Little Guy Meerkat Trailer Review

Review of a 2019 Little Guy Meerkat trailer

[@schweinigel]

Don’t be put off by the number of mod’s, I do that with everything I own. You should see my Jeep! The dealer offers a better fridge, a bed extension, etc, I just prefer to do everything myself. There are not a lot of choices when it comes to lightweight trailers. Most are the teardrop type, which I don’t care for, because you have to cook outside. I could already do that. The indoor kitchen is great, especially when it’s cold, dark, rainy, or buggy.

[@dmitry7908]

How is the canvas holding up? It’s a clever design, but I wish the manufacturer would go even further, and made the whole, or most of the roof elevate the same way this tank turret does, with canvas walls 360*.

[@schweinigel]

@@dmitry7908 The canvas has held up fine, but I'm sure the sun would destroy it if the top was left open year-round. The size is fine, because there is no reason to stand at the back of the trailer anyway.

[@dmitry7908]

@@schweinigel Thank you! This would be a very good trailer for us; alas, the bed is too short for me. i will have to keep looking.

[@schweinigel]

@@dmitry7908 I am 6 foot 3, and it fits me fine. But that’s with the cooler under one end of the mattress pad.

[@flyshacker]

I love your candid review, but I don’t think this unit is for us.

[@billmailtube]

Thank you for taking the time to put together an excellent review. Your modifications were especially constructive for those of us who are considering adding a Meerkat to our lives. With luck, Meerkat might adopt some of them before we do. Happy travels!

[@joeljones4080]

Great no-nonsense review. “Just the facts ma’am.” Thanks. I love the fact it fits in many garages.

[@gretchenoppriecht3726]

Thorough walk through. I appreciated the real details about what works and what didn’t. I especially liked your closing line, really good for two people who enjoy each other’s company. Happy travels.

[@gus473]

👍🏼 You made a lot of sensible modifications! Thanks for the tour! 😎✌🏼

[@sharongriffiths4796]

Seems to me you need to be a first-class McGyver to be comfortable in this thing. If I took this out from the factory, I think I would be less than happy.

[@warren6899]

From South Africa don't lift the trailer with the corner stabilers, that goes for setting at camp as well. All trailers are designed to take the weight on the axle. Lifting the wheel off the ground may well lead to bowing of the whole trailer. Rather lift with a bottle jack under the axle. When setting at camp, level transversely first ( left to right) using leveling pads under the low side wheel, if necessary de-couple then level longitudinly using the jockey wheel, then drop corner steadies and firm up with ONLY one or two full cranks / turns of the handle... over 40 years experience... RGDS Warren

[@schweinigel]

Hi Warren, yes, that's been discussed in the comments. I'm planning a follow-up video; I'll be sure to bring that up. Thanks.

[@keddy5627]

Thank you for your practical and common sense modifications! I have dreamed of owning one of these for several years and I am so looking forward to the attainment of this little bit of Heaven! Thanks again!

[@davechristian7543]

That's the type of caravan i would want 'nothing bigger, very smart cheers from new south wales.

[@get2myra]

Thank you! Your tour and review is very thorough. It helps me to decide if I want to buy a gen 1 meerkat. Your honest pros/cons are very much appreciated 👏!

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Wow. Ingenious modification to the Meerkat camp trailer. Thank you for sharing this cozy camper for two. 👍

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

That’s cool…. I’m not sure if I could get the brake lights and turn signals working on my Subaru Crosstrek, but if I could it looks awesome, thx.

[@tman111195]

Doesn’t seem very functional ’out of the box’ so to speak, you modded nearly every feature you showcased. Thanks for the informative video!

[@theprophecy6082]

Looks comfy. The only thing that I wouldn't like is the toilet let alone being in there with another person while using it.

[@aguest4408]

Thanks for such a thorough tour so full of great ideas! I'm looking at a used 2019 Meerkat. I'd love a new one, but they're around $30k+ now for new. If I do buy this used one, I'm coming back here and take step by step notes to fix it up! May I please ask how sturdy/resilient you judge Meerkats to be? Used, it is still going to cost me more than you paid new for the same model year, its gone cross country several times now and its 5 years old and I'm also concerned how long it might hold up even though its been taken care of (its a little worn). I'm going back to check the roof out (thanks for pointing out the low spot). I always tinker with my stuff too.

[@schweinigel]

We've used ours a lot, often on poor dirt roads. It has held up fine. I've made more changes which I hope to document soon, for example, locking latches on the cabinets, and an inexpensive air conditioner.

[@livingwithevs8289]

Loved your mods and tweeks. I’ve done much the same with a pop up camper we had years ago. Nice video!!

[@schweinigel]

Thanks. I do that with everything. You should see my Jeep.

[@PurpleSurple]

I would need this camper to have a murphy bed inside because it's way too cramped for my liking.

[@SandraLily2]

So, in other words, don't get a Meerkat unless you want to do a bunch of upgrades/fixes yourself.

[@schweinigel]

I think most people are satisfied with the stock Meerkat. I tend to modify just about everything I own; I’m a tinkerer.

[@davechristian7543]

38 APH battery wow so thats enough my friend?>

[@schweinigel]

Hi Dave, it's enough because all it usually needs to power are the LED lamps and the water pump for the sink. We also use the built-in USB chargers a lot. I think the only thing that would run it down would be if you used the overhead fan all day. We got the solar charger, but have never used it because so far all the campgrounds have had shore power.

[@casualcarver4887]

24K is steep for what you get

[@johnblanton2326]

Pretty nice, but way over priced for what it is. 30K for a mobile tent

[@schweinigel]

It's a lot better than a popup tent. I didn't know the prices had gone so high. I got mine in 2020 for $17,800, and it seemed like a lot then.

[@otiswinters3674]

Thank you for your great review of your Meerkat! It would be nice if the Meerkat manufacturer took care of the modifications you made to make the Meerkat more practical to use. After all, these little trailers aren't exactly cheap to purchase new.

[@Sythetico]

Thank you mucho!...for us musicians, it'd be helpful to have a bit more lucidity with regard to tech mods...but thumbs up for providing your expertise....there is no perfect camper/trailer....

[@jenjenny79]

This was amazingly informative! Thank you

[@schweinigel]

Thanks, Jenjenny, I hope to do another one soon with more mod's that I've added.

[@jenjenny79]

That would be amazing! I'd love to see your other mods and advice you have about what works and what doesn't now that you've had it for a bit.

[@f5fstop]

You can easily destroy a leveler using it to raise the trailer. But not hard to replace. Ask me how I know! All have to learn that although it might work ok sometimes, all the time may not be true. Battery dead in two or three months? When at home, plug it in. However, a switch is an easy fix if that is what is desired.

[@walterkersting1362]

What’s that smell? A: the secret toilet.

[@schweinigel]

We've used the toilet. There is no smell.

[@ajf5823]

Needs an air conditioner option for those of us who camp in the hot desert

[@eternalenigma1628]

I loved seeing all the mods! Especially things like the fridge- now I know I would rather buy one vs getting one with the trailer. Since the meerkat is already expensive I would probably do the same.

[@Meerkat000]

Omg, I NEED this I my life! ;) Great thorough review!

[@schweinigel]

Thank you. We get a lot of use out of it, and really enjoy it.

[@landrover3986]

Looks like a Hymer Touring 😮

[@DrDennis]

No A/C biggy in TX

[@schweinigel]

Yes, but I’m pretty sure you can replace the powered roof vent with an A/C unit. The power panel is near the left rear corner, under the seat. Hiding the wiring would be a chore, though.

[@waterlogged6203]

Enjoyable treatise of this trailer and if I ever buy an RV, I want you to come and finesse it!

[@janeburton7647]

Like the customizing that you did. Interesting video. 👍👍

[@Daaremikkel]

One minor problem with the diode set-up/isolator for the tail lights is that the brake lights override the turn signals. So, no turn signal indication on the trailer while the brake lights are on.

[@schweinigel]

Hi Olle, Yes, that's right. The trailer uses 4-wire indicators, which works fine with American cars. For the Toyota I thought my 4-diode solution was OK, but to do it right you'll need to run 12VSW from the front of the car, then make a logic board using a dual XOR gate, a 5V regulator circuit, 2 diodes, a couple resistive voltage dividers, and output buffers, like comparators and relays. I'm pretty sure something like this is commercially available, but I could not find one at the time.

[@davidbeazley1958]

"Fake plastic" you say? Hmmm... Very interesting.

[@dlcarbonneau3750]

This was a very good and thorough review, thank you!

[@michaelversace456]

WHY?! Why do they always try to shove a shitter in the most tiniest of places?! I have a shovel and dunny seat. If you want to watch, then by all means destroy your eyes.

[@schweinigel]

Um, it's not attached to the floor. You can move it to a roomier area, or even outside if you like. Having a non-stinky, flushing chemical toilet that you can use in privacy is almost always better than digging a hole.

[@michaelversace456]

@@schweinigel I like being outside. Less chance of a snake biting you.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Because you have women, kids and older people?

[@michaelversace456]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 They'll learn

[@denisebd1000]

Thanks for an in depth description of everything!

[@TheAmtwhite]

Never use the leveling jacks to lift the trailer!!! You’ll bend the frame and cause damage!!

[@schweinigel]

You make a good point, but I don’t think it will hurt this one. The jacks are mounted on steel plates welded to the frame rails, not far from the axle, and the trailer is pretty light. I actually discovered by mistake, as I was leveling it right to left, that the wheel came off the ground with little effort. But I’ll keep that in mind if I have to change a tire. The jack from my Jeep is made to lift under the axle. Other drivers may not be so lucky.

[@TheAmtwhite]

@@schweinigel I don’t think those points are relevant. You will still bend the overall frame.

[@schweinigel]

So I looked it up in my owner’s manual, and they seem to agree with you. We’ve been using the jacks to excess all this time with no apparent damage, but maybe from now on I’ll bring a board or something to put under the tire. Thanks for the tip.

[@ednapuckett1042]

I recently installed a tow hitch, but didn’t include the the ball. The instructions I have advises 12” from the ground. Is this your experience?

[@schweinigel]

Yes, 12” to the bottom of the ball. This way the trailer will be level when you park on level ground.

[@ednapuckett1042]

I have one on order. Are you happy with your purchase?

[@schweinigel]

Yes, we’ve used it a lot, and really like it. It’s easy to move around and attach to the Jeep, easy to drive with, and quick to set up at the campground. Its simplicity means you avoid many of the frustrations people have with bigger, fancier RV’s. I think you’ll like it.

[@ednapuckett1042]

Thank you. I can’t wait. I have a couple of things I think I want to do. I may be reaching out to you for insight.

[@laurenromeo6954]

Great job with this review.

[@kendrasmith6637]

Nice camper ... thanks for showing us

[@michellemccarthy4443]

Thought everything I read said the wheelbase too small on 2 door to pull a camper 🤔

[@schweinigel]

The wheelbase does affect the towing capacity. My Jeep with a 4.0 liter engine is limited to 2500 pounds, the 4-door can pull 5000. The Meerkat only weighs 920 pounds. We’ve pulled it with a Toyota Yaris.

[@johnmartindale1766]

An induction stove would be a lot safer for inside use. It's not so much the fumes, As it is the possibility of a accidental fire.

[@schweinigel]

Yeah, that would be good, as long as you have AC power available. The trailer's manual actually says to use the cooktop outdoors, but we just open the roof vents and windows. It's pretty far from the counter to the overhead cabinet, so nothing gets hot.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

​@@schweinigelDo you have 1800 watts to spare for small induction? I've blown fuses in the house w them...(old houses require math: what's on what lines)

[@jwade1968]

Are you selling this

[@schweinigel]

No... While I wouldn't mind something a little bigger, this is the heaviest thing I can safely tow with my Jeep Wrangler 2-door.

[@djkenny1202]

Toilet delete available?

[@schweinigel]

I’m not sure what you’re asking. It’s a portable chemical toilet, so you can take it out. Is that what you mean?

[@djkenny1202]

@@schweinigel do they sleep 4, and can be without including toilet?

[@schweinigel]

@@djkenny1202 The toilet is small and is hidden under the seat, so taking it out won’t gain any more room. The bed is 60 inches wide, so it might work for 2 parents and a kid, but you could not sleep 4 in comfort.

[@djkenny1202]

@@schweinigel still seeking options. Only thing under 1500 lbs seems to be Scamp, with just enough room.

[@schweinigel]

@@djkenny1202 Yes, we wanted a Scamp, but they are very hard to find. Good luck to you.

[@chrisgriffin6489]

Thanks for this

[@bjh8560]

Does it have an emergency exit in the rear?

[@schweinigel]

No. Seats and bed parts cover the back wall. Also, it's so small that you are never more than 2 steps from the door. I don't think any small trailer has more than one door.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

You could go right up, right? Thats what I'd do.

[@walterkersting1362]

Meerkat $30,000; $38,000 nicely equipped.

[@schweinigel]

Here in San Diego they're just over $24,000.

[@carlindalewis-ob8yu]

Is it insulated?

[@schweinigel]

It is. But it's also well sealed, so if you sleep with all the windows and vents shut, the condensation from your breathing will cover the inside and eventually drip on you. We like to camp places with electricity, so we can run a little space heater and still leave the roof vent open (in the winter). In the summer it's not an issue.

[@rhondalyn100]

I enjoyed your tour very much. I'd love to purchase one like this but 24k+ (the current price) is out of my range. If you ever decide to sell I'd be very interested in purchasing. Thank you so much for keeping me in mind. Rhonda

[@schweinigel]

Thanks, Rhonda! We searched for 2 years before we discovered Little Guy Trailers, and they were just a few miles from our house! What you would probably also like, if you can find one, is the 13 foot Scamp. These are a bit heavier than the Meerkat, but some have an actual bathroom.

[@rhondalyn100]

@@schweinigel Thanks for your reply. I am familiar with Scamps and think they are cute as a bug. I had a Little Guy T@G in the past but it was too small for me. I currently have a Runaway Cool Camp but it's a little small as well. Weight is an issue for me, which is why the Meerkat looks perfect! I'd love to have one but the cost is prohibitive and I live in the southeast so getting to San Diego would be difficult. That's why I think y'all should make a trip to Nashville and let me purchase your darling Meerkat! Hahaha. Only a dream but one that makes me happy. I'm sure you love your little trailer, it is so stinkin' cute. My offer stands...if you ever decide to sell, let me know. I'll be patiently waiting. :-)

[@clairevancleave1508]

Sounds like there are several little problems that Meerkat should address.

[@ianboyes6193]

Cc

[@feelingsarefriends]

How long is the bed? I know you mentioned you’re too tall for it?

[@schweinigel]

Hi Dottie, the bed is 63 inches long. The wedge section by the closet makes 81, but is only 15 wide, so if you want to use a mattress pad, you need something to hold it up, like the cooler.

[@jameslower7350]

😂

[@rrowe6847]

What is the exterior height?

[@schweinigel]

Just for you, I got out my construction level and tape measure. The highest point is 76 inches. Little Guy makes a big deal over these fitting into a normal garage. This would just squeak under my door, but I'd have to raise the opener an inch. Be sure to measure everything that might be in the way, including if you need to raise the coupler while the trailer in inside, as that will raise the front a bit. You can make it shorter by lowering the jack and rolling it by hand.

[@CombatDoc54]

What is the diameter of the roof "pop-up?"

[@schweinigel]

It’s oval, about 40 by 50 inches.

[@grantlandking4361]

Wash the top of your damn camper sir! Yes, there's moss growing on that shit.... Be a mensch.

[@schweinigel]

Yes, I was pointing out that you have to open the top once in a while to clean it, or the moss grows sight unseen. I had left it on there for the video. Ich bin doch ein Mensch.

[@grantlandking4361]

Meine aufrichtige Entschuldigung Freund! My comment was rude and lacking good manners. I saw your beautiful little camper (that I love btw) and the sweet 4x4 Jeep to pull it and when I saw the minor dirt under the hatch I lashed out like a child toward you. I humbly ask your forgiveness sir.

[@schweinigel]

@@grantlandking4361 Vielen dank, keine sorgen!

[@monikadieckmann9747]

So ein tolles Vid.und dann so ein dummfrecher Kommentar,bin erzürnt über diese Aussage,bei mir wäre nix mit verzeihen....😡🙄👎

[@grantlandking4361]

Es war falsch von mir, solche Dinge zu sagen, und ich entschuldigte mich von Herzen. Bitte lass dich nicht von deiner Wut verzehren.

[@cynthialeech2507]

Thanks for the detailed review. I'm looking to buy a small light trailer to pull behind a new little Ford Maverick truck I'm buying. I'm definitely ruling this out!

[@picsburgh]

Have you looked at scamp?

[@jodybogdanovich4333]

Team NuCamp here, built by the Amish in Ohio. Quality!

[@Navigatorbythestars]

what is the cost of these units new?

[@schweinigel]

According to meerkattrailers.net, a new one is $24,118. That's unfortunate. I got mine for under $18,000 in 2020, but demand has really spiked since then. Last time I checked, they had a 3 month waiting list.

[@Navigatorbythestars]

@@schweinigel thank you so much!

[@boathemian7694]

What’s that thing cost?

[@schweinigel]

I just checked on meerkattrailers.net and they were $24,118.

[@boathemian7694]

@@schweinigel oh okay thanks. I’m more likely to build something in that case.

[@schweinigel]

@@boathemian7694 Yeah, they've really gone up. we got ours in 2020 and it was under $18,000.

[@joeortega4275]

can and one tell me how much camper cost..

[@schweinigel]

Here is their website: www.meerkattrailers.net/the-meerkat/ Right now they are about $24,000. I paid less than $18,000 for mine 2 years ago; they have really been in demand.

[@wendeemason6268]

I ordered one with MANY extras. Total price was $29,000 including tax. I canceled and bought an SUV and tent.

[@schweinigel]

@@wendeemason6268 Wendee, a good alternative is a rooftop tent. We have the Smittybilt, which can be had for about $1200. They weigh 100 pounds, and clamp to your roof rack. You just find a level place to park, and setting up the tent takes less than 5 minutes. The floor is already padded, and there’s a bag for your boots on the ladder. Plus, the part that sticks over the side make a nice shady spot for the day. If remote camping is your thing, these are way better than a ground tent. After decades of tent camping, though, my wife and I now prefer the relative luxury of a trailer. It’s no surprise that most of the people we meet with RV’s are over 50 years old.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

​@@schweinigelThey buy 90% of the Gold Wings, too. Extremely solid bike for people who ACTUALLY ride. The vibrations lose a lot of charm after the first few days. Lol. Thus, the Japanese.

[@yohonwilliams4544]

Is this a joke?????????????????? unbelievable.

[@thehmspinaforeclub4960]

Diction and enunciation is extremely important when narrating a video.

[@grantlandking4361]

You see, when attempting to appear intelligent whilst correcting another, one must employ proper english grammar or risk third degree burns upon the ego as such: Diction and enunciation "ARE" extremely important when narrating a video. I maintain this applies more so to those seeking to highlight flaws in said video.

[@claybornlewis276]

For the price of one of those it sure is a cheaply built little fart