Frequently asked questions about mini-trailers

In a mini-trailer, the choice of materials and insulation are among the most important things to consider.

Unlike large trailers, mini-trailers generally do not rely on energy-hungry equipment such as air conditioning to stay comfortable. The design of their shell therefore plays a particularly important role.

We use fibreglass in particular, which is not a conductive metal. It helps limit heat build-up and transfer while keeping the cabin at a more comfortable temperature.

The outer shell of both our models is made from 100% rot-proof materials.

This means that no material that can rot or grow mould is used inside the walls, roof or floor of the outer shell.

This choice of materials is at the heart of our design philosophy and contributes directly to the durability of our trailers.

Our trailers use high-density polystyrene insulation throughout the outer shell, including the walls, roof and floor.

The construction provides insulation roughly equivalent to R-7, creating a real thermal barrier.

Combined with the fibreglass shell, this insulation helps keep the cabin comfortable both on hot days and on cooler nights.

Thanks to their low weight (485 lb for the T42 and 885 lb for the S42), our trailers can be towed by a wide variety of vehicles.

You must always respect the towing capacity and the other limits set by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Keep in mind that passengers, luggage and any equipment added to your vehicle and your trailer can also affect the available capacity.

Starting with an ultralight trailer therefore gives you much more flexibility for your cargo and your trips.

The base tongue weight is about 65 lb for the T42 and 165 lb for the S42.

These weights are before certain equipment, options and luggage are added. The way you load your trailer can also change the weight on the hitch.

Yes. We offer electric brakes as an installed option for $550.

This option is especially popular on the S42. Whether you need brakes depends on the trailer, the vehicle you use and the applicable requirements.

Yes. When towing with an electric vehicle, two things become especially important: weight and aerodynamics.

Our trailers are ultralight and have a compact, aerodynamic profile to limit the impact of towing on the vehicle’s range as much as possible.

The vehicle must of course have enough towing capacity for the model you choose.

Every pound you carry has to be moved by your vehicle.

Starting with a trailer of only 485 lb or 885 lb leaves you more margin for luggage and gear while limiting the total weight to move.

This light weight is especially useful with an electric vehicle, where you want to preserve as much range as possible.

Yes. The same principles of weight and aerodynamics apply to gas vehicles.

An ultralight, aerodynamic trailer limits the impact of towing on fuel consumption, which becomes especially worthwhile on long trips.

Yes. We can take care of your electrical system from A to Z, based on the way you camp and the level of autonomy you want.

We offer batteries, solar panels, power stations, inverters and generators, as well as various outlets and connections suited to your equipment.

We can also design solutions for using portable solar panels or, for example, letting your trailer’s solar panel help recharge a power station.

At Igloo Caravane, we always install the electrical components inside the cabin rather than in the front exterior storage box.

This design gives batteries and other components better protection against water, moisture and corrosion.

We consider the location of the electrical system an important factor in its long-term reliability and durability.

Yes.

We offer different battery and solar panel configurations so you can match your trailer’s autonomy to the way you camp.

Since electrical needs vary enormously from one camper to the next, our team can recommend a configuration suited to your equipment, the length of your stays and the level of autonomy you want.

12 V equipment can run from the trailer’s battery.

The standard 120 V outlets are powered when the trailer is plugged into an external power source, unless you have a setup that produces 120 V from a battery using an inverter or another energy source.

Our philosophy is simple: no plumbing, no propane, no problem.

We favour the facilities offered at campgrounds and in Sépaq parks (Quebec’s provincial parks), which generally have toilets and showers far more spacious and comfortable than anything that can fit in a mini-trailer.

This design also reduces weight and the number of complex systems to maintain.

No tank to empty, no plumbing to winterize and no built-in propane system to maintain.

A 30% deposit is required to confirm your order and reserve your place in our production schedule.

We can then plan your build period and delivery date.

To maximize your chances of taking delivery in early spring, around April, we recommend ordering about 6 to 9 months in advance.

As a guide, an order placed between January and March generally leads to delivery between June and September, depending on demand.

From April on, availability generally shifts toward August, September and October.

Lead times may vary with our production schedule.

Our best promotions are generally offered in the fall, before October 31.

We usually offer fall promotions as well as the option of keeping the current year’s price for delivery the following year.

It is therefore an excellent time to reserve your trailer for the next camping season.

Yes. We offer several options to adapt your trailer to the way you travel.

They cover electrical autonomy, solar power, storage, ventilation, exterior protection and various camping accessories.

Yes. We are open to special projects.

If you have an idea or a specific need that our standard options don’t cover, talk to our team.

We will assess its feasibility while making sure to preserve the safety, light weight and integrity of the trailer.

All our trailers are covered by a one-year base warranty.

We also offer 3-year and 5-year warranty extensions.

The durability of our trailers, our choice of materials and the confidence we have in our products allow us to offer this extra protection to owners who want long-term peace of mind.

Yes. Maintenance can be done directly at Igloo Caravane in Mirabel.

Our maintenance service includes washing and waxing the exterior fibreglass, greasing the bearings, checking and adjusting the alignment, and inspecting the seals.

These are also the main maintenance tasks we recommend to owners who want to service their trailer themselves.

With no plumbing, winterizing is much simpler than on a traditional trailer.

Ideally, store your trailer indoors, sheltered from the weather.

If that isn’t possible, a Tempo-style temporary shelter is an excellent alternative.

For fully outdoor storage, we recommend a good-quality breathable cover, to protect the trailer without trapping moisture.

It is also important to clear snow from the roof so that a large amount doesn’t build up over long periods. For extended outdoor storage, temporary supports inside can also help reduce the stress on the roof.

If your trailer has a battery, follow the battery manufacturer’s storage recommendations and make sure it does not fully discharge over the winter.