LJ + Livin Lite 11' Trailer

[tweenerlj]

I rented an 11' Camplite trailer made by Livin Lite over the weekend.

The Dry Weight of the trailer is advertised as 1400 lbs. We added about 12 gallons of water, 2 sleeping bags, a box of food, 2 camp chairs, and an ez-up canopy.

The Jeep: Click here for specs.

The trailer was great, and handled well, but I do not think that I will be hauling a trailer like this again with the Jeep. On the highway, with the OD locked out, I could cruise 60-65 mph with the tach at 3000-3200 rpm. The problem comes when you hit hills. When the automatic downshifts to 2nd, the rpm jumps to 4500! I attempted to learn how to drive so this would not happen and just slow down on the hills, but it was very hard to do, especially traveling on an interstate where the speed limit is 75. To slow down, I'd have to be around 45-50 mph to keep the engine under 4000 rpm in 2nd gear. For the first time ever, I was wishing that my Jeep had the 6 speed manual. Another thing, the Jeep is already a brick going down the road and this trailer made it even worse! I wish that the place I rented from had the Quicksilver tent trailers. One of those would be a better fit for the Jeep.

Hopefully sharing my experience will help someone.

 

[x32792]

Thank You for sharing

Perhaps something like an off-road Tear Drop would create less drag, get better gas milage and accomplish the same function?

 

[redthies]

I had the 6 spd in my 05 TJ and it was decent. The auto in our new JK is actually quite good for towing. I was surprised! Once I order the OME heavy springs (today!) to help with the tongue weight, it should be even better. I agree, however, that pop-ups are probably the best thing if you are going to tow with a non-Hemi powered Jeep.

 

[Accrete]

What was your take on the trailer itself as far as comfort and utility? My wife and i have eyed them at the local dealer and really like the spartan, easy-to maintain all aluminum factor they have going on. . . though i'm wondering with all that alum how the condensation might be inside? I know it has the 1" foam block in the walls, but there still seems to be a lot of metal to metal going on.

Hope you find the right adventure rig : )

 

[tweenerlj]

What was your take on the trailer itself as far as comfort and utility? My wife and i have eyed them at the local dealer and really like the spartan, easy-to maintain all aluminum factor they have going on. . . though i'm wondering with all that alum how the condensation might be inside? I know it has the 1" foam block in the walls, but there still seems to be a lot of metal to metal going on.

Hope you find the right adventure rig : )

The trailer itself was great. In New Mexico, humidity is generally low and condensation is not generally an issue. We camped at 9000' elevation and there was a rain storm when we were setting up camp. By morning, the skies were clear and the temps were in the upper 40's. I did not notice any condensation. I guess my biggest gripe about the aluminum is the floor. Rub anything on bare aluminum and it turns black quick. Some sort of floor coating would be in order if it were my trailer.

 

[tweenerlj]

Perhaps something like an off-road Tear Drop would create less drag, get better gas milage and accomplish the same function?

I figure that I will probably go with some sort of M416 size trailer with a RTT eventually. The trailer was $65 for the weekend, so I had to try it.

 

[Hilldweller]

Perhaps something like an off-road Tear Drop would create less drag, get better gas milage and accomplish the same function?

Even teardrops start to get heavy for a Wrangler with an automatic.
I traded my JK for a Power Wagon for that single reason.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Why not simply pick up an older lightweight tent trailer and lift it?

 

[tweenerlj]

Why not simply pick up an older lightweight tent trailer and lift it?

I want something smaller than an 8' tent trailer and like the idea of using a M416 type trailer for general hauling when not trail camping.

 

[ThomD]

Can you point us to where rented the trailer from? We are also eyeing those trailers for the simplicity. I'd be towing with the LX470, so I think I'll be fine.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I want something smaller than an 8' tent trailer and like the idea of using a M416 type trailer for general hauling when not trail camping.

So you decided to rent a box on wheels that is neither compact or useful for hauling?

 

[Frank]

The price on those livin lite trailers is insane for what it is. 99% of the trailers now made in Elkhart, In are pure junk, probably wouldn't last longer than the terms financed. Having family in the trailer industry and being in many of the factories, I have seen first hand how they are built.

I can buy almost any of the travel trailers from N. Indiana at factory pricing. I would rather buy something from someone like adventure trailer, sierra 4x4 or even pikes peak. The trailers that come from N. Indiana are about quantity, not quality.

 

[kjp1969]

The price on those livin lite trailers is insane for what it is. 99% of the trailers now made in Elkhart, In are pure junk, probably wouldn't last longer than the terms financed. Having family in the trailer industry and being in many of the factories, I have seen first hand how they are built.

I can buy almost any of the travel trailers from N. Indiana at factory pricing. I would rather buy something from someone like adventure trailer, sierra 4x4 or even pikes peak. The trailers that come from N. Indiana are about quantity, not quality.

I have to agree in general about the quality of mass produced RV's- they look like they are put together by drunk monkeys. But I disagree about the pricing: they are junk, but they are cheap- just compare with the price of an Airstream. Our 2004 Keystone Outback has been fantastic, but after 7 years, we're looking at a replacement within the next few. Figure a 10 year lifespan with reasonably frequent use.

 

[orangeTJ]

Neat looking trailer, but I can see part of why it was a chore to haul, it's REALLY tall.

 

[Frank]

I think an airstream is built to last which falls in that 1% category. If I spend $15k+ on a trailer, I expect it to last more than 10 years. Just me. Those livin lite trailer START at the $10k area I believe...