There is no one better than Featherlite Trailers when it comes to designing and building a towable. They have been building car haulers and transporters used by the NASCAR Cup and Busch Teams for twenty years. Today, the depth of experience they have attained is being applied to and used to build toy haulers for ATVs, motorcycles, dune buggies, jeeps, etc.  Called the SURV, this sports utility RV complies with the same quality and standards that are mandated by NASCAR

                                                                               teams, owners and drivers. 

Three models (two bumper pulls and one gooseneck format) are offered. Built using only light weight, durable and corrosion resistant aluminum, this includes the wall and roof structural members and the interior and exterior wall and roof surfaces. The roof exterior is a single piece - front to back – of aluminum. The chassis/frame is welded heavy gauge aluminum, with the floor consisting of wood that is supported by 4” aluminum cross members. The SURV comes equipped with tandem or triple axles (depending upon the model).  All wiring harnesses are bundled in jackets to protect the wires and connectors from wear and from harsh environmental conditions.   

For the toy enthusiast who enjoys using lots of big toys, the SURV 7943 is just the ticket.  This Featherlite gooseneck model is offered in three floor plans and in three different lengths (24’, 28’ and 32’). To these measurements an additional seven and a half feet is added for, Featherlite has mastered the art of gleaning the maximum amount of use and livability out of interior space.  In the forward landing above the gooseneck, Featherlite has located a sleeping a quarter that includes a 60” by 80” queen size bed. All models and the individual floor plans within each model are actually 7’ 6” longer than the total exterior length listed in the specs.  For example, the overall exterior length of the 32’ Model 7943 is actually 39’ 6”. 

New for 2007, the 7943 Model is available with an optional solid interior wall that includes a lockable interior door.  What this does (and it does it very nicely) is sequester the rear cargo/toy area from the forward luxury living quarter.  One great feature all SURV models share is the lower floor they come with.  Measuring only twenty inches from the ground to the interior cargo deck, this dimension makes loading and unloading of toys an easier evolution than is typical with most toy haulers because the ramp is presented at less of an incline. The interior deck is lined with a low maintenance product called Gripstar that provides traction and grip when loading and unloading. 

The mechanisms that permit the ramp to be easily articulated open and closed are cable assisted devices.  The seal that surrounds the perimeter of the ramp is an automotive type (crush) bulb seal that creates an air/water tight barrier to hold back the outside elements when it’s closed for travel or during habitation.  The securing and locking mechanism is via a single lever horizontal cam lock. 

The interior cargo bay on the 32’ Model 7943 demands a close look.  First, it comes with a floor surface area that measures 256” long by 99” wide. The cargo deck is dressed with rubber tread plate and comes with six cargo tie down rings that are anchored to the frame rails.  Each tie down is rated at 5,000 pounds, which means that whatever is tied down for travel is not going to go anywhere.  One option offered in the cargo area that many enthusiasts find adds utility and function when hosting guests for the night, is a pull down queen bed.  When not in use it stays tucked up against the ceiling above the cargo bay.  With a torsion bar type mechanism, you simply pull it down when it is needed and voila, there it is ready for guests to get a good nights sleep.

One feature that comes with the optional interior wall is a system of cargo nets.  This net lets the toy enthusiast utilize the area above the overhead cabinets for added equipment storage (helmets, riding boots, etc.). Every Model 7943 comes with two fold-down benches, a Flexsteel ® folding wall bed/sofa combo, refrigerator and a two burner cook-top stove.  The forward center aisle bath configuration locates the shower and a marine style toilet on one side with a vanity and lavvy on the opposite side.  Centrally ducted heating is provided by a 25,000 BTU forced air furnace. The holding tanks are large, permitting stand-alone RV camping for days on end.

The interior SURV décor packages Featherlite Trailers offers range from bold and eye catching to those that are more conventional.  They include Red Glory, Black Magic, Simulated Oak and Simulated Pine.  The exterior can be black, white, red or silver with splashes of color added to provide a feeling that something fun is about to happen. Measuring a stingy 10’ 10” from the ground to the top of the roof (including the 13,500 BTU roof air conditioner), the 7943 is available with optional electric jacks for hitching, unhitching and leveling. 

Options that add convenience and utility can include a 20-gallon fueling station that comes with an electric pump and timer that automatically shuts off after fifteen minutes.  Entertainment enhancements can include a flat screen television and exterior speakers.  A portable exterior grill now lets the chef move outside along with the party.  Other options can include a gas fueled 4.0 or 6.0 kW auxiliary generator, back door screen and a versatile electric bunk bed and couch.  There web site is www.fthr.com. Check it out.  Happy Taveling.