Currently I have a Coleman Lantern series, CTS274BH, a non slide, bunkhouse, aluminum panels on wood frame with a GVWR of 7300# or so. Possibly next year I will be upgrading to a bunkhouse with a slideout or two. I see there are different types of trailer constructions, so which are the lighter ones, Skin on frame, or laminated glass? I want to stay in the 7300-7700 GVWR range, and knowing which type is lighter will help narrow down the choices to look for.

The floorplan I am considering moves the futon/couch from the front by the queen bed to the side and swapping the sink/stove with the dinette, putting that next to the couch/futon. I also would like for the rear slide to have an additional bunk so three can sleep in the back. This will most likely be the last year either of my kids will fit on the Futon without becoming a pretzel.

So far on my third year with a 2014 model that was like new when I bought it, and have not one single issue or complaint with it. I've done some upgrades like added a built in surge suppressor that also checks line condition and trips if voltage drops. Changed all lighting to LED inside and out, and this year adding Strongarm stabilizers and a hitch bracket to store the BO when not in use. I haven't pulled it out of storage yet due to the crappy weather and the truck issues, so had to postpone a trip that was planned at the end of the month.

Since I am on the fence about what the future holds on my current truck, knowing what trailer that I may upgrade to will help in the decision making for my next truck, whether to go with a Platinum F150, new, or seek out a used Superduty Platinum. Either way, since the truck is to be a long term purchase (what the current one was SUPPOSED to be), I want one that I will enjoy as well as do the job it needs to. Between the 502a and a Platinum, the payload should be similar, and I have plenty of payload for my current needs, but what will I need for the type of trailer I want to upgrade to, that's the question.

For those who TL;DR, Just looking to see which type construction is the lightest.

 

Well if you must go with a Platinum and want to tow with it, I would go with a F250 at least, so you'll have some payload for the current or even a heavier future trailer. These 1/2 ton F150 Platinums don't have much payload at all so I wouldn't tow anything but the lightest trailer.

 

People always ripping on the Platinum payload capacity I swear. I just sit back, set my front seat to massage, and ignore them acdii.

The platinum works for us because we are only towing a 23ft boat, 525lbs on the tongue and our payload is 1545 on a 2015 3.5 Eco platinum. I can see how you would eat that up quickly /w a TT though.

 

OP wants to know about trailer construction, and people are responding about payload... #ReadingComprehension

 

Construction doesn't matter, as there are heavy and light Stick and Tin travel trailers, and as there are heavy and light Laminated trailers. Finding hung fiberglass anymore is next to impossible as it wasn't a popular construction.

You have to know the individual models weight to make an educated decision. Less than 1500 lbs payload will push it for the OPs current trailer when it's loaded with gear, clothes, food, water and when the truck is loaded with a family, gear, and add-on bed accessories.

I will say stay away from laminated floors and roofs unless you plan on it being a disposable camper. I feel the same about most laminated walls also as I've seen most have delamination on them, even new ones still on the dealers showroom floor from glue failure.

Going larger necessitates a Platinum with a F250 chassis, to keep from overloading.

 

My current is 1583# and tows my 7600# trailer just fine, so a Plat would work just as well. The question I asked is, which type construction is lightest so that I can go to a slideout and maintain the same GVWR.

Here is an example of what I am looking for, 7600# GVWR http://www.dutchmen.com/kodiak/floor.../?modelId=4940

What I currently have, http://www.dutchmen.com/coleman/floo.../?modelId=4311 Also 7600# GVWR

The first is an example, but I did find one a few weeks back with a lower base weight, higher cargo weight, but same GVWR. I think it was a dual slideout model, but can't remember what it was, or it's construction type. I like the looks of the smooth sided panels, less likely to get dinged by hail (know that all too wel with my current one), but as mentioned, I don't like the risk of delam.

 

The Kodiak has a laminated foam sandwich floor, I'd definitely pass on that. Nothing but complaints on that type of construction all over the RV forums. Your giving up quality for quantity with that type of camper. Your also give up water storage tank size that essential with most State Parks that offer only partial hookups. There's a reason why it's so light compared to a comparable Stick and Tin model. At least it has a truss roof but a laminated floor is what is the most problematic with light weight trailers besides delaminating walls.

Also you can't compare GVWR of travel trailers, you need to compare UVW. That Kodiak is over 1000 lbs heavier than your Coleman. The Kodiak just has over 1000 lbs LESS PAYLOAD than your Coleman.

 

I am heavily in the research phase for TT's right now and I drive a 2013 Platinum. Check out the Grand Design Imagine 2800BH, it is my #1 choice and it sounds like it fits the bill of what you are wanting and well within weights. GVWR is 7600 and dry hitch is 575. Grand Design is leading the market right now in terms of customer service and build quality, based on my extensive research. I plan to invest in a propride hitch as well.

 

I'd be careful on Grand Designs. They have a lot of cheap short cuts as in very very thin bunk mattresses, vanity sinks, and fit and finish. My dealer is a seller of Grand Designs and they just didn't compare to the Jaycos in quality. Even though Dutchman doesn't have as much lux features, they had better fit and finish as well.

Also dry hitch weight means nothing. After loaded with propane tanks, batteries, and all inside camper gear, and etc, tongue weights are between 12% and 14% 'normally' with an 'average' of 13% of loaded trailer weight on most.

 

I know that, which is why I said Just an example of the floor plan as that one has too high a base weight. The info on the floor though is very helpful and I remember when I was first looking at trailers that quite a few had spongy floors, so once I get an idea of which model and manufacturer, I plan to dig deep into reliability and check out used ones closely for delam and spongy floors. On mine I am very picky on roof care and make sure I clean it twice a year as well as protect it from UV, and make sure all the seams are tight, any iffy ones get resealed. The better care I take of it now, the less I need to do to it when time to sell it. Right now it is in better shape then when I bought it and it was like new when I bought it. Well, except for the hail dings on its front. It's a reminder of our Trip to Utah.