NO David! wrote:Another vote for ATC:
http://www.aluminumtrailer.com/Because they build standard and custom trailers for this small business company that designed these and has the patented tip out bunk frame system: I've always liked this concept (except the cost).
http://www.vrvtoyhauler.com/I don't have one, but I've followed them from their original relationship with Livinlite, to ATC, and I really like the design and customization options. Pricey for a cargo, but if ATC can build these, they can easily handle an aluminum cargo.
Update, digging a little deeper, the VRVtoyhauler facebook page hints they are now building their product in-house? Not so sure now about the ATC sub-contracting as the builder, but still nice trailers.
When my wife and I started wanting something larger than our teardrop, I started looking at options. I didn't like the generic, fall-apart-in-five-years travel trailer, so I dug deeper. LivinLite's Camplite travel trailers (and toy haulers) seemed to be our solution for a ready-built option. A parallel research track was a DIY cargo trailer conversion. (This is still my preference, but while I'm still working finding time for a CT conversion will be difficult.)
Unfortunately, LivinLite was bought by Thor, and "value engineering" of the product line began. It is no longer the same product. A third option came into mind, and that was to purchase a toy hauler and add some minor additions - permanent beds, dinette, etc. VRV toyhauler is similar to the "old" LivinLite design and looked like a possibility. I also discovered that ATC has a toy hauler line:
http://aluminumtoyhauler.com/. I don't know of the evolution, but it seems that the "old" LivinLite, VRV and ATC toy haulers come from the same gene pool.
I even went so far as to spec a 7' x 20' ATC toy hauler with many options. The list price was in the $32,000 range. While I think that is fair for what you get, with the I'm guessing maybe a 5% discount "sales" price, that still is pretty steep when you compare to DIY CT conversion using an all-aluminum CT.
I really like the ATC and Featherlite trailers, but they seem to be difficult to get in the DFW area. I hope to get serious in about 6 months and will travel to dealers to find out their willingness to customize and the what that will cost.