Ultralight, compact trailers are small in size but have big advantages over typical RVs:
- You can haul them with just about any vehicle.
- They can be stored in your backyard.
- Entry-level RVers will find them easy to use.
- Tight camping spots are not a problem.
- Costs are usually lower than standard RVs.
You can try building your own lightweight trailer but with so many great models joining the RV marketplace, why would you? The Cricket is an exciting new one that’s making the rounds in campsites across the globe and here in the iRV2 Discussion Forums:
Something Different: Cricket Trailer
Inspired by Nature
Designed by a former NASA architect named Garrett Finney, The Cricket is a futuristic tiny home on wheels that prides itself on being affordable, aerodynamic and tough enough to go on the most backwoods adventures you can dream up.
You won’t find all the bells and whistles of a regular RV but according to the company, what you will enjoy is:
- a comfortable place to sleep up off the ground
- a safe place to stash gear
- a sheltered kitchen in a rainstorm
- a bathroom in the middle of the night
- a cold drink at the end of a hot day
- and a safe haven from the local insect population.
The Cricket is so lightweight that at 1,300 pounds it can be towed by many four-cylinder engines. Yet, it sleeps two adults and two kids and has three-dimensional storage that lets you haul enough gear for extended weekend trips or longer. At 15′ long and 6.9′ high when the roof is down, the Cricket can go just about anywhere.
Here’s what iRV2 member wincrasher has to say about his Cricket:
The Cricket is more sports equipment than RV. It’s primarily for those moving up from a tent. It certainly is tough and I wouldn’t hesitate to take it up a log road or even off-road to go boondocking.
My previous adventure camper was a teardrop trailer. That had some limitations – primarily no hot water, no porta potty and certainly no shower. It was fun though, but had it’s limits. This Cricket is a lot more practical/comfortable for what I want to do with it.
Made from wood, aluminum and steel, the trailer design is inspired by the physiological capabilities of a typical cricket found in nature. Just as crickets have legs that allow them to jump, the Cricket trailer has a gas spring that allows users to raise the roof in less than 30 seconds.
The one-of-a-kind dimensions let campers enjoy the breezes and feel nature with five windows that swing all the way open, tent sides that can be completely removed and exterior attachments for tarps and awnings.
Cricket buyers can customize their trailer with upgrades like a furnace, solar panels, refrigerator and latrine. Base model specs include:
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,500 lbs
- Fresh water capacity: 12 gallons
- Gray water capacity: 12 gallons
- 12V deep cell battery allows 3+ days off-grid with typical appliances
- Tow vehicle connection recharges battery while hauling
- Exterior 120V inlet for shorepower connection at campsites
- Standard solar pigtail fits most solar panels
- Standard interior LED lighting in kitchen and bed areas
- 4 standard 12V outlets
- Optional energy-efficient refrigerator
- Optional solar panels
- Optional DC to AC power inverters
For more information visit The Cricket website.
Often called “The O.G. of full-time RVing,” Rene Agredano and her husband Jim Nelson hit the road in a fifth wheel trailer in 2007, after their dog Jerry lost a leg to terminal cancer. Sixteen years later they are still traveling and sharing their nomadic adventures at LiveWorkDream. As a self-employed wordsmith, Rene shares her expertise for many RV industry videos, publications such as the Escapees RV Club Magazine, and has authored numerous books, including the Essential RVing Guide to National Parks, and Income Anywhere, a guide to earning money on the road. She has been featured in global media outlets including the PBS documentary “NATURE: Why We Love Cats and Dogs,” The Guardian Sunday Edition, and the Dan Pink book Free Agent Nation.
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