Bumper Pull with Front Overhang Layout

[Selkirk]

I recently watched this video about a "retro" cabover prototype trailer layout to be introduced by Riverside RV. The design features a shortened 5th wheel-style bunk that overhangs the A-frame of a bumper-pull trailer.

Having never come across a vintage trailer with this layout, I admit it looks a little weird to me. I suspect that the tongue weight is a little on the high side. However, the interior space looks impressive for its size. It offers the space efficiency similar to a 5th wheel, but allows full access to/use of the TV's cargo bed.

Would this layout interest you if it was offered by one of the molded FG manufacturers?

 

[C&G in FL]

In the late 1950s/early 1960s Nomad and I believed Shasta built travel trailers in this format. My parents had a Nomad. I was consigned to the “overhead bunk.” It was a bit cramped vertically, and I remember my eyes stinging as well as the added heat which rises when they ran the wall mounted propane lantern common in trailers of that vintage. I saw one of them a couple of years ago that had been restored. But to answer your question, I personally would not be interested in this configuration in fiberglass. I believe (my opinion) the Escape 5.0 fifth wheel and the Scamp 19 commonly referred to as a fifth wheel but by definition is not (definition refers to how the trailer hitches to the tow vehicle) are more preferable “overhang” options. It should also be noted that many Escape 5.0 owners have technically changed their fifth wheel capable trailers by using an Anderson hitch (coupler and ball) to the non-fifth wheel configuration used by Scamp.

 

[DanandDaphne]

It looks like it would only work with a lower profile tow vehicle otherwise the front overhang would interfere with the tow vehicle while cornering. So even though it doesn't take up pickup bed space like the 5.0 hitch I think it would prevent you from having a topper on a pickup, or towing with a tall transit van.

 

[Centex]

Interesting, but is the market niche too small?

Clearly the overhang renders it suitable only for open-bed pickups or maybe cars with a true low trunk (the latter waning in popularity these days).

Given the weight and tongue weight mentioned in the video I suppose there could be a market among the many owners of small pickups, those not suited for the 5.0 or Scamp. Methinks it's not imagined as an alternative to any trailer using an in-bed hitch, but rather as an alternative to other bumper-pulls.

The floorplan does offer some distinct features rarely found in size-comparable bumper-pulls which some folks might find attractive (e.g. sleeping without converting the dinette; the dry-bath (if I dare say that hoping to not trigger another wet-bath thread highjack).

An interesting revival of an old concept that never was very common and faded away .... perhaps that history is an indication that the market niche is too small to justify production, regardless of the construction.

Personally, I don't think that the construction, even if FG (which would likely raise the price-point due to mold-cost amortization), would have a significant influence on the number of such units sold - methinks it's the price, floorplan, and clearance requirements that would dominate consumer consideration of the design in this case.

 

[Genebuilder]

Did I miss seeing a sink in the bath area?

 

[Ron in BC]

Given the choice between having to put the table down or having to climb up to a cramped high bed, I'd take the table.

One thing that I'd never go for is having a trailer that I couldn't look out from on all 4 sides. Without windows on either the front or rear I'd find it claustrophobic. We spend a lot of time in our trailer and like to see what's going on all around us. Even if I was to buy a 23 I'd eliminate the upper cabinet between the twin beds and install a window there.

But these retro situations are interesting. On the other hand there's a reason why the mainstream has evolved away from some of those designs.

Ron

 

[MrLynn]

Don't see how you can get up to the bed. Remove the table and attach a ladder?

Wouldn't work with our Ford Expedition, I think.

 

[brroberts]

Our 1970 Nomad 19 had a bunk over the bed in front. It had a small ladder that then hooked on the edge to make a guard rail. The bunk worked fine when we were kids until the heat or oven got cranked up, and then it got really hot up there.

 

[SkipperClyde]

In the late ‘50s or early ‘60s our parents purchased a Phoenix trailer with the same overhang. It had a rear dinette. Also had the dreaded propane lantern that heated the trailer to excess. No air conditioning and very sparse accoutrements. I recall it was very heave and we towed it with a late ‘50s Buick that had fins above the taillights. We used it often and lived in it for three summers when our parents went to school to get advanced college degrees. They were teachers and we were four boys. It had a hammock that installed over the dinette and could sleep all six of us fairly comfortably. Good times

 

[W@nderer]

Interesting concept. Not sure I like the 'stand on the dinette cushions' to get in to bed. My wife would not be able to get in that bed currently since she is recovering from a broken femur... The tongue weight could be addressed if the wheel was moved forward a bit from its current location very far to the rear. More on that here. https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-2025-riverside-retro-rv-goes-even-more-compact-with-cabover-design-still-cheap-240809.html

 

[Ron in BC]

Not sure I like the 'stand on the dinette cushions' to get in to bed. My wife would not be able to get in that bed

The worst part of that bed isn't the obvious one.

Anyone that's cruised in the tropics or warm places in a boat that has a berth partly under the cockpit, with very low headroom and air circulation, will know how hot and uncomfortable that bed would be in hot weather.

Ron