Texas RV Travel blog

Photograph by dufferin on Airstream Forum

The colors of the sky are reflected in the shiny sided Airstream. I love this picture because it shows how close the outdoors are when you are traveling in an RV. You are much more aware of the sky and the wildlife. The focus in an RV is outward.

Photograph from Metro.co.uk

This is the First Lady’s Airstream Trailer so that she may travel in style, even when she is going to foreign locales like Iraq. No traveling with the troops for Mrs. Bush. In her Airstream cocoon, she could be flying anywhere.

The Design Within Reason (DWR) Airstream is16 feet, 7 inches in length and weighs . Although compact, the efficiency of design is simple, yet incredibly functional. The exterior features Airstream’s famously sleek aluminum skin design and custom pull-out awning.

The interior incorporates a new design sensibility, unique materials, and modern classic furnishings — Hellerware indoor/outdoor dinnerware, a Nelson Ball clock, British designer Tom Dixon’s coat rack, and luxurious bedding from Matteo.

UBW (UNIT BASE WEIGHT) 3050 pounds
HITCH WEIGHT 430 pounds
NCC (NET CARRYING CAPACITY) GVWR MINUS UBW 1250 pounds

Copy and pictures of DWR from Airstream, Inc. 2008 Line.

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The price of gas and diesel has skyrocketed, effecting the future of RVing for many people. It is time to rethink, resize and refit.

One option might be to change fuel source, to increase energy efficiency and to supplement energy from solar and wind sources. Purchasing a lightweight trailer, downsizing from a Class A RV to Class B or C, or loading a camper on your truck (instead of towing anything) are other choices.

As RVers have started to demand more from RV manufacturers, some have stepped up and provided choices we did not have ten years ago:

• Foldable, expandable and hybrid trailers;
• RVs with 4-wheel drive, high-clearance chassis and alternative energy sources;
• New materials, high technology and innovative designs used in all new RV construction.

So, do not despair. Take another look at possibilities:

Another entry into the lightweight category is manufactured by Coachman RV. The Capri Micro pictured below is impressive in features, storage, use of interior space and weight. MSRP starting At $13,930.

Coachman also make a Captiva Ultra Lite (floorplan below). While lighter than traditional trailers, they are heavier than a small van or truck can pull, except for the 175RDQ model. Other models have slides and bunk beds, affording more interior space. MSRP starting At $18,620

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T@DA includes features found on the T@B with additional sleeping space, bathroom and an optional shower. The micro-lite design allows T@DA to be towed by most mid-sized tow vehicles including smaller SUVs, mini-vans and some larger passenger cars.

Retro styling and space age technology meet in this cute trailer from the manufacturer of the T@B trailer. T@DA has a fully laminated body with block foam insulation sitting on a European-style lightweight chassis, which reduces weight and increases cargo capacity. The lightweight, aerodynamic T@DA trailer is 18.5 feet long and maximizes every inch of this space. Add an optional awning and screen room and you have all the space you need.

Front Dinette (TXL FD) layout pictured above

T@DA is a available in five exterior colors, six trim color choices and five interior fabric choices.

Other pictures and information available from tada-rv.com

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iCamp Elite

iCamp Elite is a fully laminated travel trailer. The body is reinforced with aluminum tubing frames. High gloss fiberglass skin is laminated over structural Styroform®. The interior walls are covered with wall paper for luxury and easy care. The furniture is sandwich-structured, made with solid wood and high grade plywood and finished with semi-gloss PU paint for style and durability. The furniture is curved with a style and for the most space usage.

Unloaded vehicle weight 2366 LB | GVWR 2890 LB | Net Cargo Weight 524 LB | Hitch Weight 130 LB

iCamp Lite

iCamp Lite is a completely revolutionary tent trailer for camping. The body is stylish, lightweight and aerodynamic, fabricated from modular fiberglass. When the tent is open to both sides, the trailer converts into a spacey three-room tent with two beds and one living area.

Want to see more? Visit urvusa.

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Last July, I wrote a post on FEMA trailers and formaldehyde. In the article, which you may read here, I cited many sources stating that formaldehyde was a true problem.

From that July 2007 post:

Our Government at Work FEMA trailers are toxic to the people living in them. FEMA has known about the formaldehyde outgassing problem since 2006, but have not taken action except when people complained. FEMA is now the target of a class-action lawsuit, as they should be. Formaldehyde outgasses in high heat and humidity, so we put flood victims from the Gulf Coast in them? Why?

News Sources for July 2007 post:

June 4, 2007
ABC News: Embalmed in Your Own RV

May 16, 2007
Are FEMA Trailers Making Residents Sick?, CBS News: Homes For Those Displaced By Katrina Can Contain High Toxin Levels - CBS News

February 15, 2007
Mardi Gras Overshadowed by Toxic Trailers

From the article:

Meanwhile, in Little Rock, Ark. FEMA said it will continue with distribution of mobile homes to Arkansas and Tennessee tornado victims despite a CDC finding of high formaldehyde levels in other trailers.

 : : Shame on You, FEMA! : :

And God help all who are in the hands of the American  government.  If you are poor, you will be mistreated.  No doubt about it.

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