sidpost

First, I want to thank everyone for their contributions here even though things seem to have gone a little off-track. We all have different needs and wants so, some diversion from the original post's intent was expected. "jodiboyd" in particular has put some confirmation into my thoughts on the 1708FB for colder and warmer weather travels. As others have noted, there are a lot of things to consider like balanced weight distribution on a single axle trailer being more of an issue than on doubles, along with a greater tendancy to "porpoise".

Thanks! It sounds like mounting the panels to some Iron Ridge rails attached to a frame may be my best option since I need ~1200W of panels to replenish the batteries on a single Winter day (more TV, lights, etc. and less Sun exposure for time outdoors and charging).

First, I want charging the LiFeP04 batteries while I travel. Second, the ~39"x~72" panels I use are not easy to store and are a pain to move.

Thanks! Sounds like I'm on the right track with what I'm looking at.

Awesome and very helpful!

Thank you! Very helpful and specific!

Thanks! The 1708BH was a brand new trailer I viewed in person about 50 miles away at the dealer. I was told it was 4-season rated and don't have a reason to question the sales guy but, I also need to do due diligence to ensure I'm getting what I think I am. Regarding the floorplan of the "bunkhouse" initially I was a pretty hard NO as I travel alone mostly and the bunks seemed like a poor storage solution. Then I stepped into the 1708 with and without the "bunkhouse" option. It was counter intuitive but, the "bunkhouse" had a much better layout and the bathroom was a huge step up, at least for myself. The non-bunkhouse has the door at the rear with the shower/toilet/sinn in the corner which was really small in tight with a triangular shower pan of about 30", with toilet right up against it, and a sink that was tiny and tucked the corner. Better than squatting the woods but, not a big step up IMHO. The shower curtain would basically bow out with me in it so, water all over the floor would be the norm. The bed by the hitch was pretty typical just like the single dinette across from the kitchen. The "Bunkhouse" had the bathroom to the rear with a mini-tub shower and a toilet that wasn't crammed against the walls or shower and lacked a sink there. The door was mid-trailer at the foot of the queen bed and beside the kitchen and dinette so, a lot less wasted space for the "aisle". Comparing the Artic Fox is a bit "apples and oranges" based on weight and general size. The thing that takes me to the 1708BH is the solid construction, AZDEL exterior walls, and 15" tires versus the more common 14" option. I really prefer dual axles but, on a 16'~17' trailer is a bit problematic. Having a more compact trailer is attractive to me as the Artic Fox is a bit longer than I think I want and what will I do with the second bed? The Arctric Fox is a much bigger trailer but, priced the same as the 1708BH. It has dual axles which is a big plus in its favor. It his a lot heavier so, mixed feelings there. I hope to see it sometime next week but, my initial research suggests it is a great trailer built right and, cold weather concerns with this one are minimal at worst. Short single-axle trailers in the past were generally a little tippy and bouncy (not heavy enough generally to 'porpoise'). After pulling an enclosed 8.5x24 12'6" high enclose trailer during holidays and in urban areas, the thought of something shorter is VERY ATTRACTIVE! I'm not living in it so, I question whether I really need to the extra space in teh longer Arctic Fox. It will be much better for Boondocking and providing space and weight capacity for my LiFeP04 batteries and solar panels.

I'm more of a farmer regarding pickup experience with things like this. If you get a flatbed, definitely get one with the boxes below the bed. These are awesome for messy, odd shaped, and heavy things. Beds like this typically won't takeaway from the 'load capacity' in any meaningful way. Make sure the fifth wheel on the bed has the good re-enforcements on the underneath side of the bed to transfer the weight. Cheap beds will skimp here it won't matter much on 16' cattle trailer but, it become a problem on a heavier travel trailer. With traditional service bodies, they simply won't work. Some service bodies will let you take the top boxes off which might be an option. Generally, they are going to be too heavy if you are pulling a heavy fifth wheel trailer. If you can find an oil field or construction flatbed DRW Dodge Cummins pickup, check the condition pretty well. Specifically, look at the tires. Are they in good condition and a name brand you recognize like Toyo or Goodyear or some off-brand cheaper option like Crosswind. Are the seats ripped, is the dash broken from sun fade, is the paint in good condition. With used pickups like this, you will likely want to rebuild the seats, my experience the best guys are the ones near prison's and jails because they do good work and charge a reasonable amount for it. Look for one with plenty of miles on it, >30K miles a year. Letting a pickup like this sit is far worse than using it regularly in my experience. A plug for Ford F-350's with the 7.3L gas motor, I had the good fortune to speak with an oilfield drill head rep that pulled rolled down the road in the 30,000lb and up range. He said the pickup performed better than the Dodge Cummins he traded in and was better than his previous Ford with the CAT diesel. The Ford 4x4 I just spec'ed out for my order is the XLT with Dual Cab, Moon Roof, Fifth Wheel prep, and a bunch of additional options for a pretty nicely equipped pickup with a lot of modern things like backup cameras, blind side radar, etc. I'm at $65K and 4-months to delivery with no mark up. I don't know where you live but, in the larger cities, I saw $8K to $12K markups and, the smaller dealers ~50 miles away where straight MSRP with no markup! I live in East Texas between I-20 and I-30 so, it may be easier for me to get away from the price-gouging but, I also won't support price-gougers with my dollars. A small truck is also a viable option but, they won't be as comfy and as inviting to drive down the road. The frame, brakes, fifth wheel, tires, etc. are all much better to pull a fifth wheel though! We have purchased old 'beer wagon' pullers with a gas engines for $5500 and things like the Internalal FL70 for the low $20's. On the flip-side, I would say a Ford F-450/550, Dodge Ram 4500/5500 is every bit as much of a beast as these small trucks but, you are looking at $70,000 to $95,000 on your tow vehicle depending on how you option it out. Keep in mind the Diesel engin and transmission package will be a ~$14K option but, with diesel prices up and better gas engine fuel economy, I have made the conversion to the Ford 7.3L gas engine.

How do you mount additional solar panels to a travel trailer assuming you have the 'real estate' on your roof without affecting the weather proofing and durability? I'm looking to add 5700Whr of LiFeP04 battery storage so, I need more that the 100W or 200W I see on most travel trailers and I would like to avoid needing a generator to top them off regularly. TIA, Sid

I have looked at some trailers but, the brands and models available are pretty limited in a Bumper Pull WITHOUT a slide-out. I pull a lot of heavy bumper hitch trailers so, the towing aspect doesn't concern me as none of these can be as tough as my 8.5'x24' which is 12'6" high. I'm getting a new 1-ton DRW pickup so, the travel trailers I'm looking at should be "a cake walk" for vacation bondoggle trips to national and state parks and limited Boondocking. 99% of my travel is solo so, I'm trying to keep the size down for general ease of use and to lesser degree less fuel consumpton. Specifically, I'm looking at the Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708BH, not for the bunk beds but, for the floorplan as I prefer the bathroom layout and location relative to everything else. I hope to see an Arctic Fox 22G next week but, I'm a bit unsure of the floor plan or wanting to longer trailer. The 22G is used so, it is the essentially the same "asking" price as the 1708BH. If I do the 1708BH, I plan on converting the lower bunk to a LiFeP04 battery compartment along with the other other components and some storage with the top bunk becoming all storage. The 22G would probably be a better candidate for solar power and batteries though. Both are 4-season trailers so, I should be ready for adventures up North in the Fall. I hope to travel back to Vermont and Maine and I will also spend more time out West and possibly the Pacific North West. Travel to Canada may or may not be with this trailer. I'm assuming if it is rated for 4-seasons it has better insulation so, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada in Summer should be doable in terms Air Conditioning. Am i on the right track? What am I overlooking or simply have wrong in my approach? I should not the used trailers I have looked were with established dealers as privates sales near where I live in Texas seem exhorbinant for whatever reason. TIA, Sid