4 bed detached house for sale in Llantrisant Road, Capel Llanilltern, Cardiff CF5 - 43271927

Read article : 4 bed detached house for sale in Llantrisant Road, Capel Llanilltern, Cardiff CF5 - 43271927

Summary
A charming detached four bedroom family residence, approached by a gated private drive with extensive private parking, and set within a private garden plot of appromimate 1.95 acres. With a stunning range of outdoor leisure features including a swimming pool and hot tub.

Description
Ty Newydd Farm is a distinctive house of character, built 1998 by the current owners on the site of an original period farm cottage which was reputed to date back to 1700 and occupied a an overall plot of 1.95 acres. This unique four bedroom family home enjoys the special benefits of ensuite shower rooms serving each of the double sized bedrooms plus a large period family bathroom equipped with a free standing roll top suite. Recently a stunning bespoke kitchen has been installed providing a wonderful social space (30'1 x 14'9), centred around a large island unit with Quartz granite work tops, stylish integrated appliances and inset with a charming stone Inglenook fireplace with contemporary log burner and a solid wood mantle. There are two utility rooms and two ground floor cloak rooms. The living space is truly impressive including five principle reception rooms plus a grand entrance reception hall inset with a wide staircase returning to the east and west first floors. All windows are double glazed with white PVC units, and there are two feature windows, both hexagon in design with coloured leaded glass. Central heating is oil fired with panel radiators and a modern tank installed also in 1998. Charming character features include exposed beamed ceilings and natural stone walls providing a Farm House theme, whilst the living space provide a contemporary style with both a large formal dining room for social meals, and a relaxing lounge with a stone Minster fireplace!

The Property
With a family in mind the capacious cinema room (18'10 x 17'8) offers a wonderful entertainment centre, whilst both the sitting room (19'11 x 13'6) and the sun lounge (16'3 x 15'0) offer flexible living space with french doors that open onto the gardens. Each of the double bedrooms also include individual walk-in wardrobes, and the unique advantage with the living space on the first floor is the undoubtable fact that each bedroom is well proportioned with pleasing outlooks across the surrounding gardens and grounds. A truly impressive family house situated within only a short drive to Cardiff, and within easy access to an exit onto the M4, allowing fast travel to Newport, Swansea and Bristol.

Outside Leisure Features
Whilst the property is approached by a long gated private entrance drive which leads to both a large double garage (20'10 x 22'1) and a double car-port (20'11 x 20'5), the outside space includes many separate areas for activity including a large L shaped lawn which is screened by high conifer trees, a fully heated outdoor swimming pool, a large decked sun terrace, an undercover patio and a matching covered hot tub. There is also a further summer house and a separate self contained home office. There are three further outdoor rooms buildings which could be converted into stables, whilst one of these buildings is already converted into a fully sound proof studio!

School Catchment
The property lies within the school catchment of Radyr High School, whilst local primary schools include Craig-y-Parc off Heol-y-Parc in Pentyrch Village, and Creigiau Primary School in Creigiau.

Ground Floor

Entrance Reception Hall 16' 8" x 14' 9" ( 5.08m x 4.50m )
A most imposing and charming large entrance reception hall, inset with a 6 ft wide spindle balustrade staircase with newel posts, exposed beamed ceiling, double radiator, approached from an open fronted porch via two part panelled white PVC coloured leaded glass double entrance doors with side screen windows. Built in understair cloaks hanging cupboard.

Downstairs Cloakroom 8' 5" x 2' 9" ( 2.57m x 0.84m )
Fitted stylish modern and contemporary cloakroom suite with tiled walls and floor, comprising a large shaped pedestal wash hand basin with stylish chrome mixer taps and pop-up waste, slimline W.C., PVC Georgian style window to rear.

Understairs Cloaks Cupboard

Lounge 20' x 15' 5" ( 6.10m x 4.70m )
Gracious room inset with a Minster fireplace with granite surround and hearth, exposed beamed ceiling, PVC double glazed Georgian style window with outlooks across a front sun terrace, further PVC Georgian double glazed french doors opening on to the rear gardens, double radiator.

Cinema Room 18' 10" x 17' 8" ( 5.74m x 5.38m )
A fantastic cinema/games room, equipped with ceiling with spotlights, wide PVC double glazed Georgian style windows overlooking the courtyard front gardens, projector screen, exposed stone walls, feature Living Flame electric contemporary fire, surround sound.

Formal Dining Room 20' 2" x 16' 2" ( 6.15m x 4.93m )
An elegant room with an exposed beamed ceiling, PVC Georgian style double glazed window with views across the pretty front courtyard, PVC Georgian style window to rear, double radiator.

Kitchen And Breakfast Room 30' 1" x 14' 9" ( 9.17m x 4.50m )
Well fitted along two sides with an extensive range of stylish and contemporary bespoke floor and eye level units with high gloss doors, panel fronts and chrome handles, Quartz granite work surfaces with island unit and large breakfast bar, integrated Bosch Schott Ceran electric induction hob with a stainless steel canopy style extractor hood with glass surround and lights, two integrated stainless steel sinks with a powerful power jet chrome mixer tap, integrated aeg dishwasher, integrated Hoover wine cooler. Two tall storage larder units, two integrated Bosch fan assisted electric ovens, ceramic tiled floor throughout, space for the housing of two American style fridge freezers, exposed stone inglenook fireplace inset with a log and multifuel cast iron burner with stone hearth, two double radiators, PVC window with side garden aspect, PVC window with front garden aspect, PVC double glazed outer door to front courtyard. LED plinth lights.

Utility Room One 12' 6" x 7' 11" ( 3.81m x 2.41m )
With access to an outer hall with radiator and PVC Georgian style door with access to rear gardens. Well fitted along one side with high gloss contemporary floor and eye level units with chrome handles and solid work surfaces with a ceramic tiled surround, exposed beamed ceiling, radiator, PVC Georgian style window to rear.

Second Downstairs Cloakroom 6' 11" x 3' 7" ( 2.11m x 1.09m )
Suite comprising wall mounted wash hand basin with chrome mixer taps and pop-up waste, W.C., ceramic tiled floor and walls, PVC window to side, radiator.

Utility Room Two 8' 6" x 4' 5" ( 2.59m x 1.35m )
Approached from the kitchen, fitted along two sides with high gloss contemporary and stylish floor and eye level units with laminate work surfaces and chrome handles, incorporating a modern sink with mixer taps, vegetable cleaner, space with plumbing for an automatic washing machine, space for the housing of a tumble drier, space for the housing of a low level fridge, ceramic tiled floor and walls, ceiling with spotlights.

Sitting Room 19' 11" x 13' 6" ( 6.07m x 4.11m )
A stunning room with solid oak floor and exposed beamed ceilings, PVC double glazed Georgian style french doors opening on to the rear gardens, further double glazed Georgian style window overlooking the front courtyard gardens, square opening leading to...........

Sun Lounge 16' 3" x 15' maximum ( 4.95m x 4.57m maximum )
A large and versatile sun lounge conservatory, inset with a solid wood floor, cavity brick outer plinth walls surmounted by PVC double glazed Georgian style windows, inset with PVC french doors opening onto a block paved courtyard front garden, double radiator, standard ceiling with spotlights.

First Floor Landing
Three PVC double glazed Georgian style windows with rear aspect, spindle balustrade landing, exposed beamed ceiling.

Master Bedroom One 19' 10" x 15' 5" ( 6.05m x 4.70m )
Gracious room with an exposed beamed ceiling, elegant coloured leaded glass hexagon shaped window with side aspect, two further PVC Georgian style double glazed windows with front and rear aspect, double radiator.

Ensuite Shower Room 7' 2" x 4' 3" ( 2.18m x 1.30m )
White suite with walls largely ceramic tiled, ceramic tiled floor, shaped pedestal wash hand basin, W.C., separate ceramic tiled shower cubicle with Mira shower unit and glass shower door. Radiator, PVC double glazed Georgian window to front, beamed ceiling with spotlights.

Walk-In Wardrobe 7' 2" x 5' 5" ( 2.18m x 1.65m )
An extensive hanging and storage space, electric light.

Bedroom Two 16' 7" x 16' 3" ( 5.05m x 4.95m )
A large impressive bedroom with an exposed beamed ceiling, double radiator, PVC Georgian style double glazed window with pleasing front aspect across the courtyard gardens and towards adjacent fields.

Ensuite Shower Room 7' 1" x 4' 3" ( 2.16m x 1.30m )
Modern white Ideal standard suite with ceramic tiled floor and ceramic tiled walls, comprising shaped pedestal wash hand basin, corner shaped corner ceramic tiled cubicle with Mira shower unit and shaped clear glass sliding doors and screen, radiator, PVC Georgian style double glazed window to front, beamed ceiling with spotlights.

Ensuite Dressing Room/wardrobe 7' 2" x 5' 6" ( 2.18m x 1.68m )
With extensive hanging space and shelving, together with a small access leading to the roof space, electric ceiling light.

Bedroom Three 15' 9" x 12' 6" ( 4.80m x 3.81m )
A charming room, equipped with three Velux double glazed windows, three further PVC Georgian style side windows overlooking a side garden with pergola, ceiling with spotlights, double radiator.

First Floor Landing Continued
Built-in linen cupboard and a further built-in full height airing cupboard with copper hot water factory insulated tank. Two further PVC Georgian style windows overlooking front courtyard, radiator, part beamed ceiling with spotlights.

Ensuite Shower Room 10' 11" x 6' 2" ( 3.33m x 1.88m )
Stylish modern recently installed suite with limestone style ceramic tiled floor and walls, comprising double size shower with contemporary Mira shower unit and clear glass sliding doors, chrome fittings, shaped wash hand basin with a contemporary built out vanity unit, mixer taps and pop-up waste, W.C. With concealed cistern, double radiator, PVC Georgian style window to side, ceiling with spotlights, built-in bathroom full height cabinet, hardwood panelled outer door leading to second staircase providing direct access to the kitchen and breakfast room.

Built-In Wardobe 12' 6" x 3' 10" ( 3.81m x 1.17m )
Approached via double doors with leaded lights and brass handles, extensive hanging space and shelving.

Bedroom Four 18' 5" x 10' 6" ( 5.61m x 3.20m )
With an elegant hexagon shaped PVC double glazed leaded coloured glass front window, further PVC Georgian style double glazed window with front garden and courtyard aspect, double radiator.

Ensuite Shower Room 7' 8" x 6' 9" ( 2.34m x 2.06m )
Modern white suite with ceramic tiled walls, comprising shaped pedestal wash hand basin, low level W.C., separate ceramic tiled shower cubicle with New Team 3000 shower unit and glass shower door, PVC Georgian style window to side, radiator.

Walk-In Wardrobe/dressing Room 7' 8" x 6' 7" ( 2.34m x 2.01m )
A good size, fitted with extensive shelving and hanging space, electric light.

Family Bathroom 16' 8" x 7' 10" ( 5.08m x 2.39m )
A most impressive white Period style suite with ceramic tiled walls and exposed beamed high atrium style ceiling with spotlights, comprising a free standing roll top bath with gold effect mixer taps and mixer shower fitment, W.C. With hardwood toilet seat and china handle, large shaped pedestal wash hand basin, double radiator, PVC Georgian style window to rear, PVC Georgian style window to side.

Private Entrance Drive
Approached via private gates with side pillars and leading to a long sweeping entrance drive that leads into the front garden and continues to a large block paved turning area with parking for several vehicles and equipped with outside lights and water tap.

Double Carport 20' 11" x 20' 5" ( 6.38m x 6.22m )
Electric power and light.

Double Garage 22' 1" x 20' 10" ( 6.73m x 6.35m )
Approached via electronically controlled fob operated roller double width door. Electric power and light.

Home Office 14' 5" x 14' ( 4.39m x 4.27m )
Fully equipped private detached from the main house home office, independently approached from the courtyard via a PVC double glazed door with side screen window, extensive power points and light fitments, outer hall leading to downstairs cloakroom with W.C. And wash hand basin, plus additional PVC outer door.

Store Room

Hot Tub
Fully operational hot tub with a timber trellis surround with timber pitched roof.

Outdoor Swimming Pool
Large fully heated electrically powered outdoor swimming pool with cover and decked side sun terrace, bordered with timber garden seats and outside lighting. Approximate depth 1.8 meters continuos.

Breeze House
Open fronted breeze house with space for patio table and chairs beneath a rosemary tiled roof with timber outer pillars

Decked Sun Terrace
Large decked sun terrace inset with a summer house/storeroom, detached and fully equipped with electric power and light, edged with outside lights and trellising for full privacy.

Outside Lawn
Large main lawn, edged with high grown conifer trees and garden trees to afford maximum privacy and security.

Enclosed Garden
There is a further enclosed garden which could be turned into a menage or small paddock, currently with hard concrete flooring but bordered with outside walls to afford privacy and security.

2016 Travel Lite 625 Super Lite Review

Read article : 2016 Travel Lite 625 Super Lite Review 

370 Shares

TCM reviews the half-ton targeted 2016 Travel Lite 625, a short or long bed hard side, non-slide, non-bath truck camper.  Can a camper small enough to fit inside a short bed tailgate actually be worth owning? According to Dustin Johns, President of Travel Lite, the reasons for building the 2016 Travel Lite 625 called him on the phone constantly.  When the625 debuted in Truck Camper Magazine in June of 2015, Dustin explained, “Our customers and dealers have wanted a half-ton short bed camper that would allow the tailgate to be kept up, offer plenty of interior room, and feature basic amenities including a stove, sink, and refrigerator.  I was asked to build this camper many, many times.”

Above: The Travel Lite 625 at D&H RV Center in Apex, North Carolina

From the repeated requests, the Travel Lite team designed a hard side truck camper that would fit inside of a 6.5-foot short bed truck with the tailgate closed.  Keeping the camper inside the tailgate would allow for towing without an extension hitch and provide the best possible turning radius for the rig.  Once lowered, the tailgate could then become a small deck for sitting or gear.

Perhaps the Travel Lite 625’s most impressive trick is its ability to work with short and long bed half-ton trucks.  It looks a bit odd mounted on a long bed, but the two feet of bonus truck bed storage is perfect for toys, gear, and water containers.

To keep the weight down, Travel Lite used the materials, construction approach, and design concepts of their best-selling 770 Super Lite model.  The 625 features the same overall profile, kiln-dried Banak wood from South America, and cabinetry netting as the 770.  Further eliminating weight, the 625 was designed without a bathroom, black tank, or grey tank.

Dustin reported the initial dry weight of the 625 at 1,285 pounds and gave the camper a $10,495 MSRP with standard build options; refrigerator, sink, stove, fresh water tank, converter, and manual Rieco-Titan jacks.  Clearly Dustin was looking to put a sizable dent in the half-ton truck camper marketplace.

Of course the path to half-ton truck camper paradise is paved with good intention truck camper designs that never caught on.  These campers were usually too heavy, too expensive, or too small to become a consistent seller in the marketplace.

The question is, will the Travel Lite 625 break through where so many others have failed, or end up in the half-ton truck camper bin of history?  It’s time to put the 625 under the microscope.

We photographed the 2016 Travel Lite 625 seen in this review at D&H RV Center in Apex, North Carolina.

Floor Plan Evaluation

As seems to be the trend of late, the Travel Lite 625 is infused with the ideas and lessons of the past five decades of truck camper design.  This is not a fancy SolidWorks modeled multi-slide with intricate cuts and exotic amenities.  You’ll find no CNC-routed curves or luxury appliances here.

What you will find is an firmly old-school, pencil-to-paper, saw-to-wood truck camper design that shoe-horns an impressive amount comfort and utility into a short bed half-ton compatible truck camper.  Shut the tailgate and that’s exactly what Travel Lite’s dealers and customers asked for.  As the saying goes, give them what they want.

Above: The large 4-foot sliding dinette window brings in a ton of light

Stepping into the 625, the careful design decisions are everywhere.  The main living space feels open and spacious with plenty of light from a dual-window entry door, two large windows in the dinette, and a cabover side window.  Kitchen and dinette cabinetry and storage are readily available and the overall level of materials feels solid and durable.

While we didn’t take precise measurements, it appears that half of the available kitchen counter top is taken up by the single-basin sink and two-burner cooktop.

The flip-up counter helps by adding about 25-percent more counter space, but it’s still a tight set-up for preparing anything other than the basics.

To put this into perspective, Angela and I are connoisseurs of culinary basics on the road.  Our coffee, tea, one-pot-meals, and endless PB&J sandwich preparations would all work fine between this kitchen set-up and dinette table.  Now our laptop-to-laptop work requirements would be seriously challenged, but that’s another topic.

The U-shape dinette in the 625 was designed to accommodate three to four adults (if they’re very good friends) around the table for meals, conversation, and cards.  In reality, the dinette seating, table, and available leg area is best for two adults.  With just two, there’s plenty of floor space for legs and feet underneath, and ample table room for two plates of food, and drinks.

If this were our camper, we would want a larger table, and a more stable table leg and/or wall attachment system.  There’s nothing worse at a restaurant than a table that moves when you put your dinner plate or elbow on it.  With a single post, this table is fairly stable, but requires care not to bump it.  Naturally, one table leg is less weight than two, and a smaller table weighs less than a bigger one.  Compromises, compromises.

Above: The table and table leg are easy to remove for more room, or to make the dinette into a bed

Above: The porta-potti has a convenient storage compartment under the dinette

The dinette quickly makes into a 6-foot bed with the provided cushions.  This makes the 625 an ideal choice for the hunter or fisherman who wants to bring a friend for a weekend trip to that remote hunting ground or fish camp.

Above: The dinette makes into a 6-foot long bed

On the rear wall, the 625 features a 110-volt outlet and the thermostat.  While I don’t foresee this unit connected to shore power often, this outlet will be vital for charging computers, phones, and cameras while hooked up to AC or a portable generator.

Above: Standard on the 625 is a two-cubic foot refrigerator, which can be upgraded to the three-cubic foot size shown

The three-cubic foot, three-way refrigerator is ample for a camper this size.  In the past, campers targeting the short bed half-ton size and weight came primarily with ice boxes if they had cold-food provisions at all.  Having an actual three-cubic foot, three-way refrigerator is quite a luxury in this weight category and price.

Just below the refrigerator is a cabinet dedicated to a sealed enclosure for the 625’s single battery.  When I opened this cabinet, I was hoping to see storage, and found myself disappointed that this space was almost completely used.

I would look into moving this battery elsewhere.  My favorite go-to battery moving product is the Torklift International Hidden Power that places a battery inside a protected and sealed box under your truck.  With this modification, you could recapture this valuable storage space without losing the house battery.

Another option is changing to sealed AGM battery in this location.  You won’t gain your storage back, but you’ll likely gain more amp hours.  Then again, a bigger battery adds cost and weight.  When designing a camper for a half-ton short bed, trade-offs abound.

To the right of the refrigerator and battery cabinet is a large two-section cabinet and pull-out drawer.  With its immediate proximity to the kitchen and dinette, the drawer will likely be used for silverware, cooking utensils, and other kitchen items.

The large two-section cabinet is open season.  Some will use it for dry food, pots, and pans, while others will store clothing and camping gear.  We would at least attempt to use the cabinet over the sink for all dry food, cups, and plates, and use this space for a limited number of pots and pans, and then clothing and camping gear.  In truck camping, less is more.  In truck camping in a small camper, even less is even more.

Below the pull-out drawer is where you’ll find the stereo system, power converter, and fuse panel.  Having the stereo system and fuse panel easy to reach mid-ship makes sense.

The opening into the cabover is wide open and inviting with white-color LED lights perfectly placed for general lighting and reading.

Above: The cabover ceiling has a 110-volt outlet and provisions to add a 12-volt television

On the other hand, there’s not a single cabinet for clothing in the cabover.  Not one.  There is however a main LED area light, two smaller reading lights, a 110-volt outlet, and provisions to add a 12-volt television.  No cabover muss.  No cabover fuss.  That’s it.

 
Above: The overcab bed on the passenger’s side (left photo) the driver’s side (right photo)

In practice, I expect most folks will bring duffel bags for their clothing and keep the bags in the cabover when they’re not sleeping.  Duffel bags (or whatever cloth based luggage you prefer) are light weight and highly portable, especially compared to standard wood cabinetry.  Unless you just have to have your clothing folded up and put away, duffel bags make a lot of sense in a small camper like the 625.

Specifications

Specifications
Dry Weight	1,285 pounds
Wet Weight*	1,755 pounds
Floor Length	6’2″
Overall Length	10’10”
Width	78″
Interior Height	6’6″
Exterior Height	7’0″
Center of Gravity	29″
Truck Type	Long or Short Bed

At 1,285 pounds dry, the Travel Lite 625 is not the lightest weight hard side truck camper on the market, but it’s in the ballpark.

Travel Lite offers a range of options for the 625 including a solar panel system, electric remote-controlled Rieco-Titan jacks, roof rack, ladder, and an awning.

Above: Rieco-Titan manual jacks, cable television connection, shower power connection, and 110-volt outlet

Unfortunately, you could quickly defeat the concept of the light weight 625 if you add a lot of options.  Just the above mentioned list could add 150 pounds, or more.  In a camper where the design team opted for cabinet netting instead of cabinet doors, that doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Above: The Travel Lite 625 is 78-inches wide and 7-feet, 4-inches tall on the exterior

The 78-inch width of the Travel Lite 625 is 14-inches narrower than Travel Lite’s mid-size truck campers and 17-inches narrower than their largest models.  Obviously, every additional inch in length, width, and height on a truck camper adds weight.  For a camper targeting short-bed half-ton trucks, the 78-inch width strikes a good balance between interior space, and weight.

Above: The ceiling in the 625 is full height at 6.5 feet

One aspect of the 625 design that’s full-size is the interior height.  At 6.5 feet, standing in the Travel Lite is like standing in a much larger truck camper.  There’s plenty of headroom, even for tall folks like me.  That headroom helps give the 625 its roomy feel.

Above: The Travel Lite 625 on a long bed truck, photo courtesy of Travel Lite Campers

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the 625 is its long bed compatibility.  Mounted on a long bed truck, the 625 looks fairly ridiculous as it locates the unit two-feet inside of the truck bed.  To say this is an unusual rig aesthetic would be an understatement.  For many – us included – the immediate reaction was, “What the heck is Travel Lite thinking?”

long bed truck" width="800" height="539" />

Above: The Travel Lite 625 on a long bed truck, photo courtesy of Travel Lite Campers

Well, Travel Lite was thinking that the 625 is compatible with the widest possible number of truck bed lengths and payload capacities.  In short (no pun intended) the 625 is compatible with many half-ton trucks, all three-quarter and one-ton trucks, and works equally well with short bed or long beds.  Does it look funny on a long bed?  Absolutely!  But very few hard side truck campers have this kind of truck compatibility.

short bed tailgate closed" width="800" height="556" />

Above: The 625 on a short bed truck with the tail gate closed, photo courtesy of Travel Lite Campers

And we must recognize the point that mounting the 625 on a long bed allows for the remaining two-feet of bed space to be available for whatever the owner wants it for; bikes, water, gear, you name it.

Capacities

Capacities
Fresh	9 gallons
Grey	N/A
Black	N/A
Water Heater	6 gallons
Propane Tanks	20 pounds
Batteries	Optional

With nine gallons of fresh water, no grey tank, no black tank, and no inside bathroom, there’s not much to talk on the subject of the 625’s holding tanks.  Since you’ll likely only be using the fresh tank to wash hands, wash dishes, and brush teeth, the nine gallons could last upwards of a week, or more.

If you plan to scare the bears and use the outside shower, the nine gallons may only last you a couple days.

city water connection" width="800" height="534" />

Speaking of bears, I can hardly believe Travel Lite included a city water connection for the 650, but they did.  Without an inside shower, I can barely find a reason for this.  Maybe so those who enjoy flashing the wildlife take extended outside showers?  Hide your eyes Mother Nature.  Nothing to see here.

The single vertical 20-pound propane tank is absolutely perfect for the 625.  Not only are vertical tanks exchangeable at nearly every Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, and gas station from coast-to-coast, but a 20-pound capacity should last a long time in a camper this size, unless you’re camping in the seriously cold.

When camping with a single tank you always need to keep tabs on your usage.  When that tank runs out, there’s no second tank to change to.  If we had one tank, I would fill it long before empty, just like putting fuel in the truck.

Travel Lite lists the battery as optional on the 625.  You could connect the 625 to your truck’s battery and gain the space we talked about earlier, but that would not be our recommendation.  All it takes is one night of running the furnace in cold weather and you could be stranded with a dead truck battery.  Whether you get the built-in battery Travel Lite provides, or another battery storage solution, we definitely recommend a house camper battery.

Wet Weight Calculation

Using the standardized Truck Camper Magazine wet weight calculation, let’s run the numbers on the Travel Lite 625.

Base Dry Weight, plus single battery option

Travel Lite 625: dry weight, 1,285 pounds + 9 gallons fresh, 75.1 pounds + one battery, 65 pounds + 20-pound full propane tank, 20 pounds + stuff, 500 pounds = 1,945.1 pounds

Since we don’t foresee or recommend many options being added to the 625, we’re not going to run an optioned wet weight calculation.  As it is, the final wet weight of 1,945.1 pounds may shock some folks.

500 pounds of that weight is the standardized “stuff weight” that we add to each and every wet weight calculation in Truck Camper Magazine.  In a small camper with limited storage like the 625, 500 pounds of stuff weight is likely more than required.  If we subtract half of this stuff weight, we get a more realistic 1,695.1 pounds.

Truck Recommendations

To remain conservative, we are going to match the 625 with a 1,695.1 pound wet weight (250 pounds of stuff).  This may still be high, but we always play it safe when it comes to truck and camper matching.

For those who haven’t looked at too many payload stickers, it may come as a surprise to learn that many half-ton trucks don’t have 1,695.1 pounds of payload.  Many older half-ton trucks, or trucks with fancy packages and long option lists, have considerably less.  Do not assume that any half-ton truck has this kind of payload.  It might, but it might not.

That said, it would be a cinch to either locate or order a half-ton truck with 1,695.1 pounds of payload, or better.  If you approached your preferred local dealer and said, “I need no less than 1,700 pounds of payload in a half-ton truck” they should be able to work out the specifications you require, and locate or order the right truck without trouble.

You could also take those same specifications and find a used half-ton with enough payload.  New or used, always check the actual payload sticker (the yellow sticker inside the driver’s side door) on the actual truck before making a purchase.

If you are purchasing a new or new-to-you truck, it’s also worth considering buying even more truck.  Two years from now you may want a bigger camper.  Why not buy the right truck for that bigger camper now?  In trucks, you often don’t pay that much more to get a lot more payload.

The Verdict

Some truck campers are designed to wow the senses.  You walk in and they have a dance floor of interior space, a dinette ready for six, a refrigerator that could swallow a beer keg, and storage that could empty your attic.  You know you’re in one of these campers when the HDTV is almost as big as the one you have at home, and there’s a fireplace underneath it (almost kidding).

Where these campers “wow the senses”, the Travel Lite 625 “wows with common sense”.  From the very concept of the unit, to the way the camper was designed and built, everything about the 625 is a carefully considered compromise to create a hard-side unit that’s truly half-ton compatible.

Judged from this perspective, the 2016 Travel Lite 625 is a roaring success.  Yes, it’s chock full of compromises compared to the “wow the senses” models, but these compromises were the right ones to make the half-ton targeted size and weight.  The form, function, and comfort this camper offers half-ton truck owners – especially for the price – is very impressive.

In short, Travel Lite has built a truly half-ton compatible truck camper that’s worth owning.  Yes, you will still have to run the numbers to make sure the 625 will match your half-ton truck, but the chances are very high that it will.

If you’re in the half-ton truck camper market, and can live with the 625 list of compromises (tight kitchen, no bathroom, no grey tank, no cabover storage, etc.), this camper deserves to be on your list.  With the 625, Travel Lite has a serious half-ton ready contender.

Pros
Low weight and forward COG maximizes half-ton potential
Short and long bed truck ready
Tailgate closes on a 6.5-foot short bed truck
Excellent sense of interior space for a small camper
Good amount of kitchen and dinette area storage
Dinette makes into a 6-foot bed

Cons
Very tight kitchen area
Very limited 9-gallon fresh tank, no grey, no black
No bathroom, but features a porta-potti cabinet
Extremely tight kitchen counter space, but extension helps
Optional single battery takes up valuable interior storage
No storage in the cabover – pack your duffels

Model Information
2016 Travel Lite 625
MSRP: $10,495
Warranty: 1 year from time of purchase

Travel Lite, Inc.
71913 Country Road 23
New Paris, IN 46553

Phone: 574-831-3000
Request A Travel Lite 625 Brochure
Web: TravelLiteCampers.com

Quality, Customer Service, and Long-Term Reliability

Truck Camper Magazine inspects all reviewed truck campers for design, material, and quality issues and reports what we find.  However, since Truck Camper Magazine reviews only brand new truck campers, our reviews do not address long-term quality, customer service, or reliability.

To learn about a brand’s long-term quality, customer service, and reliability, Truck Camper Magazine recommends talking directly with truck camper owners at truck camper rallies and online via truck camper forums and truck camper owners groups.

Please be sure to balance your gathered feedback across multiple sources including direct correspondence with the truck camper manufacturers and your closest truck camper dealers.

If you are new to truck campers, start here.

Recommended for you