Trillium Outback Trailer

R.R.S.P. Rating:

Ease of Use: 5 / 5

Reliability: 5 / 5

Comfort: 4.5 / 5

Value: 4.5 / 5

As we descended from an alpine hike, the skies opened and heavy rain began falling. We were thankful to be heading back to our small, cozy Trillium trailer instead of a tent as in our younger years. Camping is still a favourite pleasure of ours, but at our age, comfort is becoming an important element.

We stepped into the dry trailer, turned on the furnace, and sat down to a hot cup of tea, accompanied by a slice of chocolate cake from the fridge.

"Ah, the comforts of home," I thought as the rain pattered against the window. From pleated curtains at each window, to matching upholstery and trim, and ash woodwork on the cupboards, it really did feel more like a home than a travel trailer.

We had spent a lot of time searching for a lightweight trailer that a smaller car could tow. A tent-on-wheels did not appeal to us, especially in bear country or colder weather. For about the same weight, and not much more money, we found the 13-foot fiberglass Trillium Outback to be our best choice.

As daylight faded, we turned on the lights and cooked supper on the countertop stove. A glass of wine and a meal in the cozy dining area was a wonderful end to our day outdoors. A sink with running water made dishes an easy task, then it was time for a game of crib by the warm glow of the overhead lights. A solar panel and dual batteries gave us enought power for lights, fridge, furnace, and even a microwave oven. We were not dependent on electrical hookup and could camp anywhere there was a reasonably level spot.

At the end of the day, the dining table folded down to a comfortable bed. I set the furnace thermostat to fifty degrees and we settled in for a warm night. And for older campers, I feel compelled to mention that the onboard washroom makes mid-night trips to an outhouse unnecessary!

Packing up camp the next morning was a matter of putting a few things away, turning off the furnace, hitching the trailer to the car and heading to our next camp spot. No wet tent or tarps, and no folding up a wet tent trailer. In warmer weather, a large fan in the ceiling keeps the trailer cool, and sliding windows assist with air circulation.

For comfort, convenience, and value, we give the Trillium Outback five stars!

Tips:

Before buying any small trailer, try moving about inside with your partner to see how comfortable you are with a small space, and try out the bed to see how the compact size feels.

Check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine the towing capacity and tongue weight specifications. The Trillium weighs in at a modest 1400 pounds.

A "battery feed" power line in the trailer wiring is important to keep the batteries charged.

Be careful to flush water from the onboard tanks of any trailer before freezing weather.

For more information:

Trillium Outback trailers are custom-built in Calgary, Alberta. For information about these trailers, check out www.trilliumtrailers.com or phone 403-398-8732.