Canada's Ultralight RV Travel Trailers
Aerolite, Bigfoot, Escape, Boler, Trillium, Northern Lite, Outback
Apr 6, 2009
There seems to be a considerable market for small (10' to 17') ultralight (dry weight up to 2500 lbs) hard-shell travel trailers (or, as they are called in many places, caravans), and Canadian manufacturers offer a wide selection of models.
Benefits of Ultralights
- Ease of towing - easily pulled by mid-sized or even compact vehicles
- Better fuel economy than pulling larger units
- The trailer can often fit into a garage when not in use
- Comfortable and roomy enough for two (cozy for four)
- Strong fiberglass construction
- Easy to attach to tow ball
- Easy to pull over the mountains
- Savings on car maintenance and fuel consumption
Disadvantages of Ultralights
The following are seen as disadvantages by some, though many ultralight users consider them minor inconveniences at worst.
- Limited interior room
- Often not possible to use bed and dining area at the same time
- Limited storage
- May not contain grey and/or black water holding tanks
- Might seem cramped during periods of inclement weather
- Not suitable for extended stays
- May not contain toilet and/or shower
Canadian Ultralight Manufacturers
A web search for the manufacturer name should direct you to the web site for further information
- Bigfoot RV of Armstrong, BC produced light-weight trailers in their 2500 line. The company is no longer in business, so Bigfoot, like Boler, will now be a collector's item.
- Boler - Considered by many to be the original ultralight; the first Boler was produced in Winnipeg, MB by Ray Olecko. No longer produced. Mentioned only from nostalgia as a Canadian legend.
- Escape Trailer Industries of Chilliwack, BC produce a 17' travel trailer at 1900 lbs and a small fifth-wheel trailer at 2620 lbs under the Escape name.
- Northern Lite in Kelowna, BC, produces a 16' lightweight at 1980 lbs dry weight.
- Team Trillium of Calgary, AB manufactures the Outback, a Boler descendant (according to their web site), with a 10' body at 1395 lbs.
- Travelaire of Red Deer, AB produces the Aerolite AT165; at 2337 lbs (1060 kg) it barely makes the lightweight class, but it has a slideout and full features.
- Trillium Trailers - the original Trillium started in Ontario and was extinct for a while. According to a media release dated March 2009, Trillium RV Ltd. (TRV), of Carson City, NV is transferring manufacturing to Escape (see above) in a 13' and 15' version.
- Roulottes ProLite in St.-Jérôme, Quebec offers a full series (13' to 21') of aerodynamic ultralight caravans under 2750 lbs.
- Taylor Coach of Millgrove, Ontario offers a wide range of factory-direct models from 5' to 26' with custom floorplans. Over 40 years in business.
A number of Canadian companies also manufacture teardrop travel trailers. These are probably the ultimate in ultralight hard-side RVing from a weight perspective, though the "rounded-corner box" ultralights may be perceived as roomier.
Whatever the reason, ultralight trailers remain a strong seller. With today's economy, they may become an even more attractive alternative to full-sized units.
Acknowledgments: Thank you to Joe Thoen of Team Trillium (Outback brand) for updates to this article.
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