Hi Everyone! My first post in this Forum, although I'm very active in a couple of others: the ScubaBoard Belize Forum (avid scuba diver) and the Jeep Wrangler JK forum (2017 Jeep JK Willys 2-door).
I don't have a VMI trailer yet but will be putting down my money tomorrow. Unlike many of you, I'm going small and getting the Explorer model with only a few bells and whistles: Thule low-profile rack, Lock n Roll Hitch, spare tire mounted on the front, custom paint job (red to match my Jeep), a slide for my ARB fridge and a 12V power system. I'm still debating whether to get full-length slides but leaning against it.
This will be mainly a camping gear hauler for my JK. I won't add a RTT as long as I have Gus, The Wonder Dog. I can't see lugging a 50-pound dog up and down a ladder, and there's no way he would allow me to sleep without him in the tent.
Two big things drew me to VMI: aerospace/marine grade aluminum and proximity to Portland, Oregon, where I live. Massive weight savings over steel without the corrosion issues, and VMI's close enough that I can drive up and bring it home myself. One trailer manufacturer in Alabama wanted $2K just to ship it. Jeez!
Looking forward to joining the VMI family.