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Old 01-08-2008, 05:19 PM   #1
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Selling my Caravel for a bigger trailer

This is just unthinkable! I LOVE my caravel, but I have found another trailer that is bigger, has a layout I like, and was built by a friend and I know what a fine job he has done. Can't have two trailers, so just as I have finally worked all the bugs out of the Caravel I am putting it up for sale! It's in the classifieds as we speak.

The new trailer is a TW, and 24 ft sounds HUGE after only dragging 17 around. I am worried about that part of it. Our van protests a little at pulling the Caravel up the mountains, I guess it will just have to protest a little more. I'm also concerned about towing something longer. I bought the Caravel hoping to stay in lots of little forest campgrounds, but in reality we haven't used it that way.

People say there's a big difference between backing a single and a dual axel trailer. I wouldn't know, because I've only had the single. But I guess I'll get used to it.

Has anyone else here gone from a little trailer to a big one, and how did you like it. Any regrets?
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Old 01-08-2008, 05:25 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefrobrts
People say there's a big difference between backing a single and a dual axel trailer. I wouldn't know, because I've only had the single. But I guess I'll get used to it.

Has anyone else here gone from a little trailer to a big one, and how did you like it. Any regrets?
Our only regret is a few spots that really should have had a smaller trailer. I nearly knocked down a tree backing into a tight spot. I noticed a huge difference towing and backing the longer trailers. The single axle trailer tended to bounce more on bounce more on bumps, and turning while backing the smaller trailer was sometimes a challenge, as the little trailer would turn RIGHT NOW.
Sway was also much less with the two axle trailer.
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Old 01-08-2008, 05:32 PM   #3
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Considering the work you put into is (Especially the floor), it will sell easily.

New trailer pics?

Steve
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Old 01-08-2008, 05:50 PM   #4
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We went from a 24ft, to a 31ft and we are thrilled with all the room and the rear bedroom. As far as towing the longer trailer, you know it didn't seem any different on the long drive home. It made me more nervous, but it pulled like it wasn't there. I've had a Caravel, 22ft, single axel and backing it was always a disaster. To tell the truth, I can't make myself try to back either of these trailers. I got the Caravel into some situations I couldn't get it out of. I was a legend in my own time on the dog show circut. You will enjoy the room. If you can back that Caravel, you can back the new one. Go Girl.
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Old 01-08-2008, 05:59 PM   #5
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Juel...I cannot wait to see the show in April!

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Old 01-08-2008, 06:01 PM   #6
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Much of it will depend on the year and how much it weighs. There is a big difference between my two Airstreams. The 59 Flying Cloud is pretty easy, the 72 Treadewind is a much heavier tow. Only 3 feet differnce, but the TW is a lot heavier. I did some reading and found the vinatage units were a lighter pull for the same models. Somewhere floating around on here is a chart of the dry weight for the different models and years. I would suggest maybe looking into a different TW. Your Tradewind is a good choice, they are more user friendly for use on extended trips.
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Old 01-08-2008, 06:12 PM   #7
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Congrats Stef!

We're going to miss seeing the Caravel at all the rallies.......but know you'll also be happier with the TW. Is this the trailer that Darol had at BBIV? You won't be able to take it to the "confined spaces" rally because it's too big (22' limit).....but I'll bet Campcollector can make some concessions!
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Old 01-08-2008, 06:16 PM   #8
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What year Trade Wind?

Since you mention double axle, must be post 65. Pics of the new one?
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Old 01-08-2008, 06:59 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jordandvm
You won't be able to take it to the "confined spaces" rally because it's too big (22' limit).....but I'll bet Campcollector can make some concessions!
Body length is only 22', she may be able to get in on a technicality.
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Old 01-08-2008, 07:01 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

People say there's a big difference between backing a single and a dual axel trailer. I wouldn't know, because I've only had the single. But I guess I'll get used to it.
Stef -

Backing a dual axle is a piece of cake compared to a single axle. I think you'll love the difference! Now give us pictures of the new acquisition .
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Old 01-08-2008, 07:08 PM   #11
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Well, it's not 'aquired' just yet. Jim hit it right on, it's Darol's 68 TW from BB. There have been pics on the forum before. I'll see if I can dig some up later tonight.
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Old 01-08-2008, 07:15 PM   #12
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Stef,
I have both - a double axle 25' and a single axle 21'. I haven't noticed a big difference, except my 25' is a wide body which affects my mirror visibility. The shorter trailers can be a bit quicker to turn.
The good part is, the technique doesn't change for either. The two trailers will probably feel different while backing (and towing) but you'll get used to it very soon...like after the first trip.
Congrats on your find.
Don't take all of the buyers, I'm in the same boat you are - I have two and need to sell one.
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Old 01-08-2008, 07:57 PM   #13
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We towed a Coleman Rio Grande pop up all over the continent. Moved up to the dual axle Airstream that weighed more than 2X's the pop up. They both felt about the same when towing but with the extra weight of the Airstream getting up to speed did take longer but not an issue.

The pop up had no brakes so going to the Airstream with the big brakes (x4) was a treat.

We used the same V6 Nissan Van for towing both trailers. No issues in ten years of towing.

The 23 to 25' size is the perfect compromise for space/towability/parking.
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Old 01-08-2008, 10:26 PM   #14
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Stephanie,

That's good news on the larger trailer front, sad on the Caravel, but you are doing it for the right reasons. And some other person(s) will provide an appreciative home for it.

We moved from a 17' SOB to the 21' Flying Cloud and the room difference is a real pleasure. On rainy days or cool nights when we are trapped in the trailer the extra room makes it easy to each have our own little bit of space. It also makes it a lot nicer to have fellow campers in for a coffee and game of cards or just a nice visit.

We like the bigger awning it allows and the towing difference is negligible. Backing it up takes a bit more patience and guidance and we've learned that although Donna does the towing I'm relegated to doing the backing. There was no difference in handling on the road, no increase in fuel (the FC is lighter than our SOB), and it has made ten day camping trips much more enjoyable because of the added space to carry the things we would need over that period of time.

I never had a chance to "meet" the Caravel but am looking forward to seeing the new rig.

Looking forward to seeing pictures when you have them.

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Old 01-08-2008, 10:58 PM   #15
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I'm just about hopeless at backung up, I make Dave do it all. Maybe I will get better at it with the longer trailer!

Here are the pictures. It's a gorgeous trailer. I have been in a LOT of trailers at different rallys, and although many of them were beautifully done, I usually don't have any desire to own them. I am always happy to come home to my cozy Caravel, which has always felt like home.

However, this one turned my head from the first time I sat in it finished. It is just super nice and everything you could want for two people and a dog or two. Bed in front with storage under, side dinette, lots of kitchen space, nice bathroom with a tub. A couple closets. Big windows. He even polished it. It's just plain slick.







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Old 01-08-2008, 11:14 PM   #16
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Wow, I'm impressed. Beautiful interior.
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Old 01-08-2008, 11:42 PM   #17
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congrats stef!

i suspected it was darol's tw...

that is ONE SWEET tralier!

i tried to get him to see it to me, but he wanted mine AND some cash.

he really really does a great job or these rehabs.

of course that's partly because he knows how to pick the best project trailers.

and the other nice thing is he's AT the rallies if any issues develop

you'll love this one and i think the towing will be ok UNLESS you load it with too much stuff!

since it's so shiny it should tow easier!

is he gonna throw in the pontiac too?

cheers
2air'
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Old 01-08-2008, 11:44 PM   #18
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Quote:
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you'll love this one and i think the towing will be ok UNLESS you load it with too much stuff!
Never! After 5 years in a Caravel, we're experts at packing light!
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Old 01-09-2008, 12:15 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefrobrts
Has anyone else here gone from a little trailer to a big one, and how did you like it. Any regrets?
The only regret I ever had was not doing it sooner! Looks like a beauty, congrats!
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Old 01-09-2008, 07:42 AM   #20
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Congrats Stef! Darol's TW is a gorgeous trailer. Here's hoping your little Caravel finds a loving home.
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