Casita or Scamp Behind a Van

[guest]

Any van folks ever thought about putting a lightweight travel trailer behind your van? It obviously would solve some problems and create others, but it sure would make for a more comfortable spot to rest, eat, watch tv, stay warm, etc.

I know, you'd probably have to unhook every time you loaded and unloaded the van, but like I said, it sure would be a comfortable alternative to staying "down by the river."

 

[davekc]

Voids your insurance coverage.

Davekc

 

[guest]

Oh, so there is a VERY large problem with this plan.

 

[redytrk]

I once pulled into a shipper and waved at another Roberts van pulling out. I noticed he was pulling a pop up camper.

The shipper said the load was going to the west coast,so the driver told him he was taking the camper, and his family to make a vacation of it.

 

[BanditMan]

IF you decide to go that route, look into the ALiner brand. Lightweight, small, and quick set-up & take-down.

http://www.aliner.com/

"99% of life is showing up on time."

 

[terryandrene]

Rene' and I had considered the desireablity of pulling a trailer with a van, either to tote the freight or for creature comfort, many times early in are expedite career. We use to discuss this with other van drivers over many pots of coffee at the layover truck stops. We collectively decided that the best combo would be a great 1 ton camper van hauling a dual axle 3000 lb, 10' trailer for the load.

We never conducted a true cost/benefit analysis; however, the positive aspects of this endeavor are obvious and many but, the problematic issues seem to override the sum of them all. Here are a few examples:

Our carrier would not allow it. But, if they did;
Insurance availability and cost;
Hook up at customers' yards;
Routing thru Propane restricted tunnels and bridges;
Increased tolls;
Limitations on freight weight; and
Increased maintenance cost

 

[highway star]

I think log book would also be one of the disadvantages.

 

[cozy2963]

That's why I bought a van with a sleeper!!!! I am happy with it. I stay warm, I get to watch movies, and all of the other good stuff!!!!

O/O 4 MONTHS AND COUNTING

 

[theoldprof]

If I pull my utility trailer with a load of mulch for the lawn, is my insurance void?
Thanks. :+ :+

 

[davekc]

Not sure since you are not available in a trucking capacity. I would call Great West and check to make sure.

Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII

 

[fastman_1]

Pull in to Load and have to Unhook in the Rain or Snow?? Not me.









































Owner/Operator since 1979
Expediter since 1997
B Unit Semi Retired
Somedays are Diamonds and Somedays are Stones

 

[LDB]

With this: http://www.unicell.com/bodies/aerocell.html you can get up to 17' behind the seats. It's also wide enough for 2 skids side by side, at least if they're turned and maybe even not turned. One could build an 8' 'camper' behind the seats and still have 9' of 2 wide skid space. That would require something like a 4500 chassis and keeping a logbook but would give probably around 4000 pounds load capacity, if not more. On diesel I'd imagine 15-16 mpg would be expected or maybe a little better. It would give most of the benefit if the separate camper without the major hassle of drop and hook at every p/u and delivery.

Leo Bricker, owner truck 3034
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
EO Forum Moderator
1+ Years of Service
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