Nice video. These things have remained unchanged for many years now. Some things I wish Rockwood did with these… 1-make RV frame out of aluminum considering how much water can get in. No wood framing at all. I believe Aliner has this. A fully welded frame could in theory mean putting the unit on another frame if absolutely needed. An actual aluminum frame for the base would save weight as well. All much more expensive but I think would help these last longer. 2-make roof windows optional. Too much leaking and maintenance on those. Older units don’t have those. 3-smaller side windows. More insulation, stronger structure. 4-I like the idea of putting a tarp over the unit. Sort of like a rain fly on a tent. Really shouldn’t be necessary to waterproof the trailer, but would help. I bet it would be a bit quieter during rain too. Helps waterproof camper better. Make slots to attach rainfly poles in the corners. Makes it possible for bigger vestibule on door side. 5-remove built-in stove and just make a metal surface next to sink with gas hookup for a portable gas stove like a Coleman stove. You can cook inside or outside depending on weather. You can already take the table out, why not stove too? I would rather have a 2 burner stove with bigger burners anyway with an option for a griddle. I think some of these come with a table that mounts to side of trailer which is good. 6- remove some of the smaller outer storage doors. Again, more chance for leaks. Just keep it simple with fewer openings. 7-I like your way of covering the vents on the side. Perhaps a factory option that screws in. 8- Not sure if it would work well, but make storage bin accessible from inside. You can load tubs from outside and get inside. Although this could introduce more leaks.
I don't blame you if you sale it. I had a Aliner for about 3 years and had all the problems you did and more. The worse was when we had a bad storm, and it almost blew the top off. Water came in and we got wet. I then made a strap to hold it down after that. We had a gas leak, so I took the propane off. I had to repair the roof because of leaking windows. We did have fun times in it, but when we got back, I always had to work on it. I agree with you the walls are to thin. I the Summer in Al. We got so hot, the A/C couldn't keep up. I even went to a 6,000 BTU. Funny thing, I had a smile on my face the day we bought it, and also the day we sold it. If you don't mind working, it's a good Camper
Thanks for your comments. Funny that my dad said the same about his class c motorhome years ago, “The best two days of owning it where the day I bought it and the day I sold it”.
I appreciate your honesty about the issues on that camper. It’s very nice looking and does accommodate everything necessary except, I guess, space but some of those issues there should be no excuse if they want to make a more excellent product.
Thanks for the comment. Space is a definite issue when you're on longer trips. The constant moving of buckets made it feel more like you're tent camping. I couldn't imagine owning one of these with two adults and small kids inside but that's just me. I'm sure others make it work for them.
I am amazed that you still own your A-frame trailer after your video about a year ago dissing A-frame campers. I own a Forest River Rockwood 213 HW and find it to be the right size for a 75-year-old.
I sold this unit 9 months ago and couldn't be happier. You're right, a different model may have made the difference but I did buy this unit mainly for a 10 week 8000 mile trip up to the Arctic. I'm looking at doing other RV reviews as well.
Great video … straight up info on these units. The only thing missing is the actual travel experience which I had, so believe me when I say “beware of what you buy”.
It is a good unit for two people. Great for weekends or short trips only though in my opinion. Too much work moving buckets around on longer trips where you take more stuff along like I did on my 10 week trip up to the Arctic.
Thanks,really good information on these trailers, I've been shoping for one with out buying and your video is a huge help in the actual decision ,I've owned two full size trailers and want something that folds down for better travel ,or maybe not.thanks again!
Glad you liked the video! I appreciate your feedback. I've owned a Class C motorhome as well as a 35 foot trailer, and a VW Westfalia camper. I'm happy to say I no longer have these, or the A-frame camper in this video. No more campgrounds for me. I just sleep in the back of my pickup when fishing, hunting, or photographing landscapes and wildlife. Thanks.
That would be a step up for sure. Do your homework on the exact model you're interested in. There are a few Facebook groups specializing in A-Frame campers that you can get good information on. Good luck!
I appreciate your video. The more watch reviews of campers, RV's and such. The more I'm convinced not to buy one. I think, the best thing to do is buy a cargo trailer or van and build it, and/or hire contractors to install stuff to my specifications.
Thanks. That is certainly a very good option. Not something everyone is willing or even able to do. I’ve seen some of the newer teardrop trailers online. They look to be built tough and can be an excellent alternative for the more adventurous campers. Im betting the younger generations are no longer willing to accept larger and poorly built rvs. The industry will have to adapt, or poor quality manufacturers will go out of business in my opinion.
Thanks for the video! We don’t have a trailer and already have 2’itis Considered tear drop, too small. A frame? Looks good, but if we have a trailer bigger then tear drop, should have a bathroom (my lovely bride requires). Alas, the bathroom options in A Frame are too close for comfort. Soooo, now we are looking at casita or Geo/E Pro trailers. On the upside, buy once, cry once hahaha….we could have cycled through camping with all these. I like the A frames though and appreciate your insight here, happy holidays!
Thanks for your comment! I’ve looked at those as well. There is no perfect solution for RVs, always a compromise. If I went up north again it would be with a truck camper combo or a class b sprinter van type with 4 wheel drive.
Thanks! Glad you liked the video. You certainly feel the weight when you're going on any kind of uphill grade. Going downhill on steeper grades or tighter turns you'll want to keep you hand on the trailer brakes for sure. You really feel the weight of the trailer pushing you. I had mine set to fairly tight so that I can stop it quickly as I live in a mountainous area with plenty of wildlife on the roads. The fuel economy wasn't great either. I average around 18 litres per 100 kms or 13 mpg on a 10 week trip. I also didn't use a weight distribution hitch or anti sway system as the trailer isn't heavy enough. I did install airbags in the rear though which really helped keeping things level, otherwise your steering is affected. Airing down the tires on long rough roads took out a lot of the jolting bumps. Good luck!
How would set up and tear down work in a rain storm. I’m not sure how it could be performed without getting any of the interior wet. Since my travel style includes one night overnight travel stops, I’m not sure it would be a good fit.
I experienced a lot of bad weather on my trips, especially up in the Yukon and Alaska. The unit is open for less than a minute and it does get a bit wet but not overly. I kept a towel handy to wipe down the walls as best I could. The main thing was to cover your bedding with a plastic sheet before folding down the sides. The windows leaking when the roof was up was the bigger water issue. I've since fixed this completely though. Good luck!
That would certainly help in offroad situations for sure. I think this is why the offroad teardrop style campers are so popular. I considered one of these but couldn't get past the fact you can't stand in them or have to go outside to cook your meals on those nasty weather days. Just my opinion. Cheers.
Nice video. These things have remained unchanged for many years now. Some things I wish Rockwood did with these…
1-make RV frame out of aluminum considering how much water can get in. No wood framing at all. I believe Aliner has this. A fully welded frame could in theory mean putting the unit on another frame if absolutely needed. An actual aluminum frame for the base would save weight as well. All much more expensive but I think would help these last longer.
2-make roof windows optional. Too much leaking and maintenance on those. Older units don’t have those.
3-smaller side windows. More insulation, stronger structure.
4-I like the idea of putting a tarp over the unit. Sort of like a rain fly on a tent. Really shouldn’t be necessary to waterproof the trailer, but would help. I bet it would be a bit quieter during rain too. Helps waterproof camper better. Make slots to attach rainfly poles in the corners. Makes it possible for bigger vestibule on door side.
5-remove built-in stove and just make a metal surface next to sink with gas hookup for a portable gas stove like a Coleman stove. You can cook inside or outside depending on weather. You can already take the table out, why not stove too? I would rather have a 2 burner stove with bigger burners anyway with an option for a griddle. I think some of these come with a table that mounts to side of trailer which is good.
6- remove some of the smaller outer storage doors. Again, more chance for leaks. Just keep it simple with fewer openings.
7-I like your way of covering the vents on the side. Perhaps a factory option that screws in.
8- Not sure if it would work well, but make storage bin accessible from inside. You can load tubs from outside and get inside. Although this could introduce more leaks.
Wow! What great suggestions! Thank you for these. Cheers!
When I had my Rockwood A - frame camper , I added a two inch block lift and 15 inch wheels with larger tires. Good times were had with it .
That's a cool idea!
I don't blame you if you sale it. I had a Aliner for about 3 years and had all the problems you did and more. The worse was when we had a bad storm, and it almost blew the top off. Water came in and we got wet. I then made a strap to hold it down after that. We had a gas leak, so I took the propane off. I had to repair the roof because of leaking windows. We did have fun times in it, but when we got back, I always had to work on it. I agree with you the walls are to thin. I the Summer in Al. We got so hot, the A/C couldn't keep up. I even went to a 6,000 BTU. Funny thing, I had a smile on my face the day we bought it, and also the day we sold it. If you don't mind working, it's a good Camper
Thanks for your comments. Funny that my dad said the same about his class c motorhome years ago, “The best two days of owning it where the day I bought it and the day I sold it”.
I appreciate your honesty about the issues on that camper. It’s very nice looking and does accommodate everything necessary except, I guess, space but some of those issues there should be no excuse if they want to make a more excellent product.
Thanks for the comment. Space is a definite issue when you're on longer trips. The constant moving of buckets made it feel more like you're tent camping. I couldn't imagine owning one of these with two adults and small kids inside but that's just me. I'm sure others make it work for them.
I am amazed that you still own your A-frame trailer after your video about a year ago dissing A-frame campers. I own a Forest River Rockwood 213 HW and find it to be the right size for a 75-year-old.
I sold this unit 9 months ago and couldn't be happier. You're right, a different model may have made the difference but I did buy this unit mainly for a 10 week 8000 mile trip up to the Arctic. I'm looking at doing other RV reviews as well.
Great video … straight up info on these units. The only thing missing is the actual travel experience which I had, so believe me when I say “beware of what you buy”.
Thanks for the comment!
We had a Rockwood A122. Great for a smaller couple. Easy to tow, see over, goes into the garage. 5 minute set-up for two.
It is a good unit for two people. Great for weekends or short trips only though in my opinion. Too much work moving buckets around on longer trips where you take more stuff along like I did on my 10 week trip up to the Arctic.
Thanks,really good information on these trailers, I've been shoping for one with out buying and your video is a huge help in the actual decision ,I've owned two full size trailers and want something that folds down for better travel ,or maybe not.thanks again!
Glad you liked the video! I appreciate your feedback. I've owned a Class C motorhome as well as a 35 foot trailer, and a VW Westfalia camper. I'm happy to say I no longer have these, or the A-frame camper in this video. No more campgrounds for me. I just sleep in the back of my pickup when fishing, hunting, or photographing landscapes and wildlife. Thanks.
Great video. Been thinking about selling my offroad teardrop to get a hard sided popup.
That would be a step up for sure. Do your homework on the exact model you're interested in. There are a few Facebook groups specializing in A-Frame campers that you can get good information on. Good luck!
Good information. Keep it up
Thank you!
I appreciate your video.
The more watch reviews of campers, RV's and such. The more I'm convinced not to buy one.
I think, the best thing to do is buy a cargo trailer or van and build it, and/or hire contractors to install stuff to my specifications.
Thanks. That is certainly a very good option. Not something everyone is willing or even able to do. I’ve seen some of the newer teardrop trailers online. They look to be built tough and can be an excellent alternative for the more adventurous campers. Im betting the younger generations are no longer willing to accept larger and poorly built rvs. The industry will have to adapt, or poor quality manufacturers will go out of business in my opinion.
Thanks for the video! We don’t have a trailer and already have 2’itis
Considered tear drop, too small.
A frame? Looks good, but if we have a trailer bigger then tear drop, should have a bathroom (my lovely bride requires). Alas, the bathroom options in A Frame are too close for comfort.
Soooo, now we are looking at casita or Geo/E Pro trailers.
On the upside, buy once, cry once hahaha….we could have cycled through camping with all these.
I like the A frames though and appreciate your insight here, happy holidays!
Thanks for your comment! I’ve looked at those as well. There is no perfect solution for RVs, always a compromise. If I went up north again it would be with a truck camper combo or a class b sprinter van type with 4 wheel drive.
Great video! How does the Tacoma do towing it? I’d like to get one of these trailers too and have the same truck.
Thanks! Glad you liked the video. You certainly feel the weight when you're going on any kind of uphill grade. Going downhill on steeper grades or tighter turns you'll want to keep you hand on the trailer brakes for sure. You really feel the weight of the trailer pushing you. I had mine set to fairly tight so that I can stop it quickly as I live in a mountainous area with plenty of wildlife on the roads. The fuel economy wasn't great either. I average around 18 litres per 100 kms or 13 mpg on a 10 week trip. I also didn't use a weight distribution hitch or anti sway system as the trailer isn't heavy enough. I did install airbags in the rear though which really helped keeping things level, otherwise your steering is affected. Airing down the tires on long rough roads took out a lot of the jolting bumps. Good luck!
How would set up and tear down work in a rain storm. I’m not sure how it could be performed without getting any of the interior wet. Since my travel style includes one night overnight travel stops, I’m not sure it would be a good fit.
I experienced a lot of bad weather on my trips, especially up in the Yukon and Alaska. The unit is open for less than a minute and it does get a bit wet but not overly. I kept a towel handy to wipe down the walls as best I could. The main thing was to cover your bedding with a plastic sheet before folding down the sides. The windows leaking when the roof was up was the bigger water issue. I've since fixed this completely though. Good luck!
Maybe if it had trailing arm suspension and an articulating hitch.
That would certainly help in offroad situations for sure. I think this is why the offroad teardrop style campers are so popular. I considered one of these but couldn't get past the fact you can't stand in them or have to go outside to cook your meals on those nasty weather days. Just my opinion. Cheers.