Trying to avoid ANYTHING Forest River, this one shows no wood involved in the construction and has the rear kitchen my wife desires. I think I can add a roof-top tent later for the kiddos, until then I have the sleeping set-up in the back of the Tacoma that will suffice.

ANy input or knowledge would be appreciated.

most of the small and lightweight campers you find are going to be poorly constructed. i don't know what type of camping you are doing or what your needs are but I settled on a small heartland fifth wheel toy hauler (29 feet). they have wood construction only in the floors. it tows with a 3/4 ton truck easily and is rigged for off-road environments / boon docking. if you would like to talk more about them offline feel free to email me.

Try looking at this one. Any camper you purchase will have some wood construction. But this one look very interesting. As the dealership sale rep said.... "Buy your last RV first". So true. We started we an 18 ft Travel Trailer. Then to a 32ft Class C. Now have a 33ft Class A. This is our LAST. Will be using it until retirement,

https://www.blackseries.net/travel-trailers/

I'm guessing the above 2 recommendations are significantly higher priced than the ROG.

Local (Dallas) dealer has multiple ROG models listed in the mid-$20k range.

The Black Series HQ12 is $72k, but does look pretty nice.

I'd guess a 5th wheel toy hauler to be pricey as well, especially since the OP states he has a Tacoma, which ain't pulling a 5th wheel.

They surely are a bit pricey. But the RV prices are always over priced. When purchasing, one should pay between 30-35% OFF MSRP. During the peak of Covid, the dealerships became very greedy and increased the selling prices. Now that the sales lot are flooded with NEW and slightly USED RV and motorhomes, you can always negotiate on the asking price.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
The Black Series HQ12 is $72k, but does look pretty nice.

I'd guess a 5th wheel toy hauler to be pricey as well, especially since the OP states he has a Tacoma, which ain't pulling a 5th wheel.

^ Not doubting that, just pointing out that the MSRP between the ROG & the HQ12 is a substantial difference.

Also curious why the OP specifically is avoiding Forest River?

Been thinking about this subject for the past few weeks, would be fun to get out with the kids & do a camping weekend with 1 or 2 at a time, and maybe some extended camping with my wife.
Our Expedition could tow much more of a trailer, but something small like this, with it's own kitchen would probably fit the bill decently.

You are asking about a camp trailer vs a camper. One is a bumper pull the other goes in a pickup bed?
Either way buy used. I had a 19' Mallard that was a mid 90's. Nice little camp trailer. Should be able to find one in excellent cond. between $4-8k.

My current is a 1981 Ideal 29'. It has been parked under one side of a Pole barn since 85'. Shines like a Leperchaun's heel.

The trailer I asked about is advertised as 100% wood free. I'm not saying there isn't some in the interior construction, but this one appears, from what I've seen and read to have none in the frame at all.

The suggestion for one that is 3.5 times as expensive is noted

I would most certainly buy used ORC, this one is just a bit newer to the market so I'm not seeing many used for sale. And I'm asking about a smaller trailer, I already have a cap on the truck to let a kid or two and dog sleep with the bed platform in the back.

I'm avoiding Forest River as the plethora of reviews I've read and the poor customer service turn me off from rolling the dice on a Friday afternoon model. I know I'm gonna pay more than the thing is worth because that is the current state of the market, I am okay paying a bit more, but not for something that could be a colossal POS WITH poor customer service. Just too many variables with Forest River has me looking at smaller outfits.

And yeah I am not changing from my daily driver, which is Tacoma, so I appreciate those that read the post for crying out loud.

I'm looking now at paying about 70% of MSRP, which still feels like about 10% too high.

Thanks for the reply on FR, didn't know they had spotty QC/support.

Just an infant of an idea over here & all started with the CLC DIY Teardrop, but the ROG is laid out a bit better with some 'livable' space & just just a sleeper. But, it's roughly 3x the cost, but is probably 2x the camper, space & amenity wise.

Not all Forest River lines are the same. We have a Rockwood Minilite and are pleased with it. That said more recently built ones (during COVID specifically) have had more issues than prior years due to demand exceeding supply.

quote:

Originally posted by tigereye313:
Not all Forest River lines are the same. We have a Rockwood Minilite and are pleased with it. That said more recently built ones (during COVID specifically) have had more issues than prior years due to demand exceeding supply.

This is what I have read, that most manufacturers source from the same suppliers, so in practice the units should not be THAT much different, but it manufacturing practices and QC which has slipped, meaning you could get a decent one or a POS, with poor CS. Too much of a gamble for me.

I really liked the Idea of the No Boundaries 10.6, to have the roof top tent and all that, and ALSO be able to bring the motorcycle for riding around nice rural areas. But the QC issues I have seen just make it hard to justify spending 20K.

We bought a used 2017 model year in 2020.

Just bought our 2021 Forest River Sun Seeker this year and I have no complaints other than the assholes stole. My catalytic converter a couple weeks ago!

imho opinion 2x2 wood framing is not that big of a deal on a camp trailer. The main thing is keeping it under cover or inside better yet makes a huge difference in longevity on just about any of them. If it is going to be kept outside. Forget getting one.

Keep us posted if you go through with one. Closest to us is Dallas area, would love to check one out in person.
Wife is semi-on-board with the idea.