Problems With Runaway Campers: 4 Most-Seen Issues (Explained) | GoDownsize (2024)

Labeled as “America’s Most Affordable Camper”, and manufactured in Ocala, Florida, Runaway campers are one of the smallest travel trailers too.

Runaway campers are incredibly lightweight at only 650-700 lbs and are categorized as teardrop trailers.

What problems come along with these streamlined, lightweight, and compact campers, especially when there usually is only room for two people?

Let’s have a look at the common problems of Runaway campers:

1. Small Spaces

The dimensions of the Runaway camper are small:

• Interior size: 46.5″ wide x 94.5″ in length, and 46″ in height.
• The overall length is 12.3,” including the tongue.
• The width to the outside of the fenders is only 65″.
• The exterior height is 64″.

While some people are enthusiastic about the small space, primarily single travelers, many are trying to get around the idea of just how small these campers are.

The living quarters are a tight squeeze, and in most cases, there is no taking along the whole family for a camping trip in these campers. They usually only sleep two people, and even that is pretty tight.

Getting dressed in the small area is a challenge for many, and while dressing with no standing room available poses an issue, there is also the problem of storing clothes; space and storage are highly limited.

With some only having one small entry door, be prepared to climb over each other too.

2. No Bathroom

Unfortunately, Runaway campers do not have bathrooms.

There is also no space for a portable potty. If you own one, then perhaps explore the option of buying a privy tent.

If you do not mind using campground facilities, this may be your only option for using the toilet, unless, of course, you are adventurous and rugged enough to not mind disposing of your waste correctly in the wild.

The toilet may pose a problem, but Runaway campers have tried to relieve the shower issue. There is an additional customization option that you can select for your Runaway camper that is a 7-gallon road shower and requires a roof rack.

Unfortunately, the road shower is an added option and not standard, so you may be paying approximately $439.95 for the roof rack and $30 for the showerhead too.

3. No Indoor Kitchen

Typically, the design of a teardrop trailer does not incorporate an indoor kitchen.

Some Runaway campers offer the convenience of a mini outdoor kitchen at the rear, but then you may be faced with bad weather and little opportunity to cook outside.

One may describe the Runaway camper as a “fair-weather” camper.

The solution to only being able to cook outside is to set up a gazebo that goes over the kitchen space.

Not only will you be able to cook in the rain without getting wet, but you will be protected from the sun in extreme conditions too.

4. Condensation

Significant airflow is needed to reduce condensation.

Moist air needs to flow out of the camper and be replaced by air with less humidity.

Tiny trailers like the Runaway camper have a small volume of air. As the moisture in the air increases, condensation develops on cool surfaces inside the camper. It is the same concept as when condensation occurs on a glass of ice water on a humid summer’s day.

Condensation problems are common in Runaway campers, and this issue needs to be addressed quickly. When condensation forms on the surfaces inside the camper, they make the area damp, and an ideal environment is created for mold and mildew growth.

Mold and mildew pose serious health problems, and they can deteriorate structures and destroy fabrics and finishes.

Airflow management is needed to manage condensation and to prevent further problems.

Below are some of the actions you can take to reduce condensation in your Runaway camper and improve the airflow:

1. Always vent your air space, even when using a heater.
   • You can open the roof vent or at least one side window or turn on the vent fan.
2. Air circulation when you are sleeping is essential.
   • If you are sleeping on the floor of the trailer, then the warm, moist air around your body will concentrate against the cool surface of the floor and cause condensation.
   • Leave space between your mattress and the camper walls and try to create an air buffer between your mattress and a cold surface.
   • One owner raised his camper floor by 3.5 inches.
   • This created a small storage space, and the area acted as an air barrier for his mattress.
3. Open your trailer up during the day.
   • This will allow airflow inside the camper.
4. Take your mattress outside to air during the day.

General Pros and Cons for the Runaway Camper Trailer:

Teardrop camper trailers like the Runaway camper are one of the more recognizable and uniquely designed recreational vehicles.

Today, Runaway campers are experiencing a surge in popularity, especially for single travelers and couples.

Pros:

A surge in popularity can be attributed to some of the pros of this compact camper, which include:

Lightweight and Easy to Tow:

We mentioned earlier that the average weight of the Runaway camper is 700 lbs.

This means that the Runaway camper can be towed by many vehicles, and the owner is not limited to owning a pick-up truck or SUV.

Some motorcycles can tow a Runaway camper because of its light bodyweight.

Versatility:

Many RVs cannot get into some of the rougher terrain areas or drive off-road; this limits where you can travel and where you camp.

Because the Runaway camper is lightweight and easy to tow, you can take your camper into some of the most remote areas.

Easy Storage:

Some Runaway campers can fit into a garage.

This makes them suitable for those people whose homeowner’s associations prohibit the parking of RVs in their driveways.

Budget-Friendly Price Tag:

The small size of this camper trailer comes at a small price too.

It has been labeled as “America’s Most Affordable Camper” for a reason.

Cons:

• Runaway camper trailers are incredibly small. You cannot take the whole family away in this camper, and you may find the height a challenge as you cannot stand up in this camper.
• There is no bathroom in the runaway camper and purchasing a shower for your roof rack comes at an additional expense.
• There is no indoor kitchen. Some Runaway campers feature a small outdoor kitchen, but it is not weather friendly should a storm pass overhead.
• Condensation is a common problem in Runaway campers. If this is not carefully managed, then you may incur internal damage from mold and mildew.

What Do the Reviews Say?

We mentioned the common problem of space, and even the reviews mention the tight squeeze and limited height in the Runaway camper.

“They’re small and offer the minimum of comfort. Most vans and minivans offer more interior room and especially height. We’d all like our vehicle home to be bigger and tall enough to stand up in.”

[Source: Cheaprvliving.com]

The Runaway camper may not be ideal for a family holiday, but its compact size will suit a traveling couple who want to get away for short trips.

One of the great advantages of the Runaway camper is that almost any vehicle can safely tow the camper.

“Being able to tow this with your current car might let you comfortably hit the road much sooner than if you have to save up for a van or RV and still have an emergency fund.”

[Source: Cheaprvliving.com]

What’s the Resale Value On Runaway Campers?

Final Thoughts:

Runaway camper trailers may be small, but their price is small, too, making them affordable for even the lowest budgets.

And if the budget has you monitoring your finances, you will be pleased that you do not need to purchase a new pick-up truck or SUV to tow your Runaway camper.

While it is certainly a budget-friendly option, the smaller space may deter you with its limited height and 2-sleeper capacity.

Of course, if you are a single traveler or a couple, then you may not mind the smaller space and will enjoy how light the Runaway trailer is to tow just about anywhere.

Sources:

Runaway Mini-Camper Review: Part 2

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