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Snoozy II light weight camper

Tony Barthel

Today’s RV review is of the Snoozy II, a small, lightweight and surprisingly aerodynamic towable RV. In fact I should have included it when I did the week of fiberglass egg trailers. But I didn’t. So here it is!

So many times when talking about RVs I mention that there is no testing for aerodynamics testing performed. Well, I’m happy to say that I finally found a company that did do aerodynamic testing and it’s a name you may have heard before. Snoozy II is the reincarnation of a line of boat-shaped travel trailers that are being built in Saint Matthews, South Carolina.

You may have heard the name Snoozy trailers in the past. This is actually an entirely new operation with very different practices, even though the shape of the trailers might seem similar to any Snoozy you saw in the past.

Snoozy II

Owned by Wesco trailers, Snoozy II is really a new company building a trailer that has familiar styling cues to the previous Snoozy. Starting at the frame these new trailers use a Wesco Marine trailer chassis which is a galvanized metal.
Like many boat trailers, this one features a single axle with surge brakes which means there’s a device on the tongue of the trailer and, as you slow down, inertia applies the brakes on the 2,300 pound trailer.

In other words, you don’t need a brake controller which can be a good thing for some owners, especially those who have smaller tow vehicles where brake controllers aren’t an option.

From the frame of the trailer the company builds a fiberglass egg/wedge shape that is mounted atop the frame. Not all fiberglass is created equally and I would suggest watching the video I’ve attached to learn more. But, basically it’s a good process that results in a very strong shell. One so strong workers stand on the roof as part of the finishing process.

Oh, and speaking of that roof there are absolutely no holes in it, period. That alone might get some RV owners to step up and place an order.

Once the fiberglass outer shell is completed the company builds the interior out of all red oak and uses quality parts like hidden hinges.

Simplicity

Snoozy II general manager Shaun Palyok has a saying, “I’m building your grandkids’ grandkids trailer.” That speaks to a lot of the decisions that were made in bringing the company back.

First of all, all the components inside are designed to be easily repaired or replaced at your local hardware store. Rather than using specialized parts, the trailers incorporate pieces that are readily available. That means the fridge literally is a bar fridge from a big box hardware chain as is the electric heater. The air conditioner is a Haier window unit which, again, you can replace at a local hardware store.

In speaking with Palyok we talked about the suspension on this trailer which is a simple leaf spring arrangement. While the previous builder did use a torsion axle suspension, Palyok said that this arrangement was chosen because it’s simply easier to repair if there’s ever a blowout on a tire or some other damage on the road.

What’s inside

Despite their light weight and aerodynamic shape there’s really everything one could need in these trailers. The bathroom, at the back, features a cartridge toilet and it’s a wet bath. With this trailer being built like a boat, that means the walls are waterproof. For those who want one, a high-performance vent fan is available in the bathroom (Get it. Trust me.) and this is mounted to the rear of the trailer. Again, no holes in the roof.

Like a pickup camper this one has the entrance at the rear which means the camp side can have the only sink in the trailer and then that bar-sized refrigerator and a microwave under the counter top. At present there is no cook top in the trailer but this makes me think a portable induction cook top would be absolutely perfect in here.

Something you can get at the local hardware store.

Depending on which floor plan you choose, there is a couch on the road side of this trailer and a queen-size mattress that occupies the front.

You can also choose a floor plan that features two twin beds which shortens the counter space and eliminates the couch, but does offer storage between the beds which also double as the seating surface in here.

Aerodynamics

Something no RV manufacturer that I have come across is talking about aerodynamic testing. Yet RVs are one of the most poorly-designed vehicles from an aerodynamic standpoint. Even those that say they have an “aerodynamic nose” basically have done zero testing to prove that.

Such is not the case here where the Snoozy II was actually tested in the wind tunnel by University of Carolina engineering students. Based on that testing the trailer was actually re-configured and axles and other components moved around.

The combined light weight of the trailer and it’s “slipperiness” in the air along with the fact that it uses surge brakes instead of electric trailer brakes might make this a much, much more logical buying decision for some campers.

Challenges

No trailer is perfect but there were a few things I saw about the trailer that might be worth noting.

First of all, the fact that the heat is only electric means that you essentially have to be hooked to shore power to make it work. Well, you could also put a generator on the tongue and there’s a platform there that’s designed specifically to hold one.

Some people may also not like the interior which, aside from the red oak, is a bit stark but I’ve shared spoonflower wallpaper with you all before and that could be a solution here, too.

In summary

There’s a lot to like about this little trailer with the build quality of the fiberglass shell and galvanized chassis being principal among them. The idea of the company even thinking of aerodynamics and “building a trailer for your grandchildren’s grandchildren” says a lot about the company.

Overall I think Snoozy II has done a good job building a trailer that is absolutely worth considering for those who want something smaller that’s well made and definitely different in style and function.

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