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Whos towing tent trailers?

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Jayzuki

Whos towing tent trailers?
« on: April 17, 2006, 12:32:36 AM »
I was checking out some of the newer model tent trailers that are available. They really look awsome and are very light. I was just wondering who has one?

Thanks
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Offline Shredder

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2006, 08:12:12 AM »
Some of those are cool. Especially if they are built tough for off-road use. I also like the AutoHome car top tents like this one.



http://www.autohomeus.com
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Offline jzap

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2006, 06:26:32 PM »
We tow a 1966 Apache Buffalo-Mesa with our '96 Tracker.

The trailer weighs about 750 lb empty.  Even packed with our camping equipment, it tows easily.  We have not had any problems with sway, even in strong crosswinds.

It is a whole lot more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, and you and your gear stay dry even in a severe thunderstorm.

The rig...



   

Got it for next to nothing.  $350 for the trailer, and about $400 for hitch, paperwork, wiring, tires, cushions, mattreses and canvas repairs. 

If you are looking at the new Fleetwood Elemant series, the Cobalt and Graphite are 1200 and 1400 lbs empty.  That's a bit too heavy IMHO.  You could probably tow a Neon, at 940 lbs without too much problem, but you would have to watch your loading.  That's why I was looking mainly at the lighter vintage trailers like Apache, Cox, and even the old Coleman Colorado.
« Last Edit: April 17, 2006, 06:59:43 PM by jzap »
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Jim Z.
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Offline prairie_dog

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2006, 09:38:01 PM »
I have a 1975 bonaire tent trailer, pulled it with my stock 91 tracker no problem (900lbs empty)

 da_tub pulled it with his 4dr, with all the gear I figured it's about 1200-1300 lbs and he had no problems, except for keeping the trailer wheels on the ground ( to fast down the trail to camp ::))

 I could see his licence plate and I was behind him :o :o ( ya you speedy/off road truck not off road trailer) dawn were's the smiley icon with the finger when you need it????? ;)

Steve. :)

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Jayzuki

Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2006, 02:28:56 AM »
I think tent trailers look awsome behind Sidekick Suzuki's. They are just the right size! Your set-up looks nice and you got it for a good price. I plan to get something like that.

THanks
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Offline da_tub

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2006, 12:29:18 PM »
heyy ,,easy now... the beer wa getting warm.. it made it there in one peice...lol
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Offline jzap

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2006, 07:43:58 PM »
Quote from: Jayzuki on April 18, 2006, 02:28:56 AM
I think tent trailers look awsome behind Sidekick Suzuki's. They are just the right size! Your set-up looks nice and you got it for a good price. I plan to get something like that.

THanks

Try keeping an eye on

www.apachepopups.net

They have a classified section, and every now and then a soft side trailer becomes available.
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Jim Z.
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66 Apache camper
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Offline reb

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2006, 08:34:33 PM »
About 20 years ago I found a tent trailer that was a tent trailer.  The top opened out and a frame was raised.  A fabric cover went over that.  It was made in about 1967.  I ordered a new top, raised the springs over the axle and replaced the 8" wheels with 12 inchers.  It was very light and went everywhere I pointed my '85 Toyota.  That would be an ideal camper behind a Zuk.  Wish I still had it.
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Offline Rhinoman

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2006, 04:55:05 AM »
Quote from: Shredder on April 17, 2006, 08:12:12 AM
I also like the AutoHome car top tents like this one.


They look cool but you have to pack up all your stuff and take it with you each time you leave the campsite. Then when you get back you have to put it all back up again - that cuts into your drinking/bbq time  ;D
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Offline BigPig

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #9 on: April 19, 2006, 09:01:24 AM »
SPOA with bigger tires is what I am planning for my tent trailer.  I'll have to see how it tows behind the 'Kick after I get the bumper/hitch built for it this summer.  My trailer is pretty big (24' when set up), so we'll see, but taking it off the beaten path would be so COOL!  ;D
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Offline jzap

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #10 on: April 19, 2006, 03:46:32 PM »
Hey, Reb,

That trailer in your picture is an Apache Eagle.  Late '60s to early '70s.  There are still a few around. 
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Jim Z.
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Offline reb

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #11 on: April 19, 2006, 08:28:41 PM »
Jzap:

I'll have to check out the link you gave.

If I could find one in good shape, I might get the CFO to go along with the idea of buying it.

Are new tops still available?  The one I put on mine cost around $500 about 20 years ago.

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Offline jzap

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2006, 01:46:26 PM »
There are a number of sources for new canvas.  One of them is a guy who got the original patterns from Apache when they closed down.  Only now, replacement canvas is about $750.  Most people on the Apache site seem to like Bear Creek Canvas in Wisconsin. 

So, yes, if you find one that needs canvas, you can get a replacement.
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Jim Z.
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66 Apache camper
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Offline Jimiweld

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #13 on: May 10, 2006, 04:18:43 AM »
Check out these hard top trailers, they are as light weight as the tent trailers. I live close to the place and was checking them out last night, it's a father and son who make them. I would like a trailer for my tracker this summer as well.
www.taylorcoach.com
Regards
Jim
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Offline reb

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Re: Whos towing tent trailers?
« Reply #14 on: May 10, 2006, 08:13:34 PM »
[Check out these hard top trailers, they are as light weight as the tent trailers...]

They look pretty good, but the lightest is heavier than the two small pop-ups I have owned, and are probably 3-4 times as heavy as the Apache tent trailer I had.  I haven't checked the ratings on my Sport, but I would not feel comfortable pulling 1430+ pounds behind it.

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