4WD
$50 site donor 2025
6 pack Cummins diesel or Ford EcoBoost gasser ...?
Thought for camping folks
- Thread starter CourierDriver
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Originally Posted By: Nickdfresh
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
look in your owner's manual for the limit on towing. from a mechanical standpoint, you are probably fine. from a safety and legal standpoint - the front end is lifted which reduces your steering; and if you ever get in a accident any lawyer would paint this as your fault for exceeding the design limitations for your car.
When I sold boats and trailers we usually found that customers were trying to buy something too big for their tow vehicle - and we would never recommend or endorse that.
No salesman in their right mind is going to con someone into thinking they can tow with an inappropriate vehicle. It's just not worth it...
It happens all the time. Thread after thread on rv.net of folks posting that their salesman said their tow vehicle could tow this or that camper and they find out later that they are way overloaded.
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
look in your owner's manual for the limit on towing. from a mechanical standpoint, you are probably fine. from a safety and legal standpoint - the front end is lifted which reduces your steering; and if you ever get in a accident any lawyer would paint this as your fault for exceeding the design limitations for your car.
When I sold boats and trailers we usually found that customers were trying to buy something too big for their tow vehicle - and we would never recommend or endorse that.
No salesman in their right mind is going to con someone into thinking they can tow with an inappropriate vehicle. It's just not worth it...
It happens all the time. Thread after thread on rv.net of folks posting that their salesman said their tow vehicle could tow this or that camper and they find out later that they are way overloaded.
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Soooo ... is this a no?
?
My wife thought it comical when I had the 8' popup behind my Jetta. Pulled with no problem of course (albeit the manual transmission was a problem which nixed the idea)--camper was probably larger than the car. I thought it comical when I put it behind my Tundra. [It's now replaced by a more appropriate 12' popup.] I think yours is a 6' box? certainly looks smaller than the one I had.
Soooo ... is this a no?
My wife thought it comical when I had the 8' popup behind my Jetta. Pulled with no problem of course (albeit the manual transmission was a problem which nixed the idea)--camper was probably larger than the car. I thought it comical when I put it behind my Tundra. [It's now replaced by a more appropriate 12' popup.] I think yours is a 6' box? certainly looks smaller than the one I had.
Originally Posted By: CourierDriver
If you are looking for a bumper pull camper or just started doing research,,,stop
First: Ask the camper sales folks what they recommend to pull a camper,,,,there are horror stories out there,,,do not assume your 4 cylinder auto will pull a camper and for that matter check out your 6 cylinder ride while your at it,,,do not assume anything..imho
Friend recently got a popup, not sure if it was 10' or 12', but it was headed towards the heavier end. Not a highway though. Got his Sienna outfitted with airbags, as it was fully loaded ride. I was a bit dubious, but hey, if he did his research, it should be good to go, right?
Noticed he now has a Ford Transit van of some sort; he was bragging about how he probably has as much towing capacity as I do now. Hmm. He may very well be right; and I think he's going in the right direction: oversize the tow vehicle, and then one has to worry less.
If you are looking for a bumper pull camper or just started doing research,,,stop
First: Ask the camper sales folks what they recommend to pull a camper,,,,there are horror stories out there,,,do not assume your 4 cylinder auto will pull a camper and for that matter check out your 6 cylinder ride while your at it,,,do not assume anything..imho
Friend recently got a popup, not sure if it was 10' or 12', but it was headed towards the heavier end. Not a highway though. Got his Sienna outfitted with airbags, as it was fully loaded ride. I was a bit dubious, but hey, if he did his research, it should be good to go, right?
Noticed he now has a Ford Transit van of some sort; he was bragging about how he probably has as much towing capacity as I do now. Hmm. He may very well be right; and I think he's going in the right direction: oversize the tow vehicle, and then one has to worry less.
Originally Posted By: supton
oversize the tow vehicle, and then one has to worry less.
Have a bit of reserve in your towing capacity. It's not just pulling, its stopping and handling in turns/curves, or worse braking in turns and curves.
You don't want the tail wagging the dog!
oversize the tow vehicle, and then one has to worry less.
Have a bit of reserve in your towing capacity. It's not just pulling, its stopping and handling in turns/curves, or worse braking in turns and curves.
You don't want the tail wagging the dog!
Here is an example of trailer sway even with a decent tow vehicle. I suspect there was no active sway bar or weight distributing hitch. The additional carry-all added to the back of the trailer plus whats in it added tail weight. Without a good sway control hitch, the air from the front end of the truck being passed started the sway at the back end of the trailer.
Thats why i run an Equal-i-zer hitch with a prodigy brake controller.
The only thing you can do here is quickly reach down and activate the brake controller and engage just the trailer brakes at the first sign of sway. ( assuming they even had a trailer brake controller ).
Thats why i run an Equal-i-zer hitch with a prodigy brake controller.
The only thing you can do here is quickly reach down and activate the brake controller and engage just the trailer brakes at the first sign of sway. ( assuming they even had a trailer brake controller ).
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Originally Posted By: Nickdfresh
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
look in your owner's manual for the limit on towing. from a mechanical standpoint, you are probably fine. from a safety and legal standpoint - the front end is lifted which reduces your steering; and if you ever get in a accident any lawyer would paint this as your fault for exceeding the design limitations for your car.
When I sold boats and trailers we usually found that customers were trying to buy something too big for their tow vehicle - and we would never recommend or endorse that.
No salesman in their right mind is going to con someone into thinking they can tow with an inappropriate vehicle. It's just not worth it...
You're kidding, right? Happens all the time...like the 7000lb "half ton towable" trailer that is actually almost 9000lbs when loaded to actually use, and that puts many half tons (basically, anything but a payload-package F150 or a Mega Cab Ram) over the GVWR from tongue weight!
Worst I saw was about a 25' Mallard bunkhouse being towed by a...Honda CRV.
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
look in your owner's manual for the limit on towing. from a mechanical standpoint, you are probably fine. from a safety and legal standpoint - the front end is lifted which reduces your steering; and if you ever get in a accident any lawyer would paint this as your fault for exceeding the design limitations for your car.
When I sold boats and trailers we usually found that customers were trying to buy something too big for their tow vehicle - and we would never recommend or endorse that.
No salesman in their right mind is going to con someone into thinking they can tow with an inappropriate vehicle. It's just not worth it...
You're kidding, right? Happens all the time...like the 7000lb "half ton towable" trailer that is actually almost 9000lbs when loaded to actually use, and that puts many half tons (basically, anything but a payload-package F150 or a Mega Cab Ram) over the GVWR from tongue weight!
Worst I saw was about a 25' Mallard bunkhouse being towed by a...Honda CRV.
Originally Posted By: supton
My wife thought it comical when I had the 8' popup behind my Jetta. Pulled with no problem of course (albeit the manual transmission was a problem which nixed the idea)--camper was probably larger than the car. I thought it comical when I put it behind my Tundra. [It's now replaced by a more appropriate 12' popup.] I think yours is a 6' box? certainly looks smaller than the one I had. [/quote]
I believe it is a 6' camper. It's the perfect size. I definitely get some looks with it attached to the Focus.
My wife thought it comical when I had the 8' popup behind my Jetta. Pulled with no problem of course (albeit the manual transmission was a problem which nixed the idea)--camper was probably larger than the car. I thought it comical when I put it behind my Tundra. [It's now replaced by a more appropriate 12' popup.] I think yours is a 6' box? certainly looks smaller than the one I had. [/quote]
I believe it is a 6' camper. It's the perfect size. I definitely get some looks with it attached to the Focus.
Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Originally Posted By: Nickdfresh
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
look in your owner's manual for the limit on towing. from a mechanical standpoint, you are probably fine. from a safety and legal standpoint - the front end is lifted which reduces your steering; and if you ever get in a accident any lawyer would paint this as your fault for exceeding the design limitations for your car.
When I sold boats and trailers we usually found that customers were trying to buy something too big for their tow vehicle - and we would never recommend or endorse that.
No salesman in their right mind is going to con someone into thinking they can tow with an inappropriate vehicle. It's just not worth it...
You're kidding, right? Happens all the time...like the 7000lb "half ton towable" trailer that is actually almost 9000lbs when loaded to actually use, and that puts many half tons (basically, anything but a payload-package F150 or a Mega Cab Ram) over the GVWR from tongue weight!
Worst I saw was about a 25' Mallard bunkhouse being towed by a...Honda CRV.
Oh I know it happens all of the time, I know some sales guys and that's one of their biggest considerations, and IDK many that would intentionally screw someone by selling them more than they can tow, but it certainly happens. Sometimes the ratings are wrong, sometimes the typical loads aren't taken into account and the sales guy just screws up. Or it's just a razor-thin borderline...
And sometimes the customer is told very clearly that this isn't a good idea with their current vehicle as they're border and they insist on doing it which is probably the case in the CRV. But intentionally telling people they can tow whatever you're selling is a recipe for lawsuits...
Originally Posted By: Nickdfresh
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
look in your owner's manual for the limit on towing. from a mechanical standpoint, you are probably fine. from a safety and legal standpoint - the front end is lifted which reduces your steering; and if you ever get in a accident any lawyer would paint this as your fault for exceeding the design limitations for your car.
When I sold boats and trailers we usually found that customers were trying to buy something too big for their tow vehicle - and we would never recommend or endorse that.
No salesman in their right mind is going to con someone into thinking they can tow with an inappropriate vehicle. It's just not worth it...
You're kidding, right? Happens all the time...like the 7000lb "half ton towable" trailer that is actually almost 9000lbs when loaded to actually use, and that puts many half tons (basically, anything but a payload-package F150 or a Mega Cab Ram) over the GVWR from tongue weight!
Worst I saw was about a 25' Mallard bunkhouse being towed by a...Honda CRV.
Oh I know it happens all of the time, I know some sales guys and that's one of their biggest considerations, and IDK many that would intentionally screw someone by selling them more than they can tow, but it certainly happens. Sometimes the ratings are wrong, sometimes the typical loads aren't taken into account and the sales guy just screws up. Or it's just a razor-thin borderline...
And sometimes the customer is told very clearly that this isn't a good idea with their current vehicle as they're border and they insist on doing it which is probably the case in the CRV. But intentionally telling people they can tow whatever you're selling is a recipe for lawsuits...
My brother was convinced that his half ton (long frame) van could pull his 27 foot travel trailer. Per specs, it was within the recommended limits. He even had one of those tongue attachments on the hitch to reduce sway.
He is a conservative driver, but had to either brake or swerve just a bit one time on the highway (I believe him when he described it as just a bit). The van and the trailer flipped on its side and skidded to a stop. Luckily he, his wife and three young kids were seat belted and not injured. I ran into someone else with a similar travel trailer this month who was also convinced a half ton tow vehicle would do the trick. He didn't want to hear the story of my brother.
I participate in a boating board. Some on that board believe that you need a one tone dually pickup with diesel to tow a small boat, which is obviously silly. But I am a firm believer that for one of those 20+ foot travel trailers you need something more than a half ton truck or van.
He is a conservative driver, but had to either brake or swerve just a bit one time on the highway (I believe him when he described it as just a bit). The van and the trailer flipped on its side and skidded to a stop. Luckily he, his wife and three young kids were seat belted and not injured. I ran into someone else with a similar travel trailer this month who was also convinced a half ton tow vehicle would do the trick. He didn't want to hear the story of my brother.
I participate in a boating board. Some on that board believe that you need a one tone dually pickup with diesel to tow a small boat, which is obviously silly. But I am a firm believer that for one of those 20+ foot travel trailers you need something more than a half ton truck or van.
I get camping with vehicle and trailer is a hobby. However it seems like a very expensive one unless you buy used camper and have another need for vehicle capable of towing on a daily basis.
I just use home away and air bnb.
I just use home away and air bnb.
Originally Posted By: madRiver
I get camping with vehicle and trailer is a hobby. However it seems like a very expensive one unless you buy used camper and have another need for vehicle capable of towing on a daily basis.
I just use home away and air bnb.
I'm told most of the lessor expensive units are "junk that need constant maintenance" or they'll leak and get water damage and require costly repairs. I don't get it myself, but there is definitely a dedicated following. Some of the Fifth Wheels are gorgeous though...
I get camping with vehicle and trailer is a hobby. However it seems like a very expensive one unless you buy used camper and have another need for vehicle capable of towing on a daily basis.
I just use home away and air bnb.
I'm told most of the lessor expensive units are "junk that need constant maintenance" or they'll leak and get water damage and require costly repairs. I don't get it myself, but there is definitely a dedicated following. Some of the Fifth Wheels are gorgeous though...
I was tempted to find a CL special in the fall. Something older, maybe needing work (minor! not waterlogged garbage), that drove part of the reason I bought my Tundra. There are deals (occasionally) for $5k and down on CL, especially if one is willing to fix up an older camper. I think in the end though the notion of single digit mpg is too much of a turn-off for me--I like the idea but the economics push me more towards the hotel method of travel and vacation.
The Tundra though pulls my 2,000lb unbraked popup with ease. Too bad it never moved this summer.
The Tundra though pulls my 2,000lb unbraked popup with ease. Too bad it never moved this summer.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
So I have been RVing for about 14 years.
My first RV was an 88 Fleetwood Southwind Class A motorhome. 24 feet long 454 Turbo 400 with tons of upgrades. Loved that thing My wife and I went all over in it. Rode like a Cadillac, air bags, Superblue suspension upgrades, headers, cam, electric fans. 38,000 miles all completed by the previous owner. Had this one 5 years. Total cost to purchase was 10,000 dollars. Sold for 5800 dollars.
Then came my son. Sold the motorhome picked up a 1989 GMC 1 ton to tow a 1995 25 foot Fleetwood Prowler 5th Wheel bunkhouse that was 6700 lbs loaded. Did just fine went all over with that one. Had this one 4 years.
Truck cost 3,400 dollars. Trailer cost 3500 dollars. Sold the truck for 1,000 dollars(lots of miles a/c died)
Sold the trailer for 1800 dollars to a friend.
Then my daughter came along. So two kids, their friends the wife and I turned into...
A 2002 4 door long bed 3/4 ton Silverado and 32 foot Keystone passport Bunkhouse bumper pull trailer. Trailer scaled full for 5 days of camping is 7400 lbs. Have no issues towing it. Truck was 12,000 dollars, trailer was 24,900 out the door. The dealer insisted the trailer was half ton towable. It might be but I like having the extra truck when I need it. Most people don't understand what it is like to tow something that big so they are not as considerate as they could be.
Having said all that, have not ever had a bad time camping, yes it can get pricey but my kids love it. Plus a good portion of the time there is no phone, internet or video games. I like that.
Plus I have full hookups at my house and the trailer makes an excellent guest house and...don't laugh
Fortress of solitude...
When I shopped I decided nothing back in 2012 (unless I went big dollars 35,000 or up) was put together as good as my 1995 Prowler. So I went with finding the biggest and lightest trailer I could find. At the time it was my Passport. So far so good, no issues. It has been a blast to own, low maintenance and the kids...well the smile on their faces says it all.
My first RV was an 88 Fleetwood Southwind Class A motorhome. 24 feet long 454 Turbo 400 with tons of upgrades. Loved that thing My wife and I went all over in it. Rode like a Cadillac, air bags, Superblue suspension upgrades, headers, cam, electric fans. 38,000 miles all completed by the previous owner. Had this one 5 years. Total cost to purchase was 10,000 dollars. Sold for 5800 dollars.
Then came my son. Sold the motorhome picked up a 1989 GMC 1 ton to tow a 1995 25 foot Fleetwood Prowler 5th Wheel bunkhouse that was 6700 lbs loaded. Did just fine went all over with that one. Had this one 4 years.
Truck cost 3,400 dollars. Trailer cost 3500 dollars. Sold the truck for 1,000 dollars(lots of miles a/c died)
Sold the trailer for 1800 dollars to a friend.
Then my daughter came along. So two kids, their friends the wife and I turned into...
A 2002 4 door long bed 3/4 ton Silverado and 32 foot Keystone passport Bunkhouse bumper pull trailer. Trailer scaled full for 5 days of camping is 7400 lbs. Have no issues towing it. Truck was 12,000 dollars, trailer was 24,900 out the door. The dealer insisted the trailer was half ton towable. It might be but I like having the extra truck when I need it. Most people don't understand what it is like to tow something that big so they are not as considerate as they could be.
Having said all that, have not ever had a bad time camping, yes it can get pricey but my kids love it. Plus a good portion of the time there is no phone, internet or video games. I like that.
Plus I have full hookups at my house and the trailer makes an excellent guest house and...don't laugh
Fortress of solitude...
When I shopped I decided nothing back in 2012 (unless I went big dollars 35,000 or up) was put together as good as my 1995 Prowler. So I went with finding the biggest and lightest trailer I could find. At the time it was my Passport. So far so good, no issues. It has been a blast to own, low maintenance and the kids...well the smile on their faces says it all.
We camp so we can take the dogs with us.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: spasm3
We camp so we can take the dogs with us.
Truth! Love bringing the fur babies along!
We camp so we can take the dogs with us.
Truth! Love bringing the fur babies along!
Our first camper was a small trail-lite r-vison bantam. 16FT. like this one.
We later bought a jayco 23b hybrid. Bought it new in 2005.
We later bought a jayco 23b hybrid. Bought it new in 2005.
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