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Family needs escape pod! Private Seller

4 years ago Trailer Wanted  Portland, OR 534 Views 0 Watching
Title: Family needs escape pod!
Country:US
State or Province:OR
City: Portland
Type of Sale:Private Seller
Listed:4 years ago
Location: Portland, OR
Price : Wanted

Looking for any brand 14 16 fiberglass trailer. Willing to travel to Idaho, Oregon, and/ or Washington State. Can t afford hotels when traveling with my 4 kids and need something light enough to pull with mini van. Willing to take on small project. Prefer below 5000

Need to show kids that there is so much more to see than our little town!

Cheers

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Public Discussion about this ad - Family needs escape pod!



 

Revision Date: 2019-08-01 01:58:56
By User: Flower Mommy
Revised Field: phone

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Revision Date: 2019-08-01 01:58:56
By User: Flower Mommy
Revised Field: description

Old Value New Value
<p>Looking for any brand 14 16 fiberglass trailer. Willing to travel to Idaho, Oregon, and/ or Washington State. Can t afford hotels when traveling with my 4 kids and need something light enough to pull with mini van. Willing to take on small project. Prefer below 5000</p><p>Need to show kids that there is so much to see. </p><p>Cheers</p> <p>Looking for any brand 14 16 fiberglass trailer. Willing to travel to Idaho, Oregon, and/ or Washington State. Can t afford hotels when traveling with my 4 kids and need something light enough to pull with mini van. Willing to take on small project. Prefer below 5000 </p><p>Need to show kids that there is so much more to see than our little town!</p><p>Cheers</p>

Revision Date: 2019-08-01 01:58:56
By User: Flower Mommy
Revised Field: title

Old Value New Value
16 Family needs escape pod!
Posted by 1500 (4 years ago)
Posted by John in Santa Cruz (4 years ago)

I'm not aware of any 16 that can sleep 2 adults and 4 kids, unless you can double up your kids in small bunk beds, and you get a non-deluxe model without bath or toilet, but with a bunk bed

Posted by thrifty bill (4 years ago)

RVs are all about the experiences. Savings versus hotels? Not so much if you total up everything: original price, depreciation, gas, maintenance, storage, etc. The good news is molded FG trailers depreciate very slowly. the bad news they are small and pricey compared to other trailers. The one type of family camping that is definitely cheaper than hotels is a tent. Tents are very affordable, don't take a big tow rig to pull, don't affect fuel economy, no licensing or tag fees (WA State, home of high tag fees), etc. I tent camped for years. It was very cost effective. Room for six? Not in the 14 to 16 foot range of molded trailers. Hybrid trailers, not my thing for sure, but they have a lot of sleeping room for the size. Just noticed your budget, not happening, at least in the molded FG market. I was on a tight budget for years, and made just as many memories camping with a tent as I have with an RV.

Posted by Kai in Seattle (4 years ago)

WA State: IF your molded fiberglass trailer is under 2,000 lbs (certified), you can buy a permanent license tab for it. About $200. Peanut squeaked by at 1997 lbs. "dry." Our Dodge Grand Caravan had a fascinating option: a tent that attached to the back of the van with the tail door up. It came in several sizes including a 3-room one...very spacious for a tent! One room didn't include a floor, so it was good for dining and pets. Of course, it was[I] tenting,[/I] and we've been there, done that. Paul said he never wanted to tent-camp again now that he's retired. Peanut is a 16' Amerigo (more square and hence, a bit more roomy inside than more rounded eggs) but even with all the original beds intact and only one parent, I can't quite see how five people would ever have fit. Especially since kids grow. Unless you're all very thin and love playing "sardines." With two parents--even more crushed. I agree with Thrifty Bill, consider a tent. There are so many styles now, and some are easy to set up and take down (once you master the tricks). You could even get a couple of tents and have a little tent village. Be aware campgrounds may have limits on how many tents you can put up on one site. Boondocking, though, I think you can set up whatever you like. Ask at a local library if they can get you a copy of Free and Cheap Parks, camp sites, military areas, etc. Once you start looking, there are lots of options. National Parks in WA are cheaper but have few facilities and seldom power. Some wonderful places, though. It's great you want to give your kids this experience! Happy hunting for your set-up, and happy trails when you've found it. BEST "K"

Posted by jokra (4 years ago)

I agree with Thrifty Bill in that tent camping is much cheaper and easier to get into. It is also a lot of fun for kids and will probably fit into your van and allow you to use the roof of the van for toys and still carry a bike rack or small trailer behind. I am assuming that you are planning mainly 3-season camping? Winter camping is more difficult and better for the seasoned camper. I suggest buying your equipment from a proper camping supply store, not Wally's . My Family bought French camping equipment, I believe Cabanon which used light water-proof Egyptian cotton and had a double tent for rainy days inside. We camped for many years on islands in the St. Lawrence and later on islands on lake Champlain in VT. lots of fond memories for me. Remember you are trying to make fond memories with the kids and kids like adventure, especially when done with you, they don't need you to bring a miniature house. Good luck

Posted by Jon in AZ (4 years ago)

$5000, beds for 5 or 6, and towable by a minivan- with everyone on board- to me means a smaller (8’ box) tent trailer. Two on each end and one or two on the dinette. Your budget should get you a clean used unit 4-8 years old. I’ve seen a few recently on Craigslist in my area. I grew up traveling all over North America with six of us and a tent trailer. Great memories! If you're really set on a hard-sided unit, with your budget and tow rating you’re realistically looking at 13’ molded trailers that sleep up to 4, maybe 5 if they're little. In that price range it’ll be older and may have some issues. A Scamp 16' layout 7 (rear and side dinettes, front bunks, no bath) is a family-friendly layout but very rare, and you'll have to stretch your budget significantly. I'd expect $8-10K for a decent used one. It sleeps 5, maybe 6 if they're small. It will also stretch the towing capacity of most minivans with your whole crew on board (tow ratings are based on one or two people and no gear). Which begs the question... What is your van rated to tow? Best wishes!

Posted by John in Santa Cruz (4 years ago)

another option, depending on how sturdy your minivan is, and how small these kids are, would be a Tepui style rooftop tent for the kids to sleep in, and a 16' or 17' trailer w/ shower and toilet and kitchen and queen bed for the parental units. There's no way the 6 of you could sit at the inside dinette, so you'd be bringing along a folding table and chairs to eat outside most of the time.

Posted by Flower Mommy (4 years ago)

My mom owns a 16’ Casita that fits us fine. I have 2 little kids and 2 big kids. We will be fall and winter road tripping and so I Idon’t want to set up tents. I do love tent camping but need the comfort.

Posted by Flower Mommy (4 years ago)

Thank you for so much insight.

Posted by John in Santa Cruz (4 years ago)

Quoted text:
My mom owns a 16� Casita that fits us fine. I have 2 little kids and 2 big kids. We will be fall and winter road tripping and so I Idon�t want to set up tents. I do love tent camping but need the comfort.


how do the 5/6 of you sleep in a Casita 16? heck, my wife and I barely fit, admittedly we're 60-something and plus sized.

the dinette in a Casita 16 'spirit deluxe' is barely 24" wide, albeit 6' long when made as a bed.

does this Casita have bunks rather than a bath?

Posted by thrifty bill (4 years ago)

$5,000 Casita 16 is going to be very hard to find and likely need a lot of work. Maybe you can buy your mom's? I haven't seen any $5,000 Casita 16s, typically that's the price range of the older Scamp 13s. You will have to have a standard version on the Casita to allow for a front bunk.

Posted by Flower Mommy (4 years ago)

Quoted text:
$5,000 Casita 16 is going to be very hard to find and likely need a lot of work. Maybe you can buy your mom's?


Oh, I�ve begged!! Mom isn�t budging. I don�t mind having a project. I have a handy man. I see them in these posts for $5000 but on the east coast. :(

Posted by Flower Mommy (4 years ago)

Yes, bunks ... they did add a toilet because it didn’t have one.

Posted by John in Santa Cruz (4 years ago)

its not just handiwork, its all the appliances will likely be shot at that price point, and those cost money to replace or repair. Replacing a water damaged floor on a casita is a major job, a rusted frame, ditto. axles, brakes, lighting all could be shot. a well maintained 16 deluxe with everything working, fresh tires, brakes, battery, etc consumables is likely to be north of $10K even with tired cosmetics, and a clean shiny well working one could easily be $13k

Posted by Flower Mommy (4 years ago)

John, Stop!! Your crushing my dreams:) Well, maybe it’s not in my future until I raise more money... I have until fall!

Posted by JansDream (4 years ago)

Well, someone is selling a Trails West Campster for $500 on the forum ...

Posted by Flower Mommy (4 years ago)

Quoted text:
Well, someone is selling a Trails West Campster for $500 on the forum ...
? I can’t find it ����

Posted by John in Santa Cruz (4 years ago)

Quoted text:
Well, someone is selling a Trails West Campster for $500 on the forum ...


I see one for $5000, 1970, fully restored, but it only has a queen bed & a few shelves... no water, no electrics, no propane, so its not much more than a rolling bedroom for 2.

Posted by Daniel A. (4 years ago)

John is on the mark with advice, being real means having to spend more like 10,000 or there a bouts. In terms of kids you don't say what ages they are will some sleep in a tent ? Any decent unit will cost. Maybe you should be looking at stick built trailers. Fiberglass units tend to cost more and have a following people know what they have. Even a project costs money do you have any ? or are you fishing. My 1991 Bigfoot cost me 8500.00 some 8 years ago in great condition I've never looked back. Its nice you want fiberglass but they do cost money.

Posted by John in Santa Cruz (4 years ago)

oh here it is, not in classifieds. sounds like a *big* project. http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f56/anyone-looking-to-buy-89896.html#post750694

Posted by 1500 (4 years ago)

Everyone ignoring the 5k 13' scamp I posted. Even has the front bunk beds. And looks in good condition. Very few fiberglass trailers will fit that number of people, perhaps the 25' bigfoot, but way outside your price and TV range. Best bet would be to have some sleep inside and then get the others tents to camp with you. I will say I grew up with my family going on a 2 month trip in a vanagon with 3 teenage boys, two adults and a med sized dog and we made it work. We all slept inside by the way. Did you know you can hang a hammock on the inside?

Posted by Flower Mommy (4 years ago)

Quoted text:
https://boise.craigslist.org/rvs/d/boise-scamp-trailer-for-sale/6945944147.html


This is adorable! I was just holding out for 3 mor feet.
I�ll keep it in mind if nothing comes up! Cheers

Posted by Flower Mommy (4 years ago)

Jon AZ ...I have a Toyota Sienna and tow capacity says 3500 lbs.

Posted by John in Santa Cruz (4 years ago)

Quoted text:
I will say I grew up with my family going on a 2 month trip in a vanagon with 3 teenage boys, two adults and a med sized dog and we made it work. We all slept inside by the way. Did you know you can hang a hammock on the inside?


vanagon westies can sleep 2 adults on the main bed, several teens up stairs under the popup, and a kid across the front seats, if they are the bench seat version. The germans know how to squeeze in space!

Posted by Daniel A. (4 years ago)

[QUOTE=Flower Mommy;750932]This is adorable! I was just holding out for 3 mor feet. I�ll keep it in mind if nothing comes up! Cheers[/QUOTE] You don't say what age the kids are I think your playing folks here something for nothing. I've never seen anyone post such vague stuff all in the interest of being sincere.

Posted by Flower Mommy (4 years ago)

Quoted text:
You don't say what age the kids are I think your playing folks here something for nothing.

I've never seen anyone post such vague stuff all in the interest of being sincere.


Baby, 4, 10,15... kids ages... I said little ones and 2 big ones.

Posted by 1500 (4 years ago)

I have had 3 vanagon campers, two air cooled (one was a soft top the other a hard top), and currently own a water cooled soft top. They have a lot more space then you would expect. And with the soft top you get to stand up inside and have tons of headroom.

Posted by 1500 (4 years ago)

While the idea of 3 more feet on paper seems like a good idea, but you will not get any more sleeping capacity, and it puts you out of your price range. You will be hard pressed to find a 16' at the 5k range. If I was you, I would be looking at pop-up campers, you can find a nice used one doe 2.5k that will easily sleep 4 adults, or multiple kids at your kids age range. This thing is 2.5k in good shape, easy to pull, and would fit all of you, letting everyone sleep inside. 2 queen size beds and a king. As an example: Adults and baby take a king, two middle kids take a queen and the 15 gets a bed to them self. https://boise.craigslist.org/rvs/d/boise-2000-dutchmen-classic-tent-trailer/6947550898.html

Posted by John in Santa Cruz (4 years ago)

Quoted text:
Jon AZ ...I have a Toyota Sienna and tow capacity says 3500 lbs.
some practical info, that maybe is a bit numeric... FYI, both a Casita 16 and Casita 17 have a 3500 lb gross(max) weight. I think the Scamps are pretty much the same, but I've never owned one. the 16 deluxes (thats with toilet, shower, and air condtioning), tend to be about 2200 lbs before cargo, while the 17's are a few 100 lbs more. but these deluxes don't have room for the bunk, if you want the bunk, you give up the 'water closet', no flush toilet, no shower, no 'black tank' (toilet). the non-deluxes are even lighter 'curb' weight, but have the same max weight. of this 3500 lbs, 350 to 500 lbs sits on the back bumper of your tow vehicle. the 16s are on the low side of that, the 17s run on the heavier side of tongue weight, but the actual value dose depend on how you load the trailer. This 'tongue weight' has to be subtracted from your vehicles rear axle payload... if you use a 'weight distributing hitch' (WDH), it is more complicated to hook up and disconnect each time but the weight is balanced across front and rear axles of the tow vehicle, so just counts as total payload, and not strictly as rear axle weigth. your vehicle will have a maximum payload rating, and a 'GCWR' (Gross Combined Weight Rating), these are values you never want to exceed. Max Payload is how much you can put in the vehicle when you're not towing, that includes the driver and passengers and all cargo including any accessories you've added to the vehicle like roof racks, but not fuel. When you're towing, that also has to include the tongue weight, too.. My 2008 Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 had a Max Payload of 1200 lbs. The GCWR is the max weight of the vehicle as loaded plus teh trailer as loaded. you do not want to exceed either of these. there's also a front and rear axle weight rating on the vehicle, you also should not exceed these, and the only way to know your actual load is to bring your fully loaded vehicle to a 'CAT' scale, and they will weigh you axle by axle for around $15 or $20, and give you a printout. I like to stay well under 'max' loads in anything short of a real heavy duty truck. When Ford tells me my F250 SuperDuty Diesel can carry 2000 lb payload, and/or tow 12500 lb trailer, well, yeah, it really can, all day, every day.. better, the GCWR is such that I really can carry 2000 lbs sans the tongue weight of that 12500 lb trailer, and haul that halfway across the country with authority. On my F250, a trailer over 6500 lbs, you shoudl use a WDH, but my 21 foot Escape 'cabin on wheels' only weighs max 4500 lbs. but on a FWD unibody minivan like a Sienna, carrying maximum payloads and towing will likely shorten the life of your suspension, increase tthe probability of body rattles and creaks, and make your transmission unhappy sooner than it might other wise have. taking it easy when towing is good, it will postpone all these wear symptoms. drop a gear on your automatic and go a little slower up long/steep hills. heck, drop two gears if it feels like its straining. [IMG]https://photos.smugmug.com/By-Date/2019/2019-05-11/i-zj2mkdX/0/120d1248/X4/IMG_20190511_104136-X4.jpg[/IMG]

Posted by John in Santa Cruz (4 years ago)

PS, this is a WDH ("weight distributing hitch") on my former Casita towed by my Tacoma 4x4 TRD Off Road, I added the WDH to that rig not because I had to, but because it made it less 'pitchy', less tendancy to 'porpoise' up and down on dips and bumps... This is the simplest/classic form of WDH, two flat 'spring bars' under the hitch, with chains that you connect to 'stirrups' on the trailer... it transfers the trailer tongue weight onto the whole tow vehicle instead of just the rear bumper, so it doesn't 'pitch' when you hit a bump, and so the vehicle rides more level. with really large/heavy trailers these are mandantory even on big trucks, but even with my ~3000 lb Casita 16 behind my Tacoma 4x4 TRD (rated for 6500 lb tow), it helped the ride, a lot. [IMG]https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc/Casita/i-fk6RvmH/0/55fe58d9/X4/IMG_1434-X4.jpg[/IMG]

Posted by Jon in AZ (4 years ago)

Family needs escape pod!

So... there are basically 3 requirements: (1) budget: $5K, (2) beds: 5, 3 of whom are full-sized, and (3) weight: around 2500# actual loaded weight, allowing for additional passengers in the van. Stick-built travel trailers can be had that meet beds and budget, but not weight. Not even close. A 13� molded trailer can be had that meets budget (barely) and weight, but it will come up one short on beds. A 16� Scamp or Casita can be had that meets beds, but it will be well over on budget and marginal on weight. It would have to be a no-bath version, hard to find in the 16� length. An 8� tent trailer (folds out to 16�) hits the mark on budget, beds, and weight. I still think this is your best bet to get started. We are 4, and we were in the same place as you budget-wise when we were looking for our first camper. I was searching for a small tent trailer, which seemed like the best option. I missed out on a couple before I stumbled on a local 13� Scamp. It worked because we were only 4, and the owner was in a hurry to sell in the fall, so we got it for below market value. Otherwise, we�d probable be happily camping in a tent trailer now. I know one thing: the clock is ticking with your teen. Remaining family time is precious!

Posted by thrifty bill (4 years ago)

6 in a 16 footer is tight, standard Casita with front bunk and side single bed could give you the bed space. 13 footer like the Scamp, I don't see it coming anywhere close, unless two are outside in a tent. Get a pop-up camper or tent and go camping now. Winter camping in the NW in a three season trailer like a Casita or Scamp is marginal. If you stay near the coast, maybe. Of course, winter in the northwest plus the coast = rain. Four season trailers cost more and are much heavier. Lived in the PNW for 13 years. Standard Casita trailers are very hard to find. Most people opt for the deluxe model to get the bathroom. Finding such a scarce trailer at a way below market budget? Very unlikely. And while you are waiting, you are missing out on memories. My favorite camping in the PNW was either in the mountains, or over the mountains (I lived in western WA). This meant pulling some serious grades, and in the summer months, some hot weather too. The combination of steep grades, altitude, and sometimes hot weather really taxed my tow vehicle.

Posted by Yvimij (4 years ago)

Don't lose heart!

Quoted text:
Oh, I�ve begged!! Mom isn�t budging. I don�t mind having a project. I have a handy man. I see them in these posts for $5000 but on the east coast. :(


My 13 ft Casita with bunks and dinette has served me well for the last 6 years or so. Paid less than $5000 when I bought it. I have pulled it all over the country. Never slept 6, but I did take my adult son and two grandchildren on a trip halfway across with no problem. If I had to sleep a couple of more folks, instead of a tent, I would get a couple of Henessey hammocks and let the two oldest kids sleep in them. It was many years ago, but I still remember car camping with my Mom & Dad. I had a war surplus "jungle" hammock and would string that thing up as far away from Mom & Dad as they would allow!

I just bought a 16 ft Casita with the side dinette and wet bath. It has less sleeping room than my 13 ft., but if it had the bunks instead of the wetbath, it would sleep your crew just fine. I paid $7,200 for the 16 ft. and it is in great shape.

I found both of my Casitas in local ads. The 13 foot was a Craigslist ad and the 16 ft in a Facebook ad. I guess what I am trying to say is that your INTENT has as much if not more to do with your success in finding what you want than your budget or anything else. Don't give up on your dream just because someone tells you that it is not practical. Be flexible, but focus on the experience you want and it will probably land in your lap.

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