Looking back, some of our favorite memories are from when the boys were younger and we’d head out in the Riverside Retro 166. It was the perfect little home base for us—small enough that we didn't feel like we were hauling a house behind us, but way more comfortable than a tent. The kids absolutely loved the "vintage diner" look, and honestly, those two-tone colors and checkered floors just made everything feel more like a fun road trip adventure than a standard camping chore.


Now that the boys are bigger, I’ve had a chance to really appreciate the more practical side of this trailer. Here is the breakdown of how it actually works on the road:


Towing and Handling

The biggest plus is the weight. At around 2,500 lbs, it’s incredibly light. I used to pull it with a mid-size SUV without any stress. Since it’s a single-axle, it’s really easy to maneuver into those tighter, more scenic campsites that the massive rigs can’t get into.


The Living Setup

Even though it’s compact, the layout is surprisingly functional for a small family or a couple:


Sleeping: There’s a queen bed in the back that stays put, which is a lifesaver because you don’t have to rearrange furniture just to go to bed. The front U-shaped dinette is where the boys would hang out, and it easily converts into an extra bed at night.


The Kitchen: It’s a "tiny home" style kitchen with a two-burner stove, microwave, and fridge. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts and keeping drinks cold, though you’ll want to do most of your heavy prep on the picnic table outside.


The Bathroom: It has a wet bath (toilet and shower in one). It’s definitely a space-saver, but it gets the job done when you don’t want to trek to the campground bathhouse in the middle of the night.


Modern Comforts

Despite the 1950s aesthetic, it’s fully equipped for modern life. It has a solid A/C and furnace system, so we stayed comfortable regardless of the weather.