Aliner Ascape
Ultralight Travel Trailers

Aliner’s Ascape Grand ST model offers features typically not seen in small, travel trailers. Ultra lightweight, towable by popular SUVs, it provides functionality and comfort...

         For almost 40 years, Aliner has been associated with the ingenious concept of A-Frame travel trailers. It’s an undisputed fact that these iconic campers combine the best of 3 worlds, mainly:

• Low towing profile (folding walls),
• Good weather protection (hard walls instead of canvas)
• Decent Interior headroom and space (hard-wall dormers)

It seems, however, that the undisputed success of A-Frame campers overshadowed Aliner’s other interesting design known under the name ASCAPE.

Aliner's Grand Ascape ST Travel Trailer (above), and its layout (below)

         What is even more interesting, the Ascape travel trailer is not a new concept – its first models were already manufactured in the early 2010’s but then for some reason, their production was suspended. Fortunately, recently the company reversed its decision, and upgraded models of Ascape are back on the market.
Ascape comes in two versions: Grand Ascape Plus and Grand Ascape ST. They share the same footprint and interior layout, however, the model ST includes the wet bath (Shower & Toilet, hence the name ST) while the model Plus comes with the toilet and exterior shower.

Grand Ascape ST: Rear side view (Source: The RV Guys (US))

Ascape ST: Construction

         Accustomed to the shape of A-frame campers, we may be surprised by the shape of Ascape campers. The best description of the shell seems to be a “Half-Teardrop” with a traditional, rounded aerodynamic front and a sharp cut in the middle. As a result – the typical teardrop’s side doors are replaced by large windows, while the entrance is located at the rear side.
The Ascape’s shell is built using Aliner’s proven technology in A-Frame campers. The structure is made from Azdel panels (a sandwich of composite sheets and insulation) covered by a layer of fiberglass (exterior walls) and 0.3” thick aluminum skin (roof). The only exception from the wood-free technology is the floor made from 0.5” thick plywood protected by a laminated Azdel. The shell is sitting on a tubular, E-coated steel frame welded in a computer-controlled process.

Azdel: blend of polypropylene and fiberglass to create a strong, lightweight, weather and temperature resistant, and environmentally friendly wall that will increase the life of your RV. Source: Azdel Onboard

       It's worth noting that the floor level is “dropped” to increase interior headroom over a large part of the rear side of the camper to 6’4” (impressive for this class of campers). However, this implies the trailer’s smaller ground clearance (another limiting factor is under the tongue-mounted spare wheel). While this excludes the Ascape from extreme off-road journeys, the moderate off-road environment is still within the capabilities of the camper.

Grand Ascape ST: Large Plastform, Acrylic 2-pane windows (Source: The RV Guys (US))

Grand Ascape ST: Here fully opened window. Source: "Best Small Travel Trailers Under $20K with Bathroom and Shower" by Minds Eye Design, YT Channel)

       Ascape’s windows are another novelty. These Plastform, Acrylic, double-pane windows with built-in screens and shades open upward creating this way an “umbrella” protecting from rain. The opening span can be controlled from a minimum (offering some level of ventilation but with the security of a “locked window”) to a full (about 80 degrees) angle.

Interior
       Initially, most small, ultralight travel trailers were designed as a “Next step up” from a tent-based camping. It means they provide weather-protected, almost ready-to-use shelter that can be towed by popular SUV (family) cars. Well, “things” changed, and while these days we better understand the true meaning of “Small is Beautiful”, our appetite for “decent” comfort is ceaselessly growing. In this sense, the Ascape Grand ST is Aliner’s approach to meet these requirements.
Frankly, it’s not an easy task to offer Functionality and Coziness in the very limited physical space of the trailer. With its dry weight of just 1,650 lbs (within a towing range of many popular cars) and cabin dimensions of 12ft L x 75” W with 6ft4” headroom over the large rear section, Aliner’s designers proved that what some time ago seemed to be impossible, can be doable.

Grand Ascape ST: View from the entrance door (Source: The RV Guys (US))

Grand Ascape ST: Galley (Source: thervguys.us)

          With an entrance on the rear wall, the interior is stuffed along the walls with features that make the trailer quite comfortable away from home. The kitchen offers a 2-burner cooktop, deep stainless-steel sink w/folding faucet, 3-way, 3 cu. ft refrigerator w/freezer, built-in microwave, and (it’s true) - quite limited storage space (floor-level cabinet with deep drawer and shelf, as well as an overhead cabinet. Thanks to the flush-mounted cooktop and sink with glass lids, the countertop can be used as a working space. However, if necessary, the U-shaped dinette at the camper’s front offers a removable table that can be also used for food preparation.
The mentioned earlier 6 ft 4” headroom over about half of the cabin’s length makes the kitchen area a comfortable culinary working space.

Grand Ascape ST: Spacious U-shaped dinette converts to equally spacious bed. (Source: thervguys.us)

          The wet bath on the opposite wall also takes advantage of the generous headroom. The cabin with mat glass doors provides what is truly needed (especially in tight spaces) – the Privacy! Both – the kitchen and shower (also including an extra external shower) are fed by Hot & Cold water thanks to 6 gallons, porcelain-lined DSI Suburban unit. The 13-gallon fresh water tank and 26-gallon grey water tank should provide reasonable water autonomy. Note, that the Ascape is equipped with a cassette toilet (Thetford model), so there is no black-water tank.
Probably on campgrounds, for understandable reasons (no headaches with water tanks and cassette), most RV-ers will use the public utilities. However, both, a well-equipped kitchen and private wet bath will certainly encourage many RV-ers to go for off-grid journeys.

Grand Ascape ST: Wet bath cabin (Source: thervguys.us)

Grand Ascape ST: Wet bath cabin inside - cassette toilet and shower (Source: thervguys.us)

          The manufacturer made good “steps” towards such adventures. The Ascape trailer comes with a standard roof-mounted 50W solar panel and pre-wired solar installation w/exterior ZAMP receptacle, for connecting portable solar panels. The battery is not part of the standard features, but it has its dedicated place on the tongue, so, the low-voltage installation is almost ready for use.
The Ascape comes with thermal insulation (including dual-pane windows). However, it is not an all-seasons trailer, but rather an “Extended Seasons” one. The 18k BTU Atwood furnace will easily keep the interior at comfortable temperatures during colder days. And, similarly, the roof-mounted low profile 9.2k BTU A/C unit will create comfortable interior temperatures on hot days. The only requirements are:

• Availability of LPG (probably easy thanks to 2 x 20 lbs tanks w/auto changeover)
• Access to the grid (shore power). The available solar power and 1 battery cannot feed traditionally power-hungry A/C.

Note: at temperatures below the freezing point, the water system (tanks, water pump, water heater, and pipes) will freeze. This will not only put the water system out of use but can also severely damage it!

Grand Ascape ST: Slide-out frame (above) and ready bed (below). Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT, Princess Craft by PJ) 

Dinette/Sleeping Area.
      The U-shaped dinette extends towards the front of the shell. Two spacious benches along the walls face large windows. The third bench across the shell’s nose is of no use for sitting due to overhead cabinets. However, it makes a crucial part of the impressively spacious bed (77” x 72”) when set for the night. Setting up the bed is amazingly easy. You have to remove the table and slide-out frame assemblies from both benches (it’s an effortless, “split-second” process).
Two large windows make this section of the camper bright and “connected” to the surrounding nature which may help to overcome “claustrophobic” feelings typical of tight, closed spaces. The entrance door comes with a window, but it does not have much impact on the mentioned effects. More important are two other features:
The entrance door comes with an independent screen door so it can be kept open (magnetic latch helps to keep the door in the opened position)
6ft long Thule awning across the entrance offers a sun/rain protected zone extending this way “living” section…

Grand Ascape ST: 6ft Thule awning over the entrance (Source: "It's Back! 2023 Aliner Grand Ascape ST!" by Justin Shanholtzer, YT, Beckley's RVs Thurmont).

Storage
      Do not expect miracles, Ascape already offers the “impossible”. In other words - the mentioned kitchen cabinets will not allow you to store a lot of cookware, utensils, tools, and supplies. The additional storage capacity includes overhead shelves along the windows, front cabinets, and the space under the dinette’s front bench. It’s not much, however, keep in mind that you can still pack a substantial amount of cargo into the camper given its available (net) cargo capacity of about 600-to-700 lbs. Nominally it’s 800 lbs, but you have to take into account 2 x 20 lbs for LPG, 11 gallons of fresh water (about 40 lbs), as well as battery and so on….

Grand Ascape ST: Storage under the front bench (Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT, Princess Craft by PJ) 

Bells & Whistles

      It seems that even on an off-grid journey when we want to leave the hectic life behind us, some may not be able to live without the TV. For this reason, the Ascape comes equipped with a 23” TV screen. But having said that I have to admit that when bad weather prevents us from enjoying the beauty and “music” of Mother Nature, waiting for a better time, we may like to turn to a TV  screen. Modern technology (USB, or  YT via Bluetooth from your cell phone) opens countless possibilities, so let it be 😊.

Aesthetics is part of this chapter. To keep it short -  the Ascape comes with trims in one of the following colors: Red, Blue, or Black!

Grand Ascape ST: the 23" flat screen TV w/wiring and cable plug is a standard feature. (Source: thervguys.us)

Author’s Comments: Every small space needs a good ventilation system (keep in mind that our lungs exhale a lot of water (humidity), and this humidity has to be evacuated outdoors to prevent water condensation on the interior walls. The opened windows will certainly do the job, provided we can keep them open for the night (security reasons). A ceiling ventilation system seems to be a better option (especially given the fact that warm air naturally drifts upward).
To be correct - the Ascent trailer has a vent in the bath, but it is small, far from the bed, and behind the typically closed bath door!

Grand Ascape ST: Technical Specifications

1. Highest point (rear side)
2. Corresponds to dry weight.
3. Only 13 gallons for the Model PLUS (due to the lack of a wet-bath)
4. Cassette toilet
5. With auto-changeover

185/80 R13 w/aluminum rims. (Source: "It's Back! 2023 Aliner Grand Ascape ST!" by Justin Shanholtzer, YT, Beckley's RVs Thurmont).

Construction

• Frame: Robotically welded, E-coated tubular steel frame
• Shell: fiberglass exterior walls and 0.3” aluminum roof skin (all Azdel-reinforced),
• Floor: 0.5" Plywood floor with laminated Azdel for underbelly protection
• Windows: Plastoform, Acrylic radiused, Insulated Double Pane windows w/ built-in screen and shade
• Suspension: Dexter 2500lb independent torsion axle
• Brakes: 10” electric
• Wheels: 185/80 R13 w/aluminum rims
• Stabilizers: 4 x manual jacks, tongue jack w/wheel

2-burner stainless-steel cooktop (Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT channel, Princess Craft by PJ) 

Deep, stainless-steel sink (Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT channel, Princess Craft by PJ) 

Interior Features

• U-shaped Dinette convertible to the bed (77” L x 72” W)
• Removable Table/Working space
• Front Under-seat storage
• 3.0 cu. ft. Dometic 3-way refrigerator w/freezer
• 6” deep, flush-mount stainless-steel sink w/ folding faucet
• Flush-mount Suburban 2-burner range-top
• Built-in Microwave
• Range hood w/vent fun
• Kitchen: cabinet w/ drawer, overhead cabinet)
• Open shelves along the walls
• Front cabinetry
• 23" flatscreen TV
• Solid Maple Hard-Wood Cabinet Doors

3 cu. ft , 3-way fridge w/freezer (Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT channel, Princess Craft by PJ) 

Freezer box (Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT channel, Princess Craft by PJ) 

Microwave,  (Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT channel, Princess Craft by PJ) 

Bath

• Wet bath cabin (Enclosed Shower and Toilet)
• Thetford Cassette Toilet
• Ceiling vent

Toilet's cassette is accessible from the outside (rear wall). (Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT channel, Princess Craft by PJ)  

Electrical

• LED exterior running lights.
• Exterior dimmed LED access lights (windows and entrance)
• Interior ceiling/overhead LED lights
• Interior Floor-level lights
• 4 x 110Vac receptacles (kitchen and Front)
• 2 x 110V w/GFCI
• (exterior)
• 4 x USB ports (Kitchen and Front)
• 30 A Shore connection w/detachable power cable
• 50 W front-mounted solar panel
• Zamp® solar plug
• Fuse panel

Fuse Panel is located under the street-side bench. (Source: "It's Back! 2023 Aliner Grand Ascape ST!" by Justin Shanholtzer, YT, Beckley's RVs Thurmont).

"Control Panel" (from the left: Water heater, Water Pump, overhead lights, floor lights and 2 x 110Vac receptacle)  (Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT channel, Princess Craft by PJ) 

Water

• Suburban 6-gallon porcelain lined DSI water heater
• Shurflo Electric Water Pump
• Fresh (11 gals) and grey (2 x 13 gals) water tanks
• Exterior shower (hot & cold water)
• Fresh water inlet
• 2” drain outlet

Water Heater.  (Source: "It's Back! 2023 Aliner Grand Ascape ST!" by Justin Shanholtzer, YT, Beckley's RVs Thurmont).

From the left: Zamp solar, Cable, Fresh water. (Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT channel, Princess Craft by PJ) 

Low-profile, roof-mounted AC (Source: "The Grand Ascape ST | 2023 model", YT channel, Princess Craft by PJ) 

Climate

• Atwood 18k BTU furnace
• Coleman Mach 8 - 9,200 BTU roof-mounted A/C

Grand Ascape ST: Front w/visible diamond plate, spare wheel, 2 x 20 lbs LPG tanks and a place for a battery. (Source: "It's Back! 2023 Aliner Grand Ascape ST!" by Justin Shanholtzer, YT, Beckley's RVs Thurmont).

Exterior Features

• Front diamond plate rock protection
• Rear door w/window, shade, and magnetic latch
• Screen door
• Entrance Handle
• Standard tongue jack w/wheel
• 6’ Thule rear awning

Safety

• Spare wheel
• Fire Extinguisher
• CO and Smoke Detectors

Options

• None (all is standard)

Summary:
        The Ascape Grand ST model offers features typically not seen in small, ultralightweight travel trailers. Towable by popular SUVs (and larger family cars) it offers a lot of “bangs” in a relatively small space. Interestingly, the manufacturer does not offer any options, everything you will see is part of the Ascape standard features. The message is that Aliner designers equipped the camper with “all you may need” on your journey, but no more than is necessary. As a result - there is no physical room for options!

Go back to" --> Best Small Travel Trailers

Note:  Check with the manufacturer and / or authorized RV Dealer for the up-to-date list of features, options as well as latest specifications. These written above may not be accurate and certainly are subject to change by the factory. We are not responsible for any inaccuracy, the above text is provided only for the general information.

This review was written based on publicly available information for the benefits of the community of RV-ers. We do not receive any gratification or financial benefits from RV manufacturers, dealers, and any other promoters of RVs. 

We are NOT involved in sale and/or retail of RVs!

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