Used Tent Trailers Under $1,000

August 13th, 2008

We are proud to announce a new section of our Web site dedicated to used tent trailers under $1,000. This new section will feature Coleman, Fleetwood, Jayco, Rockwoood and more major brands of tent trailers all with a price tag of $1,000 or less.

We understand that there is a huge market of campers that simply can not afford to spend over $1,000 for a camper, especially one that will just be used several times per year. It’s our goal to bring you quality campers that still have life in them for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.

Of course, these campers will likely require some maintenance and fixing, but they will all be usable.

Why Tent Trailers Are Getting More Popular

August 6th, 2008

Currently, the RV industry is seeing a huge increase in sales of tent trailers. There are many, many factors in this but the primary driving reason tent trailers are getting more popular relate to their size.

Tent trailers are generally very small and less demanding on the tow vehicle. Less demand on the tow vehicle and a lighter weight equals better gas mileage. Tent trailers are far more cost and gas efficient than full size travel trailers. This huge gas savings is driving the demand for tent trailers to all time highs!

People still want to camp! Tent trailers provide significant gas cost savings without having to sacrifice comfort and features normally associated with full size travel trailers.

If you are looking for a gas saving tent trailer, check out Used Tent Trailers for some awesome deals.

Tyler State Park Review

July 4th, 2008

Last week we had some free time to kill, so we decided to take a day trip out to Tyler State Park. Tyler State Park is 985.5 acres in Smith County, north of Tyler. The park includes a 64-acre lake. The land was deeded by private owners in 1934 and 1935; original improvements were made by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The park opened in 1939.

Activities: Activities include picnicking; camping; boating (motors allowed - 5 mph speed limit); boat rentals; fishing; birding; hiking; mountain biking; lake swimming (in unsupervised swimming area); and nature study.

Site Link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/tyler/

Overall, the lake and everything about the park was beautiful. The lake was kind of tiny, but it’s are great lake for paddle boats and swimming. I didn’t see a motor boat out there, so it makes it ideal for a quiet trip on a paddle boat with the kids.

As far as camping goes, this Texas State Park is much better geared for tent and shelter campers. The tent and shelter areas were spacious and heavily wooded. These areas are on the south and southeast side of the park.

As for tent trailer and other RV camping, don’t expect the same wooded and spacious sites. I personally could not stand Area 3. There were only like 2 lake front sites and the rest was just like a parking lot. Very little cover, looked more like a pass through RV park than a State Park.

Area 2 was a bit more promising. You will want one of the sites marked 32-36. I personally think 36 was best because you could easily fish from it. Those were also the ones with the best cover and feel. But, like the other areas, these sites are small and stacked up.

If you like to be away from people and like privacy, this is probably not the park for you. Either that, or you visit the park when it’s not busy, maybe sometime during the week.

There is one really cool section. Area 4 is a great area for group camp outs. It’s private and tucked in the southwest corner of the park. There is not lake access from that area, but they do have a pavilion.

My overall take, I think it is a neat park for an overnight trip simply because the lake is fun for the kids. Fishing is OK and the scenery is great. But, for an extended trip I like a bit more space between sites. Bob Sandlin and Cooper Lake do a great job with this.

Used Tent Trailer Accessories: Life Gear LifeLight

June 27th, 2008

I have two small children, that is two small children that like to get into things. One thing they both love to do is play with flashlights. Click on, click off, click on, click off, click on and most of the time it end there. Then when Dad is trying to fold out the tent trailer in the dark, he reaches for the trusty flashlight. Click, no light. Click, click, still no light. And then frustration sets in. That is until I bought the Life Gear LifeLight.

The Life Gear LifeLight is a uber awesome lantern style flashlight that does not need batteries. All you do is crank it for power. So, now the kids can play as much as they want and I get light when and where I need it.

Product details

  • 15 Super Bright 20,000 MCD LED Lights
  • High Quality AM/FM Radio with External Speaker
  • Emergency Signaling Flashers
  • Emergency 130 Decibel Siren
  • Directional Compass
  • External Speaker Connectable to iPod or other MP3 Devices
  • Night Light
  • Crank Power Generator
  • No Batteries Required
I paid $45 for mine, but there is one on eBay right now with a Buy It Now of $25. A huge deal.

40 Years Of Jayco Tent Trailers

June 26th, 2008

Was just browsing Jayco’s Web site and came across a really awesome promo site they did for their 40th anniversary.

“After 40 years, Jayco continues to be successful because every member of the Jayco family does their best to ensure that we produce RVs with the highest level of attention to quality, affordability and functionality,” said Sid Johnson, director of marketing at Jayco. “It’s the reason our company has grown from a tiny shop in a barn to the largest privately-owned RV manufacturer in North America. Our new 40th Anniversary website pays tribute to the many men and women who were and continue to be responsible for our growth.”

Started on a farm in Middlebury, Ind. in 1968, Jayco initially produced a single-model fold down camper with the help of 15 employees. Today, the company operates two manufacturing plants in Middlebury, Ind. and Twin Falls, Idaho, building several types of RVs under 15 different brand names and employing over 1,800 people. Jayco has a dealer network of over 300 throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Used Tent Trailers- Trailer Weights

June 19th, 2008

There are many weights you need to consider when buying used tent trailers. If you are not careful and don’t pay attention to trailer weights, you may purchase a tent trailer that is too heavy for your tow vehicle. Below is a summary of tent trailer weights and what they mean.

UVW- Dry or Unloaded Vehicle Weight

The weight of the tent trailer as built at the factory. The UVW does not include cargo, water, gas or any install accessories.

GAWR- Gross Axle Weight Rating

Weight carrying capacity of the axle while the trailer is in tow.

GVWR- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

The maximum permissible weight of the tent trailer.

GCWR- Gross Combination Weight Rating

The value specified by the tow vehicle manufacturer as the maximum allowable loaded weight of the tow vehicle with the towed trailer.

NCC- Net Carrying Capacity

The weight of all additional goods placed in or on the tent trailer and trailer hitch while in tow.

When you are looking to purchase a used tent trailer, be absolutely sure that your tow vehicle can handle the GVWR of the tent trailer.

For instance, I have a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The GVWR on that truck is 6,400 lbs. I also have a Coleman Westlake with a GVWR of 3,000 lbs. So, I’m way under the GVWR of my tow vehicle. Perfect, that will work.

However, let’s say I wanted to purchase a Fleetwood Evolution E4. The UVW is 3,995 lbs and is still in my range to tow with my Silverado 1500. It’s within my range as long as I do not load the trailer down with additional weight. The E4 also has a GVWR of 7,000 lbs. It has a neat storage area up front for ATV and such. Let’s say I loaded my ATV and I did hit the 7,000lbs GVWR limit. Now, I don’t have a tow vehicle that is rated for my tent trailer. i would have to step up to a Silverado 2500.

The trick is to know the weight limitations of your tow vehicle before you go shopping for used tent trailers.

Used Tent Trailers: Flagstaff HW29S-C

June 17th, 2008

I normally don’t feature new tent trailers on this site because… they are just so expensive. I generally try and stay below $5k, but this time I had to make an exception.

I found this 2008 FLAGSTAFF HW29S-C online this morning and is is just too good a deal not to share. This Flagstaff tent trailer is just amazing, unreal what they are doing with tent trailers today. Below is the description straight from eBay and a link to the auction if you want to see the pics and bid.

Ebay Description

This is a NEW 2008, brand name High Wall fold down travel trailer. If you are looking for a fully loaded fold down, with maximum living area at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE, this is it! You can own this beautiful RV for the incredibly low price of ONLY $13,488. You will be amazed at all the room, it feels more like a travel trailer or hybrid than a fold down! There is plenty of room for the whole family, and the pets too!

This unit is equipped with all the comforts of home inluding a furnace, air conditioner, refrigerator, stove, water pump, shower, toilet, under floor water tank, heated mattress, battery, awning, 2 propane cylinders, spare tire, fantastic fan, power lift, outside grill, outside shower and much more! If a picture’s worth a thousand words, you must view our comprehensive photo package to tell this story! These are pictures of one of the actual units we are selling.

  • Front King Bed
  • Rear Queen bed
  • Slide-out Dinette
  • Bath with Shower & Toilet
  • Diamond Plate Front and Rear Rock Shield
  • Smooth Filon Fiberglass Vacuum Bonded Exterior
  • 12 Volt Electric Power Lift
  • Filon Fiberglass Vacuum Bonded Radius Roof
  • 5 piece Sectionalized Vinolon Supreme Tenting/ Tinted Vinyl Windows
  • One–Piece Track Store Entry Door
  • Tandem Independent Torsion Axle with ST205/75R14 Radial Tires and Aluminum Wheels
  • Dexter Electric Brakes
  • E-Coat Tubular Steel Frame / One Piece Undercoated Wood Floor
  • 5” Flair Themostatically Controlled 12 Volt Electric Heated mattresses
  • (3) Double Ceiling Lights / (1) Bunk Light With Fan
  • Dual 20 LBS. LP Gas Cylinders w/Auto Regulator and Cover
  • 20 Amp Power Converter with Charger and (4) interior 120 Volt Outlets
  • 3 Speed, 12 Volt Fantastic Fan Ventilator
  • Concertone AM/FM/Cassette/CD Stereo with Interior and Exterior Speakers
  • Hot Water Option:
    • 6.2 Gallon LP Gas Water Heater with DSI
    • 12 Volt Water Pump
    • Outside Shower
    • 20 gallon Under Floor Fresh Water Tank
    • Water Filter
  • Atwood 3 Burner Range with Oven and Cover
  • Magic Chef Microwave Oven
  • Outdoor LP Gas RV QUE GRILL w/ Shelf
  • Dometic 4 Cubic Foot LP gas or Electric Refrigerator/Freezer
  • Suburban 17,000 BTU Forced Air Furnace with DSI
  • Spare Tire and Cover Rear Mount
  • Entry Step
  • Convenience Pack:
    • Privacy Curtains & Valances
    • Patio Lamp
    • Exterior Outlet
  • Deep Cycle RV Battery
  • A & E Trimline 13′ Self Storing Awning
  • LP Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • (4) Stabilizer Jacks with Sand pads
  • Duo Therm Brisk 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner
  • New – Never Titled – Never Used – Never Rented
  • Full Warranty
Our Take
Wow, I think the features speak enough. This is a brand new Flagstaff tent trailer that has more amenities than a 5 star hotel. All you lack is a private jacuzzi in this one. I really like the laminate wood floors, tandem axles, high walls, slide-out dinette, hard wall shower & toilet, power lift, and the list can just go on.
Not to forget the warranty either. If you are looking for an awesome trailer at a great price with a warranty, check this one out.

Disclaimer:Please note that we have not inspected this camper, this recommendation is based on the owners description, pictures and estimated value. Please inspect this camper and ask the seller more detailed questions to get a better understanding of this camper.

Used Tent Trailers: 2005 Jayco 1208

June 16th, 2008

 

Ebay Description

Georgeous! 2005 Jayco 1208 tent trailer with air conditioning & Slide Out. 

Hey, instead of spending your money this year on a expensive trip with outrageous flight costs, invest in something that will give you memories for YEARS to come!

Low Reserve of only $5,500! 

You are bidding on a 2005 Jayco 1208 with air conditioning.  Other amenities include a refrigerator, stove top that can be used inside the camper or attaches to outside with gas hook up on the outside as well. 

This Jayco tent trailer is NICE!  It has a hot water tank with an auxiliary shower with hot and cold water on the outside.  The refrigerator runs on gas OR electric.  The air conditioning keeps the camper COLD even when it was parked on the beach in North Carolina!  The heat strip can warm it up in no time flat!  The dining area slides out to allow extra room to move. 

It sleeps 7 very comfortably with a king-sized end, a queen-sized end, a full-size bed when the table is folded down and the couch converts to a roomy twin bed. The trunk on the front end holds lots of camping equipment and can be accessed from inside or outside of the camper.  A portable toilet is included with the camper as well.

There is quite a bit of storage inside the camper with 2 cupboards under the couch and large cupboards under the table bench and to the right of the entrance.

The only imperfection is 2 small dents on the roof where a tree limb fell which were REPAIRED and SEALED by Fortman RV in Kalida, OH where the camper was purchased.  The awning is in great shape with new poles!  There is a scuffed area on the dining slide out but no hole in the material.  The screens and vinyl have no holes.  The exterior door was replaced by Fortman’s last summer due to a faulty seal. The camper was used a total of 8 weeks since we bought it new.  

The only reason we are selling it was to buy a self-contained camper.   Please note, only 1 propane tank is being sold with the camper!  Please refer to all pictures and feel free to email with any questions!

This Jayco tent trailer is being sold in “AS-IS” conditions with no warranties expressed or implied. Have a great day!

We are more than happy to answer any specific questions. Most are answered within minutes.

Our Take

Jayco tent trailers are our second favorite brand, first being Coleman/Fleetwood. This one has all that you will need to get camping quickly. A/C, slide-out for more room, refrigerator and front storage compartment are all great features. The thing I probably like the most about this camper is the age and the price. It’s only 4 years old so it has tons of live still in it and the price is right. The reserve is $5,500. Which is right on target for this camper. However, don’t get crazy with bidding if it goes over that mark. The high end of this trailer is around $6,000 for excellent condition. You will not want to get much higher than $5,500. If it gets higher than that, save your money and catch then next one that comes along.

Click here for more information, pictures and to bid on this used Jayco Tent Trailer

Disclaimer:Please note that we have not inspected this camper, this recommendation is based on the owners description, pictures and estimated value. Please inspect this camper and ask the seller more detailed questions to get a better understanding of this camper.

Used Tent Trailers: 2006 Fleetwood Niagara

June 14th, 2008

Ebay Description

2006 Fleetwood Niagara

  • Dimension open (when in use) L 26′ x W 9′(w/ slideout) x H10.5′
  • Dimension closed (when not being used) L 21′ x W 7′3″ x H 7′ (this is from tongue to bumper) the “box” is 14′.
  • This is truely one of the tops in pop-ups, it only has one small flaw which has been repaired (SEE PICTURES) which is the only thing preventing me from calling it excellent overall condition. The flaw is a puncture in the vinyl, it is located on the right hand side of the slideout, so small it looks as if it were jabbed with a pencil. It was repaired by stitching over and then vinyl glue was applied (see pictures with arrow). I will try to list all of the options this camper comes with.
  • 20 gallon fresh water tank.
  • 6 gallon hot water heater / gas heated.
  • Sewer hookup w/ drain hose, stores in bumper on rear.
  • Bike rack, I made this out of a Wal Mart brand which was intended to mount on the back of a car or SUV. This is by far one add on that is worth its weight in gold. I have had two 26″ mountain bikes and two 20″ kids bikes on it all together. We made 6 hour trips with no problem. It was also designed that if by chance I needed to get to the spare tire for the camper on a trip there shouldn’t be a need to off load the bikes in order to get to the spare.
  • Pop up Gizmos ™ These are the shiny covers that you see in the pics that cover the bed areas and the slideout. Another valuable item, they reflect the sun (shiny side up) in the summer. If they are flipped over (blue side up) it insulates in the cooler months. Not only are they good for conserving energy, they cut down on cleaning time from tree sap, rain, and grime from campfire ashes.
  • Cooking : 1.) Outdoor RV QUE ™ gas grill, 2.) inside has a three burner gas stove w/ gas oven, 3.) and a built in microwave oven.
  • Three way refrigerator w/ ice box.
  • Double sink w/ house type faucet, unbelievable amount of cabinet and countertop space.
  • 15.5 btu air cond. w/ heat strip. Also has gas furnace.
  • Booth table for 4 on slideout, lets down into a bed that would easily sleep two average size adults.
  • 2 King size beds on ends.
  • The bathroom includes a flushable toilet and a shower. The shower has never been used but would be great to use if you have small children.
  • One piece aluminum entrance door.
  • Built in A/M F/M CD player w/ surround sound. Cable jacks inside and out. converter for a/c to d/c.
  • Electric brakes tires show no wear. Dual gas bottles. Deep cycle battery. Sway controller are all included.
  • GVWR Maximum camper can weigh loaded is 3770 lbs. Dry Weight, what it weighed as shipped when new is 3055 lbs.
  • Low reserve, Buy it Now $11,000. Priced way below book!
  • If there are any questions please contact me @ (423) 276-5608, I work shifts so if on nights please allow time to return your call. Thank you! Aaron

Our Take

This is a huge value that you can start worry free camping in on day 1. First off, we love Fleetwood campers, so this one fits right in. Second, we love the price on this one. Even the buy it now price is $1,500 -$2,000 below the book value. This sets this camper apart and is really a steal.

This used tent trailer comes with everything you will need to get camping. A/C, heater, stove, microwave, refrigerator, surround sound stereo, hard wall shower & toilet and Pop up Gizmos (those silver panel things that keep the camper cool in the summer).

This is just a huge value that you can enjoy for a decade of camping. This would be a camper you could buy and keep for a very long time with minimum maintenance.

Click here to get more pictures and to bid on this used tent trailer.

Disclaimer:Please note that we have not inspected this camper, this recommendation is based on the owners description, pictures and estimated value. Please inspect this camper and ask the seller more detailed questions to get a better understanding of this camper.

Used Tent Trailers Of The Day: 2005 Starcraft Tent Trailer

June 13th, 2008

EBay Description

Starcraft 2411

Actually smells new!  It has indoor and outdoor cook tops and neither have been used.  I have other pictures available if you need to see anything I have not pictured here.  No tears, no repairs, screens perfect and flooring like it came from the factory.  No Smoking and No Pets ever. Everything works perfectly. I simply do not have time to use it.

Starcraft camping trailers are built to a higher standard. All boast Aqualon®-7 tent assemblies featuring a 7-year limited lifetime warranty. The patented 3-stage lift system makes set up a breeze. Smooth, easy-clean laminated sidewalls and no-stoop bed support systems make owning a Starcraft a pleasure.

Starcraft offers laminated aluminum sidewalls,E-Z Lube™ leaf spring axle,E-Coat chassis, the industry’sfinest 5-piece Aqualon®-7 tentassembly with Conestoga-stylebunkends, an awning andaone-piece seamless fiberglass roof.

EXTRAS INCLUDE:  Spare Tire & Wheel Dometic® 3-Way Refrigerator (1.9 cu. ft.) LP Tank Cover; Spare Tire Cover 16M BTU Furnace w/Electronic Ignition Electric Brakes RVQ® Carryout Gas Grill Cable TV Ready X Exterior Storage!!

This Starcraft has been used little and looks great!  Check out the pictures and if you have questions email me or call.  sarmstrong@allsportinc.com  256 355 9706 ext. 304 if you do not get me I will call you back!

starcraft series
Wake up to birds chirping and the smell of fresh coffee in the air. Get the day started with Starcraft … it’s camping at its best! All Starcraft Series folding camping trailers are equipped with everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors, including a complete kitchen with stainless steel sink and 2-burner built-in cooktop. Our comfortable, light maple interiors are appointed with attractive, easy-care fabrics, and accented with brushed chrome hardware. Outside, kick off your shoes and relax under our standard awning. Starcraft’s choice of living, kitchen and sleeping arrangements makes it easy to select a floorplan that’s just right for your specific needs, and you can add an optional 3-way refrigerator and furnace for extra comfort. People who thrive on life’s simple pleasures appreciate the spontaneous freedom that naturally comeswith owning a Starcraft!

Our Take

This one is going quick. Only a few hours left. The NADA value on this is around $6,500 so anything below $5,500 is a steal for this 2005 camper. Only being 3 years old you are getting a nearly new camper without the heavy price tag.

This one has heat, A/C, fold out by the kitchen, fridge, cooler and exterior grill. The only thing it lacks the I need is a shower/tiolet. But, other than that, this appears to be a steal at the current price.

Click here for more information and to bid on the 2005 Starcraft 2411Tent Trailer