hard sided was what we were looking for.

We ruled out the teardrop since you can't stand up in it. We ruled out the others, except Aliner, since they wouldn't fit in our garage. The Aliner was a great choice and has worked out better than expected. For one or two people the Aliner is a great option.

We ended up with a Ranger model with a bunch of extras (A/C, Furnace, 2nd skylight, front stabalizers, water heater, outside shower, high wind kit, off road package, etc.). It came with a sink, stove and frig. The frige is not a real frig (it will keep thing chilled but not cold), so we bought a small dorm frig. It doesn't have a bathroom (we didn't want one). In the time that we have had it, we have not had any problems with it.

As others have said an Aliner only takes a couple of minutes to set up. Tall people have no problem standing up inside. The bed in the back is a couch that converts into a full size bed. We never used the couch so we ended up getting a real memory foam mattress and keep it as a bed all the time. The front has a dinete that converts to another bed. The table stowes if it is not needed.

It is light weight and easy to tow. I am back up impaired when it comes to backing up the Aliner (Its me and not the Aliner since Danny had no problem backing the Aliner up our long narrow driveway). This isn't a problem for us since we just unhook the Aliner and manually push it back. We do the same thing to get it in and out of the garage.

I also wanted to mention that when I was researching Aliners I came accross a woman's blog. She had bought a used Aliner and was traveling around the US by herself to photogragh the experience. I recall she had good things to say about the Aliner.

I didn't mean to sound like an Aliner salesman, I just wanted to share that our Aliner has worked out very well for us. This is a major purchase so please take your time, research your options and make the best informed decision that you can. Good Luck!

 

[katmu]

Thanks Tincan. I'm definitely leaning towards the hard side pop-ups at this point. I'm thinking that over the long run, I would probably prefer something that has 1 permanent bed plus a convertible option for a 2nd bed, even if it's a single. I think the t@b style would be ok for just me, but it would limit me from ever being able to invite my sons along or even do a girlfriends camping weekend. I'm only 5'3" so the stand-up height isn't a big issue for me, although my odler son is 5'10".

So between the different hard side pop-up manufacturers is there a lot of difference in quality? Aliner vs. Forest River vs. Chalet?

 

[KristinU]

We, too, bought from Danny's campers and totally agree with TinCan's assessment. Definitely would buy from him again, great guy.

Katmu, I really can't speak to quality differences, but we didn't have any issues with our Aliner while we had it. I've been in the Forest River ones at an RV show and they seemed just about the same. I do feel like the sidewalls were shorter than ours were. One thing to keep in mind with your desire for a permanent bed is that a dinette can easily be made into a permanent bed. Our Scout model had two dinettes and we made one into a permanent bed with a piece of plywood and a full size mattress. You can see it here on this post in our blog: http://alineradventures.blogspot.com/2008/06/interior-decorating.html That allowed for a ton of storage space underneath and we used a soft organizer thing for our clothes storage, just like this thing: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountainsmith-modular-hauler-4~p~73728/?utm_source=GooglePLAs&utm_medium=PaidShopping&utm_term=Mountainsmith_Modular_Hauler_4&utm_campaign=PCGOOGLEP3&codes-processed=true

Just a thought as you research and think about new vs. used etc.

 

[katmu]

Thanks Kristen. That is a good point about the potential conversion, as some of the used ones I'm seeing have the convertible bed. It doesn't sound like a difficult switch.

BTW- I really like how you decorated your Aliner. Very cute.

 

[KristinU]

Thanks Kristen. That is a good point about the potential conversion, as some of the used ones I'm seeing have the convertible bed. It doesn't sound like a difficult switch.

BTW- I really like how you decorated your Aliner. Very cute.

Thanks, and yeah, I was getting a little sad looking at pics when I was looking for that post for you. What a great little camper that was!

 

[bama_ed]

Thanks Tincan. I'm definitely leaning towards the hard side pop-ups at this point. I'm thinking that over the long run, I would probably prefer something that has 1 permanent bed plus a convertible option for a 2nd bed, even if it's a single. I think the t@b style would be ok for just me, but it would limit me from ever being able to invite my sons along or even do a girlfriends camping weekend. I'm only 5'3" so the stand-up height isn't a big issue for me, although my odler son is 5'10".

So between the different hard side pop-up manufacturers is there a lot of difference in quality? Aliner vs. Forest River vs. Chalet?

Everyone seems to love tbeir brand from what ive seen. I like aliner for two reasons. Some of the others dont make the 15 foot model that alindr does. And aliner was bought a few years ago and the new owners have made improvements to the basic designs. There were some design and quality criticisms under the old aliner owners but I am a fanboy of the new models. The others offered the dormer window first and aliner now has it as an option if you want it for example.

Sorry for typos I am in the hills of pennsylvania this weekend typing on my phone.

Ed

 

[bama_ed]

Double post sorry bama ed

 

[Disneypeach]

as a solo woman camping the one thing I have learned from other women is to consider my security. I was going to get a small TT and pull with a pickup truck. I thought I had considered everything until I talked to a woman who was a full-timer...she said she got her "c" because she didn't have to leave the vehicle to get to the bathroom or kitchen and if things got weird, all she had to do was crank it up and leave. Anyway, after talking with a few other gals on the road I've changed my mind and am leaning towards buying a "c".
Peach