Thank YOU for taking the time to meet with us and let us share our Aliner! You’re such a great guy and we had a fun and positive experience. My kids are excited they’re in KZfaq haha Thanks again!

Fun to see you on here, Nicole. Tell Walter, I’ve been studying this video thinking of ways I can modify my trailer. There was more packed in this video in terms of great takeaways then almost any video we have shot.

@@nicolemusial6483you should consider starting a KZfaq channel. This was an entertaining and fun episode.

Yes!!!! That sums it up perfectly

Great tip on the cargo door. I will have to look into that. I can't quite envision it until I see it.

That is how I see it as well. Thank you for sharing.

Glad this resonated with you Patty. This to me was one of the best walkthroughs we have been a part of. I loved the philosphy, the trailer, and just the can do attitude all around.

I may add that three way trick of yours to a video at some point. Great idea!

@@garretlewis4103 I have seen options in newer Aliners for an under bed AC. There is also an option for a heat pump but lore is they don’t work well in temperature extremes.

Yes, I like how they took a loving approach to the trailer, but still had some reasonable non-biased opinions about the pros and cons. This is why I was so excited for everyone to see this video. I felt they did such a great job, giving balanced viewpoints.

@@PlayingwithSticks I was expecting to see how much progress you’ve made on growing the hair out. 😂 Maybe next time.

Yes, you’ll be seeing it soon. Those grays are popping out now.

@@PlayingwithSticks I can’t wait to see it. You have a great week my friend.

@@PlayingwithSticks I’m sure you’ll look distinguished.

Thanks for sharing your experience Mary.

@@cyrusortiz-luis291 how cool is that! Love it

Can’t wait to camp together again soon!

@@nicolemusial6483 hi there! I’m an Aliner owner too! Wondering if you can add some product links to the wind bar clamp leashes and rear bumper bike/cargo shelf gizmo? Can’t find them online.

Yes, I used to think these were expensive. But in 2024 they are priced right there with a mid-priced teardrop trailer.

I second that!

Good question on the weather. That was something Charles Wilhite and I spent a lot of time working on with his teardrop lite trailer. Fold down is neat, but where does the water go?

Woot woot! Love hearing this AnneMarie

Thank you so much Larry for the kind words. I didn't even show my face in this video and I still get a shoutout from you. How cool is that! Take care over in Illinois Larry. One of these days I bet we will make our way east again.

@@PlayingwithSticks If you do, you best stop @our place. You will have free room or (camp spot) & grub. It would be our pleasure to host you & family. Cheers!!!

@larrywade9041 I will take you up on if we are ever in the area! Thank you

@@PlayingwithSticks Please do!! Cheers!!!

Swiss army knife is a great description. We looked for an Apache for years. I'm talking daily. But, living in Alaska it was so hard to find one in tact. Then we finally did find one and I realized we had a problem. Alaska mosquitoes. I didn't realize how the closures worked there was a sizable air gap at all four corners. I passed on that trailer and then kicked myself ever since. I knew I could have come up with some solution to cover the gaps quickly after the trailer was erected. I have seen two appaches on the road this summer. One was hard sided and one was soft sided. My heart still wants one someday! Thank you for the kind words. It is always nice to see you on here.

Hey Sean, out of curiosity what model was your Apache trailer?

@@PlayingwithSticks it was a 1976 Royale. It had a lot of features. But in the snow and cold weather it held up very well. I did add a bunch of foam sticky tape to the corner pieces. And I had to redo the cranking chain system as it is prone to have problems. In fact after the third time fixing it I had enough and that's why I sold it. I had an old F-250 that I drugged that trailer around through the forest and mud and snow, until the tires didn't even spin. And then I would have to use a shovel to clear out the wheel wells and get back on the road. Good times when you're in your late 20s early 30s. But you're right, there are a lot of are gaps and bugs are a problem for the most part. If you look at the layout it has an extra little bench next to one of the beds that folds down into a single bed. Even had a cut out for a toilet seat if you wished. But didn't use that feature.

@sierramantrvlnus thanks for taking the time to share this. It’s also nice to hear a realistic review of the trailer. The crank system was one of the areas that made it hard for me to find one in Alaska. Everyone we came across the system was broke. At the time I just thought it was Alaskan neglect. All these trailers were just sitting out in the woods for years. And that’s kind of the beauty of the Apache. They definitely can take a beating. But, like you said, it seems like most people who have shared their experience with these trailers have had a number of little issues along the way.

I’m still waiting to see if this is a good release day and time or not. So far it seems like a lot of people are able to make it to the video within the first couple days. So I’ll probably try this another video or two and see how it goes. I was hoping to just get all of us together instead of the comments being spread out throughout the week. We’ll see what happens. Glad you enjoyed the video Ramona. All of these videos are fun for me to shoot, but some are more fun than others. This was one of the special ones for me.

@@PlayingwithSticks I enjoyed it, I thought I had the notifications on, I will check for sure.

Yes, I think the awning was alluded to in the video. But, I wasn't wise enough to have him elaborate on that more. I think that would have made a good segment.

In person, it looked even better. That’s a good looking little trailer. I still have yet to convince my wife of that though. 😆

That’s one of the things I really appreciate about aliner. They have a nice variety of different models, styles, and sizes.

They’d have a lot less simplicity if they had to put everything inside the camper.

😂

Welcome to the moment you realize a small camper trailer is the only style of trailer that will work for your family. While it may not be pretty and it may be against the original intention of the trailer builder, most of us families in small campers end up looking like the clampitts heading down the road. But, the clampitts know how to have a good time!

Great point!

Thanks Brad! Getting closer to August. Hoping our paths will be able to cross when I head out to Overland Expo Mountain West.

You sound kind of like me right now. I haven’t really shared it on the channel, but that’s why we’re going back to the new bean stock 2.0. We were missing the outside oriented features. Even with a regular bean trailer, I realized I had worked so hard on becoming comfortable that I actually was missing some of my favorite parts of the experience. We’ve been in between trailers lately and people see me at campsites staying in my pop-up shower tent. I thought it was going to be miserable, but I love it. And it makes me even more confident of my decision to pair back. I want a trailer that’s built, tough, but I currently don’t mind a little outdoor set up. I actually prefer it. While, I used to think I would never want a side kitchen, or storage on the tongue, or rear hitch receiver mounted items… all of a sudden at this stage in life, meaning the boys are getting bigger, it actually makes a lot of sense. It feels like car camping, but with some creature comforts sprinkled in. While, this video appears like a lot of work. What I’m coming to realize is that I can go both ways. All these outdoor components, if not well thought out by the end user can just be cumbersome, and take away from the camping experience. But overtime like this family did, you can create a set up like this that really makes sense if utilized right. There was a time where I had a set up like this with my family, maybe seven years ago and it was awful, because I didn’t really understand our camping needs. But now that I have things dialed in a little more, I’m really excited to give this another go. All to say right now the trailers that interest me most are trailers like this Aliner where you have an indoor environment to escape to, but the majority of your gear is set up for outdoor living. And I like that there is a bit of set up involved and a bit of modularity. Having everything permanently attached to a trailer, all in its specific space, is convenient, but I’m slowly finding overtime that I’m wanting something more primitive, something in between backpacking and convenience. It’s so hard to explain. I want to rough it, but not too rough. I want a quick set up, but I also want the option for a longer set up. I think that still will be my goal moving forward. I want a trailer that if the need arises, can be set up and used in camp mode almost instantaneously. But I also would like that same camper, to have features available to allow more of a longer set up/build out camping mode. Sorry for the long response. I think you touched on some thing that really gets me excited. I’m so excited for this next season of camping for our family.

⁠ha - totally with you in your deliberations, as are others I’m sure. Keep us posted as you move through the decision process. In the meantime I’ll go for the iceco you reviewed to buy me some time in deciding whether to commit to a novacool fridge!

I would love to see that as well. I have also seen smaller portable bunks that I think would allevatiat a lot of these issues they talked about. I assume their IKEA bunk is wooden and a bit more cumbersome. But, I think it is a great idea. I was thinking something like these cot bunk beds from Cabelas would work well for kids. www.cabelas.com/shop/en/disc-o-bed-xl-cot-bunk-beds?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Cabelas%7CShopping%7CPMax%7CCamping%7CGeneral%7CNAud%7CNVol%7CNMT&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7s20BhBFEiwABVIMrf_fHTpiOLdhsAMSpDlsBWmT_kiQthPxWBUvClWWJbSR_fwj709C9xoCiigQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

You haven’t dug deep enough. The comments we are going to get are about the loan you will need to take out for the replacement bags in that thing 😂 but yes, it’s a pretty penny. Fortunately, there are so many other budget options out there that could also work in this situation.

As a new A-liner owner myself, l looked at porta-potty options. I think I’ll stick with the $50-$100 budget options. But each to their own.

I finally got to jump in the little Scout Lite. It is tiny from the outside, but feels great inside. May and I said we could definitely live large in that as a couple. The whole time I was just thinking how could I make this work for four? I am pretty sure it can be done. I remember when Slim Potatohead used to do what he called stealth camping in his aliner aka camping without the top up. I got a kick out of it! As always, great comment here Jennifer. I have been meeting more and more people who use their camper for non-traditional uses like Paramount Studios. It makes a lot of sense.

@@PlayingwithSticks the scout for 3 requires 1 dormer. Non Dormer side is your double bed the dormer side, is the bunk beds. now they "build a bunk" each camp. BUT I've seen an aluminum frame, aluminum cross beam lifting bunk that sits below the sheer line when down, when you raise the dormer, you then raise the bunk bed up and lock it in place. Its hinged with 4 safety pins that you put in place to prevent it from dropping down after its up. it was custom built but only took seconds to lift up and pin into place once the dormer was up. poof, 2 perm bunk beds + 1 convertable if you want to keep the dinette. HOWEVER i've seen some people actually go for sitting on the floor between the bunks... and dinette bed.. with a low Kotatsu electric table between them. sitting drinking hot cocoa, and eating udon there.

@@PlayingwithSticks Scout lite works but you need to add 1 dormer. put the dormer over the sofa slot, then... bunkbeds there. Now you can do this many different ways. I have seen a custom built folding aluminum bunk bed, strong enough to hold a full sized adult, that folds down and sits under the sheer line... when you set the dormer up, you have to set the bed up as well then attach safety pins. Alternately there are camping bunk beds, this actually frees up the entire corner because you can removed them when not used.. giving you more storage space... or space for a portable toilet when its just 2 people, put the cot/bunk beds up when you need/want. less comfortable but good enough for kids camping.

We do not. But if you have a product you think we should see, let us know.

@@PlayingwithSticks That's great! How can we send you more details about this issue?

Hi Patrick. I wonder if the Trailer Manor camper are like the hi-lo campers where you are forced to have a bathroom. Seems like I can never find a hi-lo that doesn't occupy so much space with a bathroom.

@@PlayingwithSticks Yes, same thing

After seeing this in person I now look at it differently. I thought it was a lot of setup. Like pop-up camper amount of setup. For a family, yes, this still requires a lot of moving parts. But for a couple, this is truly a 30 second to 1 minute setup and you are camping. I was impressed! I could never do that with my pop-up. Good question on the collapsing. I bet someone will chime in here who know more about how it is reinforced. Great seeing you!

I used to be one of those Boondockers Welcome hosts. One couple came a few years ago with one of those, a pretty simple one, and I was surprised at how quickly it was ready.

@@WildcatPhoto no rv is truly bear proof but Aliner walls are pretty thin. That said if you’re cooking outside and storing your food properly there shouldn’t be a problem.

@teresas7272 yeah, I have bears and cougars at home. I just wondered about the Aliner.

Yes, they utilized every inch of this thing

Thank you for reminding me, I forgot to put this in the video. It looks like they’re starting just under $25,000.

Sorry, I forgot to put the price in this video. We include prices in all videos. When it comes to these trailers that are in the dealer network they do not typically put cost on their website. They allow the dealers to set their own costs. This trailer right now starts just under $25K at most dealerships. It's rare that we highlight trailers from the dealer network. Most of the trailers on this channel are from ma and pa manufacturers meaning direct to consumer. Again, sorry for the oversite there. Thank you for reminding me.

@@PlayingwithSticks Perfect, many thanks for responding. It's one of the reasons I'm happy to subscribe. Good content and a sincer creator. Thanks again.

I hope somebody can chime in. That’s not something I am familiar with.

Yes, the two of them were so articulate. I usually spend a lot of time in the edit helping people sound a little more comfortable. I didn’t have to edit anything out with these guys.

@teresas7272 Hi Teresa. Are you responding to the original comment or to mine? I assume you’re responding to the original, but just wanted to make sure.

@@PlayingwithSticks original comment.

@@jnmc-vx4fw wha???

These are all over the Internet if you just google aliner classic. This one’s the special anniversary edition. But in terms of layout, I don’t think it’s any different.

And yes, I wish I would’ve had a stock version to show you

It would be quite high. I would say about $25K for the base. Then add $10K for the extra compenents. Then another $10K for the suspension and trailer upgrades. So you would probably be looking at $40-$45K when you are done. But, I think one could outfit this with inferior, but acceptable gear for about $35K.

I had just talked about that with someone in the comments. I actually linked a foldable bunk bed cot system you can pick up at REI or Cabelas. I think for them they really wanted to have something special for the kids. Something that made them feel like they had their own little fort in the woods. Like you, I would probably go with the cots because they are more utilitarian, but I get why they went the long route. Getting to know them they did everything to enhance their kids outdoor experiences. They didn't cut any corners.

No, you really aren't missing anything. You have a great point. Technically there are some benefits but they only pertain to a small group of users. #1 with K02s you get much thicker sidwalls, so if you truly are going into the backcountry you would have a less chance of tire puncture from everything on the trail. That doesn't seem important until you try to take your family into the backcountry with no assistance. 1 hour in and you are praying your tires don't get punctured. Haha. #2 if you are truly offroading and utilize your traiiler brakes on the trailer, aggressive tires would help prevent side slipping. And in combination with electric brakes this can help you over a sketchy vertial section of trail. I guess the same could be said for front and rear slipping as well on vertical terrrain (but I've seen this mostly utilized for side slipping in the field). But, like you said, most offroaders would do completely fine with regular trailer tires. These trailers will go anywhere your tow vehicle can go, regardless of the tires on them.

Yes, that’s what I’m hearing. I’ve got a couple of emails about it, and I saw it in a Reddit thread, but I haven’t got confirmation from Brian and his crew yet. I’m gonna reach out to them Monday to see if I can get a hold of them. Thank you for sharing.

As much as you can fit! Haha. I agree. The purpose of this trailer for most, was definitely sacrificed by this family. BUT, having a family of four myself, I definitely see the conundrum. What is our alternative? You either get a teardrop and sleep the kids on the roof or in a side entry tent. You try to fit everyone into a Scamp or Casita, which lives like a hallway not a room. Or you are forced to buy a large travel trailer. It (family small campers) is a segment of the market that really doesn't exist. Families that want something small, but lives big and can be stored in the garage. These guys got that by making a few sacrifices.

@@PlayingwithSticks I just think there must be a better way to set up the racks so they don't catch so much air. We didn't get to see what the tow vehicle is. A large lifted pickup would offset the air drag. I'm used to seeing small jeeps and cars lugging this stuff around. If it works for you then it works.

Yes, like I mentioned, there’s going to be sacrifices. For him, He was willing to make a sacrifice with the drag. Like he mentioned in this video, there’s no perfect trailer. I find if you really want to do it all out there there’s going to be a sacrifice somewhere. I’ve been through a lot of trailers and taking out a lot of trailers and I haven’t found one that can do it all. Especially for families. But yes, there’s probably some lower profile solutions that you can use in place of all this.

No, I never brought it up because I’ve never heard anyone talking about it. But it would make sense that leaks would be a potential issue. There’s a lot of seals involved with all those connecting portions. But, in general, I would expect to hear more about the leaking, but I haven’t

@@Frank-James not from the design itself. It’s surprisingly great in rain. One does have to keep up with the silicon caulking and there are a lot of seams. You’ll notice the sealing in the video where he talks about the upgraded door lock he added. Any rv or trailer has upkeep.

I have had two A frame trailers now . I have not had one with dormers though . Never had a leak or water intrusion . My first A frame I probably slept in over a 100 nights a year .

However, the advantage of an A-liner is the ability to stand up in it vs a teardrop or square drop with a roof top tent.

Absolutely true. Good point.

Love the honest thoughts on this. Thank you for sharing.

Yes, good point as well.

I think it probably would have fit. My guess is they wanted to give their kids a bit of a magical experience with true bunks. The Discos are very effective and efficient, but a bit utilitarian. I would chose a disco over the dificult route, but at the same time I see why they probably chose the traditional bunks.

He said the dry weight of the trailer before all the add-ons I think was somewhere in like that 1800 pound range. I can’t remember but somewhere in the video he mentioned it. They have aliner models that start a little under 1200 pounds and then push up into the 2000 pound range. The older aliners weighed quite a bit more, but they’re coming out with a few lighter models recently, which has been really refreshing.

it was in the video, did you watch it?

I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say probably because it’s not about setting it up? 😆

@@PlayingwithSticks Ok, I only looked at a minute. I'll check out the rest

Can you elaborate?

KZfaqrs have used these and eventually traded them for something else. Other people that I know personally regret after a while owning one

I love mine. Have it for 3 years and plan on having it for many years to come

@@mtradzstill no specifics. What’s the disadvantages / dislikes?

There’s actually a sizable group of dedicated long-time A-liner owners on Facebook and other forums.