Trailers getting lighter

[Donedroolin]

I read different threads on line. That includes the Keystone trailer forum. My friends have them. Anyway I just read there that they are doing some changes to the Couger line up. That is a model I was looking into when considering trailers. But in my heart I always knew I wanted a Jayco. But Keystone, on the Couger model is doing away with the full walkable roof and more ride suspension. They are doing this to save weight. Well that is just plain dumb. If you choose to pay for a higher end travel trailer. You should get what is expected on the trailer. Like a full walk on roof and upgraded suspension, even a ladder should be standard. You should get real wood and better made features inside. If you want an ultra light trailer then buy an ultra light trailer, knowing that is what you paying for. There are those of us that have the trucks to tow the heavier trailers, or buy the truck for the job. That is why we have such tow vehicle. My point I hope and pray JAYCO does not try to do this with the EAGLE line up. Sell ultra lights and then leave the rest alone.

[DocBrown]

Even Jayco hybrids have a walkable roof. They use this as a sales tool. I can't imagine that they'd cheap out and abandoned their highly touted construction methods.

[clubhouse]

Reducing weight is "marketing spin" for cutting costs.

If the goal was to really reduce weight, then they would brand it an Ultra-Light or something similar and charge more for it.

[RedHorse1]

And they want to sell a TT that a Prius can tow.
Yeah, in my dreams!

[eldermike]

Weight is one factor but equal to it is wind resistance. Pulling a 12 foot tall box at the speed limit is not easy no matter it's weight.

[rryman]

I think there comes a point where "light weight" could become an issue with a slab sided trailer in a cross wind like some I've encountered in the West. RV's could certainly be made much lighter, but that would come at a price that would probably make them unaffordable to most folks.

[linkbelt]

Cutting weight = Cutting cost to build = more profit!

[Brownie]

I wouldn't be so quick to blame trailer manufacturers' profits for them cutting the weight of travel trailers. The EPA keeps adjusting the mpg requirements on our tow vehicles. Of course, the auto makers are cutting weight and engine size in order to meet those new standards. That (generally) results in cutting towing capacity, as well. So, the trailer manufacturers have to cut weight if they hope to sell trailers people can actually tow. That's just my take on things.

[linkbelt]

That is a valid conclusion.

[eldermike]

I agree. Also consider truck sales numbers, 1/2 ton is king of the truck market.