by aws140 » Sun Mar 03, 2013 9:41 pm
Cjiff - I will try to keep this as concise, yet informative, as possible. I am planning to do a cross country trip ending in Fairbanks, AK this Summer. It's a reward to myself, and fulfilling a life long dream, for preemptively graduating a very challenging college career and commissioning into the Air Force. That being said, it's mainly for my two small dogs I am bringing. If I were flying solo, I'd use my tent and hammock and call it a day. My TV is a 4 cylinder AWD Rav4, so it has to be light. Since I am doing this whole trip on a budget, it has to be rather inexpensive.
Here is a run down, and some of it is obvious, but I don't require much:
800-1,000 lbs at most, my TV max tow is 1,500 lbs
at least 48" X 72" sleeping area
interior vent fan, to help keep pups cool if I need to leave them for short periods of time
waterproof, obviously
good structural rigidity, I read the Alaska highway isn't the smoothest road
A/C, same as interior fan
trailer brakes, for safety and to limit load on TV
larger tires, 12" min and would love to be able to run 16" to match my TV tires so spares can fit both
price, I'd prefer around $1k, but if it blows me away, then I can go to around $2k
That's about it. The galley doesn't need to be anything crazy as I don't plan to do any cooking in, or near, the TD to avoid bear problems. I'd actually prefer a thru galley. Also, if the price is right, then I can add aforementioned amenities. I have been spending hours a day searching forums, CL, ebay, RV sale sites, etc. Initially, trying to determine the right camper for me, since I determined hard sided is the way to go, trying to find the right camper. The one mentioned above has a lot of potential. For my needs, not because they're bad, it just needs the door replaced, trailer brakes installed/axle swap, little DIY with electrical/battery/AC, and it's kind of near my max weight. Then again, I do realize my budget is low and I can't expect too much at my prices. If you know anything, send it my way! I am willing to travel for the right trailer. As of now, I am spending a lot of time researching mods needed to make the white TD mentioned above meet my needs.
