Why Aliner camper trailer
How we decided this Aframe pop-up camper was the perfect mix of affordability, comfort, and peace of mind.
After we decided to go with a trailer over a camper van (more about this decision), we set about researching trailers.
Our criteria for choosing a trailer
- Moderate off-road capability. I personally do not ever want to climb up 45 degree incline full of boulders, so we didn’t need extreme off-roading. We just want to be able to camp on BLM land, and to not worry about getting stuck in potholes.
- Indoor kitchen. My husband cannot go outside in the morning for his coffee ritual, which is grouchy enough as it is.
- Fits in 7 foot garage. Our HOA doesn’t allow camper vans or trailers to be parked out on our driveway
- Easy to set up
- Ideally less than 20k brand new
Why Aliner Ranger 12 trailer
We researched various trailers and decided to go with the 2022 Aliner Ranger 12 because:
- The cost of a new Aliner at around 20k felt much more reasonable than other pricier trailers. We loved Safari Condo’s gorgeous mid-century modern trailers, but the price at around 50k felt like too much for us and also they were impossible to find.
- We knew that towing a trailer would be a transition for us, and liked how lightweight the Aliner 12 is at around 1500 lbs.
- We liked the spaciousness and views from the big windows in the Aliner.
- The offroad package gave us just enough features for the medium-intensity off-roading we would be doing.
- Having a bathroom space separate from driving area: Heaven. Having an indoor kitchen (as compared to other pop ups where kitchens were sometimes outside): essential. Being able to stand inside: amazing.
- We debated between the Ranger 12 and the smaller Ranger 10, but decided to go with the 12 because its queen size bed and default dining area would be easier for us — my husband is 6’1, I am 5’6, and both 15 lb Noona and I spreadeagle a bit when sleeping, meaning the Ranger 10’s Twin XL bed would be a problem for us.
Plus Aliners are absolutely cozy and my husband has always wanted an Aframe house. I also liked how there seems to be a lot of diversity of age, background, family make-up, etc. with people who use aliners, at least on social media.
Finding an Aliner
We looked in Michigan at first and found there was only 1 Aliner Ranger left in the state. We jumped on it but felt like we were settling out of scarcity — it didn’t have the extreme off-road package or high wind assist, so we would have to do quite a few customizations after we bought it.
Then we found an Aliner on RVTrader that is at a dealership in Kentucky, that is outfitted exactly the way we want it, and are waiting to sign for it and have it delivered! The Aliner we are eying has:
- no dormers (I liked the view from the skylights better than the dormer windows, plus the no-dormer package looked less complicated to set up and maintain)
- Extreme off-roading package (has features like 15 inch wheel rims rather than 14 inch)
- High wind assist (perfect for the days we drive through windy plains of Texas and Oklahoma)
- An outdoor grill (a complete nice-to-have that we didn’t even know was available)
Now we are just excitedly waiting to sign paperwork, and researching various solar setups, storage, and decoration ideas!
