what's the most pup-like hybrid?

[No, your OTHER right]

Our family's camped for almost 20 years in almost everything: tent, pop-up, 5th wheel, Class C with slide.  We sold the latter a few years ago and we really miss camping (but not so much that we're ready to go back to the tent!). Problem is, by now we recognize the pros and cons of almost every option so we need fresh thinking.

We have a 97 Ford F150 4x4 5.6L with o/d. We need something lightweight that sleeps 4 and can accommodate 2 large, energetic dogs. We LOVE the open feel of a pop-up but hate the set-up/breakdown. We camp primarily in the high desert so think dry, windy, dusty, hot days and cold nights.

It seems a hybrid with a small slide (and lots of windows!) might be just the ticket.  Or should we re-consider a popup with powerlift (e.g., a Coleman Niagara)?

Anyway, we're hoping for your advice and suggestions, from pros/cons to specific models.

Thank you all in advance for your advice!



 

[01YZF6]

almost every manufacturer of a HTT will have what you are looking for as far as your basic needs go.

what you need to do is figure out what amenities it is you DONT need from it, and go from there.

your truck will pull almost every HTT out there under 6k easily.

 do you want new(er) or older models?

is it 4 adults or 2 kids/2 adults?

if it is kids, find the models with BUNK options, there are a few that offer them !

[avoidcrowds]

OP, I've heard your screen name before.  Oh, yeah!  Mom telling Dad how to back up.  I love your "handle"!

I got rid of my pop-up in January, and replaced it with a TrailManor 2417.  It is definitely a hybrid, as it folds-down to low travel height, but pops-up to a 24'-long unit, similar to our pop-up.  But, it is hard-sided and insulated.  Naturally, I think TrailManors are the way to go  , if you like the space of a pop-up, but want to tow a shorter unit (than a regular travel trailer).  Our unit has a king on one end, and a queen on the other.  Table seats four comfortably.  We have the optional shower and toilet, so that takes some of the space. 

But, go to the TrailManor.com site, and look at the different models. They go all the way to 33 feet open (26 feet tow-length), with many in between that and my 2417 (tow at 17', open to 24').  So, you have lots of space options, depending on the model you look at.  They have a "for sale" section, where you can find used units in many price ranges. 

I like the hard side, as the heater keeps the unit quite warm with little effort, and it keeps much of the noise out, whether you have to camp near a road, or in a campground.  (We usually are way back in the National Forest, so noise is not an issue).  I have used it at 40° overnight, and we were more than warm enough. I will lower the thermostat next time.  The hard sides should keep the sand and wind out, also. 

It "pops-up" simply by pulling on each end, and it is an assisted-lift design. My wife can easily lift either end.  The "pop-up" phase takes 5 seconds to lift, if you go slowly.  Pull the beds out in 3 more seconds, and it is up.  Much, much faster than my pop-up!

You mention "lots of windows", but that is likely subjective. We don't have the visibility of our pop-up, but we have gotten many comments about how many windows we have.  So, if you are used to a few windows in travel trailers, the TrailManor can have plenty. You will have to decide for yourself.

Happy shopping!

[mstrbill]

your truck will pull almost every HTT out there under 6k easily.

Not necessarily true.

97 Ford F150 4x4 5.6L

Which engine do you have the 4.6L or the 5.4L. I had the 4.6L although with a terrible gears(3:08) for towing. It wasn't happy towing my Niagara. Gas mileage was down to 10mpg or less.

[No, your OTHER right]

Thanks, everyone, for all your great responses!

I actually  misspoke - we have a 5.4L engine with the 3.55 heavier duty axle. If we're reading the charts right, we can manage 7700 lbs but we want to be under 4500 dry weight.

We hadn't even thought of the TrailManor, AvoidCrowds - we'll give them a browse! Thanks for the suggestion.

The "sleeps 4" is 2 adults and 2 teenagers, of whom only one will consistently travel with us. We actually have looked at some bunkhouse configurations in hardside campers (the Lance 2185 looked like a nice candidate for a hardside) and I know there are a few hybrids with bunkhouse configurations (Palomino Stampede and Starcraft Travelstar, for example). It's definitely a good idea ... they're just a little harder to find.

We drove around RV lots all day today and unfortunately, there are few hybrids around .... they seem much more common in the upper midwest and northeast than in the southwest. We only got to see a couple: a Roo 21s, which had a great floorplan, and a KZ Escape. The slide really makes a huge difference in these units!

Thank you all for your input!

[cheyino]

I know it's been a while since you've posted this, but I thought I'd speak up because it sounds like you were looking for the same thing in a hybrid that we were with that open PU "feel" and lots of windows.  You might take a look at the Jayco Featherlite XLE 20'.  It sleeps plenty - says it sleeps eight, but the dinette slides out, so you can put a blow-up mattress on the floor as well for two more people - we like this option because when we are in bear country where slide-outs aren't allowed, we can keep the bunk ends buttoned up and there is still plenty of sleeping space. 

Also, we were at first turned off by the u-shaped dining table in front of one of the bunk ends (we've always hated those because you have to step on the seat to get in bed), but this particular model, unlike the larger one with the same floor plan, has part of that u-shaped seat that comes out that you can use as an ottoman for the sofa, and you have an empty place to step up into the bed.  Absolutely love the floor plan on this camper, and we'll own one within a week or two, after about two years of looking and reasearch, lol!

[bikendan]

we like this option because when we are in bear country where slide-outs aren't allowed, we can keep the bunk ends buttoned up and there is still plenty of sleeping space.

if you don't mind, what bear country areas don't allow slideouts? never heard of that at any campground in the country. i even saw RV's with slideouts at Fishing Bridge campground in Yellowstone, which has a permanent ban on soft-sided RV's and tents.

[TooTents]

We (or should I say "I") got our Surveyor 234T Hybrid , not so much because it was like our pup but because it has a bar

[biken201]

We also live in the southwest and encountered the similar problem you are finding (few hybrids to look at).  We ultimately decided to purchase our Roo 233S sight unseen and hoped it would work for what we need.  Our family also consists of large energetic dogs (four of them), and the floorspace in our model works perfectly!  We love the 233S floorplan, but there are several other models that have a ton of floorspace as well.  Try looking at the Roo 21SS.  Several of the other manufacturers have similar floorplans, so research as best you can (without actually being able to see the trailer) and ask lots of questions on this and other forums.  We ultimately made a trip to the Chicago area to get a great deal on our new camper, but since we have family there, it was a convenient reason for a vacation.  Most (if not all) dealers will work with you on transporting a new camper to you if needed.  Have fun in your search!

[No, your OTHER right]

As it happens, we've made our decision: a Roo 23SS. You're right, Biken201, the 21SS is a sweet floorplan but in the end we went for storage/counter space and lower weight. We've just gotten it and have not been able to get out in it yet but can't wait!

That Surveyor 234T has a nice floorplan, Lbcarr87 - the extra door and bar are nice touches! The floorplan's a lot like the 23ss.

Cheyino, thanks for the recommendation for the Jayco Featherlite XLE 20. I will admit that we, too, don't care for the U-shaped dinette in front of the bunkends but it sounds like they've made a helpful change (i.e., being able to remove the cushion). Congratulations on your decision, and hope you enjoy camping in it. After 2 years of research, you deserve to!

Thank you all for your great advice.

[biken201]

Congrats!  The 23SS is an awesome floorplan.  If we didn't need the added floor and bunkspace for our wolfpack, we probably would have gone with that floorplan also. 

[bikendan]

As it happens, we've made our decision: a Roo 23SS. You're right, Biken201, the 21SS is a sweet floorplan but in the end we went for storage/counter space and lower weight. We've just gotten it and have not been able to get out in it yet but can't wait!

That Surveyor 234T has a nice floorplan, Lbcarr87 - the extra door and bar are nice touches! The floorplan's a lot like the 23ss.

Cheyino, thanks for the recommendation for the Jayco Featherlite XLE 20. I will admit that we, too, don't care for the U-shaped dinette in front of the bunkends but it sounds like they've made a helpful change (i.e., being able to remove the cushion). Congratulations on your decision, and hope you enjoy camping in it. After 2 years of research, you deserve to!

Thank you all for your great advice.

YEA!!!! another member of the Roo Kroo and the exclusive 23SS Club!!

[TooTents]

Nice choice, From my previous research I believe Forest River makes some pretty good quality products. Roo, Surveyor, and Shamrock are all part of that family. Enjoy your new camper, we sure enjoy ours.

[Roosterfish09]

Having 2 smaller kids we opted for the Jayco x18D so they could have their own bed ( 3 fold outs).  We did not care for the bunk and whem the kids grow the space gets small.  Seems like it has rained every weekend we have been camping so the kids each having their own "fort" to play in has been really nice.

[papa_z]

Hey don't forget about the Palomino Stampede's, they are FR hybrids too!!!  We don't even have our own section on the FR Forums site . . . Rodney Dangerfield of campers I guess.  But can I still be an honorary Roo Crew member?  If you recall I did try to buy a 23SS, just ended up with the Stampede 238 (which BTW we really love.)
I just want to be part of a fun group of like minded camping officianados, maybe some day I could even be like Herk (day dreaming again).     Z