Downsizing to a A-Frame

[Nessmuk]

I currently own a 2011 26' FR Surveyor SP-240 and have bought a 2015 A122TH. I pick up the A122TH Friday and very excited to get this new trailer home. I am hoping this downsizing will improve my gas mileage, make camping more enjoyable and get rid of most the stuff I was carrying around in the other trailer. I will post pictures as soon as I get it home. Looking forward to becoming a A-Frame owner!

[Emptypockets]

Trust you will be as happy downsizing as we are after downsizing from a 30 1/2 ft 5th wheel with two slides to "The Little One" that you see in our signature.

[Pooneil]

Welcome to the forum, Nessmuk.

[Tampajohn]

I am sure you will love it. We had an Aliner about 4 years ago and I loved it, but it got a bit cramped when we lived on the streets of LA for 16 days. We then went up to a Trailmanor and really got tired of setting it up. The Aliner was easy to set up. Just purchased a FR SP189. and we wil be in it 6 months this year. Wife already getting bit concerned about being cramped, but that is the largest one I will ever pull.

Mr. Emptypockets just curious about gas mileage. Heading out from Florida, Michigan, to Los Angeles and then to Redwood National Park and back again. Never pulled a camper that did not fold down. Weight about the same as the TM, but does not fold down.

Enjoy your Aframe, I sure did. We was in it for at least 150 days in a two year period.

[mickrock]

you are "rightsizing".

Check into an "instant canopy/screenhouse" that also sets up in a snap.

Enjoy your camping!

[RichardEB]

We are touring the west for 3 and a half months in our A124. Our mileage is 20 gal with a 4 cylinder Subaru Outback. Check out our blog at burroughsbucketlist.wordpress.com.

[pgandw]

We bought an A122 this year for the following reasons:

- kids have moved out, and just the 2 of us left starting this fall. We wanted to go camping on weekends (I work a 4 x 10 schedule).
- camper had to be quick and easy to set up and take down because of the 3-4 day trips. Had to be reasonably comfortable for 3-4 days.
- we don't spend the day inside the camper (might as well stay home). Cook, eat, and cleanup done at picnic table.
- must fit inside the garage (less than 18ft long)
- comfortably towable by minivan (less than 3000lbs when loaded)
- ability to dry camp for 4 days without running out of anything (including battery)

If we were going for longer stays, we would have gone with the traditional popup for the extra interior space over the ease of setup/tear down.

So far (4 trips), everything has met our expectations. Floor space for standing inside is very limited, but sufficient for our style of camping and short durations. With a mattress topper, we sleep well. Setup/tear down is indeed very easy, quick, and I can do single-handed without issues. Fits in the garage, and equipped to go with everything pre-packed except food and clothes.

Needed a WDH to make minivan tow comfortably and safely. Gas mileage is 22-23 not towing, and 17-20 towing.

Added second battery so heater could run through long weekend. No awning or tent room due to set up issues and Colorado winds. We just use an EZ-up at the table that is well staked and guyed.

just our experiences
Fred W
2008 Hyundai Entourage
2014 Rockwood A122
Equal-i-zer 600/6000 WDH

[Rcaldwell0]

We had several Airstreams with the last one being 32' and used a 3/4 ton diesel truck to pull it. Now it is just the two of us and the A124 is pulled with a Tacoma 4door cab. It is so easy to pull and setup that at a moments notice we pull it out of the garage, hitch and go. No weight distribution hitch etc. I think we have enjoyed this one as much if not more due to the convenience, towing ease and simple set up. We really don't miss the extra space of the Airstream, we just bring the essentials.

[Nessmuk]

Thank you for all the comments and experiences, I really like the term rightsizing. I am feeling better about the change already. Tomorrow I go pick up the trailer and once home will start the process of deciding what to put in it and what to not put in it from the old trailer.