Posted 2012-02-10 8:03 PM (#140744) Subject: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Member
Posts: 21
Location: WA State
I have been reading this forum on and off for years, and am hoping some of you could share your opinions on moving up to some kind of rig that makes horse camping more comfortable while still being convenient for short/day trips.
I have been trailering around to local events, trail rides and 3-7 times a year horse camping trips over the last 4 years or so with my Logan Edge 2H bumper pull and my '08 F150. I have a canopy on the truck and have slept in it on overnighters - which keeps me dry, but not particularly warm or comfortable. i would do more horse camping if it was more comfortable for me and i had some kind of cooking and bathroom facilities.
I have come to find I am more and more interest in going on campouts and competive rides that require overnight stays and I am not enjoying the lack of creature comforts in my current setup! I have also just rescued a pony who is learning to drive and have been thinking about hauling him (and cart!) to driving events. This is secondary priority but is on my "wish list"
Friends have advised me to just get a camper (and a bigger truck!) and stay with my very nice little trailer. One friend has suggested getting a small popup camper that might still work with the F150 since I generally only haul one horse and my trailer isn't too heavy.
Hubby and I went to an RV show to be educated about campers and he was the one that suggested I look into a gooseneck trailer with a small living area (I guess a weekender) to overcome a few disadvantages of the camper. I guess the main things about the camper that was a turnoff were 1. Hard to get in and out of since you are so far off the ground once it is on your truck and 2. Another piece of equipment to license, store and maintain. and 3. A hassle to get on and off the truck. (oh, and for hubby, the hassle of another item to take care of was really his main reason).
He is kinda thinking since I am going to have a trailer anyway, it would be just simpler to replace my little bumper pull with a gooseneck with the little living area and be done with it. In my mind, if I was going that route, I might think about getting one with room for the pony cart too - so perhaps going from a 2H to a 3H. Not sure about that one. for me, the biggest downside of getting the bigger trailer is that I haul alot in the summer for "day trips" and want to still be able to fit into typical trailhead parking lots and stuff. I have never driven with a gooseneck, so that is all a new experience for me, but I guess those trailers aren't necessarily super long.
Anyway, I am pretty much decided that I will need to go much bigger on the truck under either scenerio, so that isn't the key constraint. The main thing is the lower hassle factor, ease of use and still having heat, comfortable sleeping area, cooking and bathroom facilities. Would love to hear some ideas and input about what i should be considering. I would likely buy used.
Posted 2012-02-10 8:45 PM (#140747 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
I am looking at doing the same thing. Except I already have the truck needed. I am looking at 2-horse slant load Gooseneck with a hay rack up top. I have seen some really nice little Exiss trailers with a 4' weekender or LQ options. I too want to keep it on the smaller side. I have seen set-ups where you can haul your cart on the back side of trailer or on the side of your trailer. You could even haul it on its side in one stall? Maybe you have a bigger cart than I think? Every one keeps telling me to go a 3 horse but I really don't want a trailer bigger than 16' long on the deck. I too will be using it for my daily hauler to local stage areas that are small.
Posted 2012-02-10 9:59 PM (#140750 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Veteran
Posts: 155 Location: North Salem, IN
Gooseneck is the way to go. Keep in mind weekender packages generally do not have a bathroom. You'd be surprised on how many creature comforts they can cram into a 4ft.shortwall LQ. Also if you stay with something all aluminum in a 2 or 3 horse, you should still be ok with your F150. Double check weights to be sure, but you should be ok.
Posted 2012-02-10 10:58 PM (#140752 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Exiss has a 3H, 4'SW weekender GN built on an 18' box. The goose area is ~7' long. We upgraded from an 18' BP stock combo. Our weekender Event is built by Sierra and includes a bath with shower, small galley with accessories, air, full water system, cabinets etc. It is a light weight, maneuverable trailer that has almost completely taken over all of our trailering needs from our larger LQ 3h. It is a comfortable weekender for two. Even at day shows, having your own bathroom facilities is a blessing. A comfortable bed for a quick nap and a cold beverage in an air conditioned area is a welcomed treat.
Recently we were contemplating a 2HGN run around trailer. At a reduction of only a couple of feet in length, no living ammenities, a slightly lighter weight and a cost of aprox $20K, we decided that the 18' Exiss well suited our needs instead of a third trailer.
With two horses, show gear, and stocked, it's weight is about 8500K#, and has a pin weight just south of a ton. A 150 would be pretty light, but a 250 would handle it with ease.
This is a short trailer that my wife and daughter handles with ease. It pulls without any vices, hurts the mileage by about 4 MPG, and with the cruise and air on, is mostly unnoticeable at 70 MPH. The third stall handles all the bulky storage items, and with a walk thru door, is accessable from the LQ area.
I would highly recommend a 4' weekender package, and don't be quick to disregard the additional length of a 3H trailer. The extra versatility is well worth the little extra initial cost. When pulling, you will not notice any difference over the 2H, unless you're hauling 3 horses and encountering very steep hills. 3H trailers are very popular, and are commonly sought after by used buyers.
Posted 2012-02-10 11:46 PM (#140755 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
I would not put even a light pop up on an F150 and tow. You get a side wind, and you are toast. (about 25+ years of camper ownership has shown me what can happen, and that stability for a camper takes a truck with a bit of Umph to it)
Here is the thing with carts and carriages and going to events. While many will put in the equine first, and the cart behind, if you have to unload in a hurry, you have to get the cart out of the way. Not an option that ever made us feel comfortable. Preferred is the cart up front, then the horse. You can position shafts to face towards back of trailer, and actually be above the animal who was loaded behind. Horse can be unloaded without moving cart. BUT, on a bumperpull trailer, you have to be cautious of getting too much weight in the back, heavier than front, where you get an improper load balance, and possible wagging the dog with the trailer. In a gooseneck, this is not an issue . Last option is a bumper pull with a side ramp up front to load/unload horses if cart is in the back.
I can put the camper on and off the truck alone, but most find they can't, and it can be time consuming for some to do so. There are steps they make to attach to the camper to make it easier to get in and out, but they work best when unhitched. Yes, it is way up there. If you travel with a dog, it is tough for most to get in camper. Ours sleeps in the horse trailer at the NATRC rides we do.
There are some smaller LQ's that would be very easy to maneuver in and out of trail heads. You can actually turn around some in a smaller area than the truck/camper combo.
Go look at both, and take some time to watch the ads on here for a bit, and see what is out there for the money you want to spend. But as said, you will need a bigger truck to be SAFE for either option in the opinion of many of us.
Posted 2012-02-11 6:42 PM (#140777 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Member
Posts: 21
Location: WA State
I haven't seen an Exiss yet, not sure how common they are here in WA state. We see alot of Trails West, Logans, Sundowners, Featherlight etc.
A friend of mine told me to look at Double D, they only sell factory direct and they are cross country.... I am heading to that part of the world shortly and might be able to pay them a visit at their facility but it is still kinda weird to buy something like a horse trailer long distance!
Anyway, i did look at a couple of LQs today, bigger then I want, but it is all the dealer had on the lot. My initial impression of them is more positive then my initial impression of the slide in truck campers. I now need to see a truely small/4' wall size one and see how that seems.
Posted 2012-02-11 7:04 PM (#140778 - in reply to #140752) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Member
Posts: 21
Location: WA State
This description matches what I would be looking for - when i went to the Exiss website i couldn't figure out the weight of this model - for the 2 or 3H. It is good to know the length though, not sure it is THAT much longer then my bumper pull - which is about 17-18' hitch to end.
Originally written by gard on 2012-02-10 8:58 PM
Exiss has a 3H, 4'SW weekender GN built on an 18' box. The goose area is ~7' long. We upgraded from an 18' BP stock combo. Our weekender Event is built by Sierra and includes a bath with shower, small galley with accessories, air, full water system, cabinets etc. It is a light weight, maneuverable trailer that has almost completely taken over all of our trailering needs from our larger LQ 3h. It is a comfortable weekender for two.
Posted 2012-02-11 7:40 PM (#140784 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
Measure the length of your total rig, from front of truck, to back of the bumper-pull, with that extension for the camper, and you will find that the length is often substantial. Now do keep in mind, that because of the pivot point on a GN, you can spin then around in some fairly tight areas, even stopping and backing around to make the tight circle, where that would jack-knife some camper / bumper-pull combos, making the camper smack the front of some trailers.
A real bonus is if you could have a dealer take you for a spin with a GN if you have never pulled one, to see how the turn, back etc.
Posted 2012-02-11 9:11 PM (#140787 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 316 Location: Illinois
That's why I bought the camper for my truck that I did. No hangover, so no hitch upgrades needed for towing. However, this makes the holding tanks much smaller and because of where the tank is for the wet shower, the shower shares with the toilet. Meaning, it fills up fast if you use both the shower and the toilet. However, for me it's been great, but I also have 3/4 ton diesel with a camper package, even if it's a bit older. Meaning heavier suspension and brakes. Best thing is when I travel without horses I can pretty much park this anywhere I can park the truck.
There are pluses for having a larger truck camper with the rear overhang. Extra room and larger holding tanks, however then you will have to upgrade your hitch to a class 4 or 5 and use weight distributing hitches (which you may already do, so that in itself not a big deal) in order to tow your trailer with the required extensions. Even with a camper like mine I would want at least a 3/4 ton, especially for towing. The guy I bought it from used a half ton, but I'm pretty sure he never towed anything. OK, he also spent a fortune on beefing up his suspension and such.
Posted 2012-02-11 10:13 PM (#140789 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Location: KY
I pull a 3 horse Merhow with 8' shortwall (and a slideout) and have had no problem getting in and out of trail heads and show grounds. I had a Dodge 2500 regular cab with long bed but recently traded up to a Dodge 3500 long bed which really doesn't notice the trailer behind it. I can hook up the trailer by myself (electric jack). It has a shower and separate toilet, small fridge, 2 burner cooktop, microwave, gas furnance, electric a/c with a heat strip. I use a Kipor 3000 generator with it especially in the summertime to run the a/c at shows. I thought I would not be able to drive such a set up but it is true that it is easier than the bumper pulls. I would not want to return to a bumper pull now. Dogs like the trailer too.
Posted 2012-02-12 9:17 AM (#140809 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Member
Posts: 21
Location: WA State
Yvette, I started this whole exploration looking into something like you have - smaller camper (so no hitch extensions) and the bumper pull that I already own. I love my current trailer so was not looking to replace it necessarily. I was pretty sold on that idea until hubby suggested I look into the small LQ type idea to overcome some of the "disadvantages" I noticed. It is still something I am thinking about and I have a couple of friends with similar rigs. I "interviewed" one of them yesterday and she just leaves her camper on the truck for 6 months out of the year so she doesn't have to deal with the on and off again hassle. I have mixed feelings about that. i figure I can find a used camper in decent/good shape for around 5-6K, but it will take some looking to find the shorter size I want that has the amenities. It seemed like the 8' ones often didn't have the bathroom (the few I have seen anyway)
Rose, thanks for sharing that experience with your trailer. It sounds like if I find a 3H with a 4' shortwall it won't be too huge for daily use like trail heads and showgrounds. There are several events that I would be more inclined to haul to (long days or overnighters) if I had even minimal creature comforts but I don't want to give up the ease of use either.
I have never hauled a GN, but I know that it is a good way to go and most people love it once they learn how. I love the suggestion of trying to get the dealership to give me a trial run/spin so i can get the basic sense of it. Trainer at my barn gives "trailer driving lessons" too so I may take advantage of that if I go with the GN. It took me years to master advanced backing with my bumper pull and I am hoping I can learn a little faster when switching to the GN as life gets alot easier when you can park and turn around in tricky situations.
Just as a for example, this Double D 3H with the 4' shortwall has pretty much I was thinking I want:
I didn't find all the details on the specs of the Exiss trailer mentioned by Gard and others, but I did find a 2H one for sale in my area - so something I could go look at:
I have no idea how the quality of these two brands compare, but they both have what I am looking for so seem like a good starting point. Double D is a manufacturer direct sales so it is a different marketing model.
I like the 3H idea because i own one horse and one pony. I don't tend to take them the same places usually, but, I definately like the flexibility of that extra stall for hauling a friends horse or my two horses AND storage for hay and other gear in that front stall. Hey, maybe the pony will come to the ocean with us this year, just for the experience. As far as the cart, since I haven't bought one yet (this pony is still in training/learning) I will look for one that has removable shafts or otherwise has a chance of fitting inside the trailer. I have seen various ways of mounting them to the outside which brings it's own set of issues and I guess I just want to keep it as simple and "woman on her own" friendly to deal with as possible. There are alot of great and creative solutions out there that assume you have extra hands and muscles - but since my sons have moved out of the house, I am learning to work smarter, not harder when it comes to horse activities.
I think some people missed this - I intend to upgrade to a larger truck. The only option I would even consider with my current truck is the small popup campers that way 1,000# or less, but I am not really even seriously looking into those right now. 5 years ago the F150 was the right choice for me as I was also needing to use it as a daily driver and it very comfortably tows my current rig (with a WDH) even over the Cascade mountains. I didn't want the 8' bed etc etc - my life circumstances are different now and I intend to buy a used truck just for hauling and am driving a car now so parking a big fat truck isn't a major concern anymore. I use the manufacturer's info as guidance (my current truck is supposed to be rated to pull 9,400 but I don't intend to try that out myself!) but I also take the trouble to do some calculations on my own to be sure that the whole rig has some reasonable margin of error. I want to be safe and feel comfortable going over the mountains etc. and more importantly feel confident we can stop coming down the other side..... I realize that this topic always has some controversy and one of the things that I quickly realized is that many of those big slide in truck campers put even 3/4 tons over weight limit. The RV people tell you that springs and air bags "fix that" but it is one of the concerns that I have about the camper option.
Thank you all for your comments and feedback, I have read them all and it has helped me formulate my ideas on this. I welcome further discussion and points of view I haven't thought about.
Posted 2012-02-12 5:46 PM (#140834 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Regular
Posts: 51 Location: VA
S123, you underestimate your experience and abilities. If you are comfortably pulling and backing your BP trailer, then as Rose states, a GN will be easier. Since you are upgrading your truck and once you know your Gross Combined Weight Rating (truck+ trailer), you can then know what weight trailer you can safety manage. If you don't know what your new truck can manage, before your shop for trailers, you may end up with too heavy of a trailer. I suggest that you get the truck first. The GN trailer that you first posted looks like it would very well work for you. Can you go see that one and get the sales person to tow it around, then note the truck they use and how it performs? It should leave you with many smiles.
Posted 2012-02-13 10:42 AM (#140858 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
Having had a Camper/BP set up I would never go back to that. I have a GN Exiss with a weekender and simply enjoy everything about it. The GN pulls so much easier and you can unhook quickly should you want to take the truck to the store or out for a drive. The weekender in my case doesn't have a shower ( there are facilities where I show at) or a toilet but I do have a porta potty which for me works good ( I travel alone) You can find weekenders with showers/toilets or find a smaller self contained trailer.
Posted 2012-02-13 11:22 AM (#140860 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
I have a 2H GN Shadow with 5' short wall and have quite a few ameneties that really make camping enjoyable and I use if for day rides as well. I jsut camped this past weekend and this Fri am leaving on a 9 day trip - the Cracker Trail Ride which is a ride across the state of Fla.
Make sure the trailer has propane. Mine has 3.0 propane/electric fridge, 2 burner propane cooktop, propane water heater, microwave, nose & kitchen cabinets, AC, medicine cabinet, dinnette, pocket screen door, 30 gallon water tank, awning, cowboy shower, and the best, a hydraulic hitch. I wish it had more storage, but I get by. I put my hay in bale bags, tie up in the first stall & put shavings around them in case my horse pees (he rarely does). I have done numerous 10 days trips in this rig. I like the cowboy shower as it's very roomy and allows more useful space in the LQ. You take a shower once a day, so why lose all that indoor space. I also set up the potty in the horse area as that becomes my bathroom during trips. If you message me your email address, I can send you photos of the inside.
Posted 2012-02-13 5:58 PM (#140888 - in reply to #140744) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Veteran
Posts: 236 Location: Little town in Pa
One little unexpected pleasure of a GN with LQ is that even if you are heading 20 minutes down the road to your friends house, you still have your own private potty with hot running water to wash your hands, NICE !
Posted 2012-02-13 9:27 PM (#140900 - in reply to #140888) Subject: RE: Weekender type trailer versus a camper
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
Originally written by Ncatanz on 2012-02-13 5:58 PM
One little unexpected pleasure of a GN with LQ is that even if you are heading 20 minutes down the road to your friends house, you still have your own private potty with hot running water to wash your hands, NICE !
Weekender type trailer versus a camper
