Hi, everyone! So I have decided over the past few weeks that, since I run an online business, I would like to take my young son and myself and travel the country. Our car is a 2003 Toyota Matrix, with 4wd, and I had considered buying a 6x10 trailer frame and building upon that to create a kind of popup living space/tiny home.

I came upon the HiLo trailers and it's exactly what I'm looking for, but they all seem they will be over the 1500 lb towing limit for the car. My dad is retired and has a sweet workshop with welding equipment, etc, so I thought maybe I could gut the camper and replace the heavy stuff with lighter furniture such as card chairs, a toaster oven/countertop stove, air and/or memory foam mattress, etc.. However, I also need to add in a small bathroom.

So, what are my options, or am I a bit far from reality with this one? I also thought about trying a popup, if nothing else. Many thanks for your input!!

I'd venture a guess that you'll gain little, and be on the edge of safe operation. Even a small Hi-Lo (like a 15') from the early 1970's weighs over 2100 lbs. You'd need to get rid of 30% of the weight, and that doesn't account for adding a small bathroom. Much of the weight is in things that can't be removed....frame, axle, wheels/tires, hitch, floor, walls, roof, windows, plumbing, wiring, refrigerator, air conditioner, lift mechanism, etc. You can only remove so much!

Then, you start adding stuff. Water? The small bathroom? Then you need gray/black water storage. Pots, pans, plates, kitchen utensils, dish detergent, windex, kids toys? For sure you'll need food and clothes and even if those are in the car, they start adding up to the car's overall capacity for towing......and more importantly, stopping.

I think it's a stretch......but others may have a better idea for you.

Good luck!

Get a capable tow vehicle that can accommodate your needs. Better safe than sorry!

Bob

__________________
2014 FR Heritage Glen 282RK
2013 F250 HD 6.7L Diesel
Formerly Owned: 1995 22D Fun Chaser & 2901L Classic

Agreed! And, if you are really going to be "living" in your trailer for a prolonged period with your son, you are going to need more room. Our 17 ft HiLo is great for us for a two week period camping, but it would get old fast as a "living space".

So, I'd recommend a larger trailer (HiLo style is fine) and a capable tow vehicle.

- Jack

__________________
Hi-Lo 1707T - Tire Minder TPMS on Tow Vehicle and Trailer, 300W Solar Battery Charger, Equal-i-zer WDH, Progressive Dynamics Converter, Fan-Tastic Fan, LiFePO4 battery 12V DC Electrical System, SoftStartRV mounted on A/C
2024 F150 Platinum FX4 3.5L PowerBoost SCrew

You have posed some good questions. I agree with the answers you have been given. Get a better tow vehicle and then the proper length HiLo. Best of luck with your search.