Hybrid camper and Tacoma

I don't have a Tacoma or a hybrid yet, but that's why I've scoured this forum for weeks. I'm in need of another truck and really want to go the Taco route; DCLB 4WD TRD sport is what's on the agenda. We also want to get into a camper so I'm thinking a Rockwood Roo 183 or 19; I want to keep the total trailer weight around 5K or less - just looking for dry beds and a potty for the girls. I've read time and again, the truck will be fine but I'm still hesitant. Most trips are going to be within 150 miles and no major mountain ranges (NC, SC, TN).
I hate to buy Ford, won't buy another GM (currently have a 1500CC Z71, Dodge is out and not too keen on a Tundra).
First - will the truck be OK with that camper set up?
Two - Anyone have any feedback on the Roo hybrids (or others for that matter)?

Thanks in advance

 

I have an '07 Access Cab that I use to tow a 2010 Rockwood Roo 19'. Loaded up with gear, food, and dogs, I'm probably around 4,500 lbs. I towed it to Big South Fork a few weeks ago and to Lake Lanier last week and I had no problems. Just down shift into 3rd or 4th up hills if you're getting a manual. It pulls it fine on the interstates but don't expect to use 6th gear.

Edit: Just be aware on the hybrids, the AC will work extra to cool the tent ends down. Ours froze up last weekend. Took 10 minutes to thaw it out (no big deal). If you get a hybrid, check out the PopUp Gizmos. They are made in Texas. They go over the tent ends to help cool in the summer and heat in the winter. Pretty cheap too. I actually haven't bought any yet but people swear by them.

 

Brian I purchased this 17ft. Casita. It's all fiberglass and very lightweight, around 2300lbs. They are built to order and have 3 different sizes, 13ft, 16ft. and 17ft. The 17's have a full bath. They seem to hold their value because i was looking to purchase a used one but for a couple grand more i was able to order a new one. What i like no roof seems that need chaulking, no canvas, easy to clean and low maintance. My 3.4L v6 taco tows it very easily. When i contacted Casita for a brochure and price list i was lucky to order mine when they had a sale so i paid $16,400 instead of the advertised price of $19k. They offer different models with different floor plans. It's just me, my wife and our 2 dogs so this is a good fit for our needs.

 

Brian were coming down to your neck of the woods next week to do some camping at Myrtle Beach.

 

Dave, really like your Casita! Very nice.

 

Cypherian nice camper. I looked at the Escapes before ordering my Casita but they were priced a little out of my budget and are heavier compared to the Casitas. Weight was a big factor in my decision, i love my 1st gen taco! Did you buy yours new? I read somewhere online that you had to meet at the U.S./Canada border to take delivery of the Escapes, is that true? I had to drive to the manufacture in Texas to take delivery of my Casita. Picked it up this past St. Patty's day.

 

Escape will deliver

 

OZ-T yea i know Escape will deliver into the states but from what i've read that if you wanted to pick it up you would have to, for some reason, meet at the border. Casita would have delivered also but at a extra cost of course. My wife and i wanted to go thru the factory tour and we wanted the orientation of the camper and it's features. We love road trips anyway.

 

Oh , interesting

Well the Escape plant is in Chilliwack which is basically right this side of tge border

 

About 20 minutes from my house. I looked at one before buying my Kamparoo, they are definitely nice but as stated above. Lots of money.

 

I'm looking at an Escape 17B

 

I know , I had to stop looking at that forum , it was making me pissed off , lol

 

I'll have to check it out

 

Cypherian I like the casita because the interior is all 1 piece fiberglass with only wooden doors. If i remember correctly the interior cabinets are all wood in the Escapes. I see your also located in the mid-atlantic, i'm in Baltimore. I think your idea of a east coast camping trip would be great. It would be nice to meet and camp with some TW members.

 

I have a 21' Escape on order, which will be ready in December. As stated above, if you want to pick it up, the transfer for US customers in done in Washington to avoid Canadian taxes. They can also deliver to points in the US, for a fee of course.

 

That's a good deal

 

What was this thread about? OP you will be fine towing a hybrid. I towed a 19 footer (pics in my gallery) with a Honda Ridgeline on a 2200 mile trip, lot's of mountains. It's power is about the same as the Tacoma. My longest trip with the Tacoma was 380 miles. I liked the Tacoma better than the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline hunted constantly and the Tacoma doesn't. Get a weight distributing hitch. I drove 65mph and got 10.5mpg.

 

We you using the tow mode in the Ridgeline?

 

The Ridgeline I had, 2005, didn't have tow mode. Trans shifter had 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and D. There was a button on the shift lever when depressed put it in 3rd. So there was no way to control between 4th and 5th. The manual stated if the trans hunts to change your speed, but that didn't help. When I questioned the dealer service dept. about it the service tech who was at first real friendly at first said he would go ask about it. When he came back he was stone faced and only stated "Honda doesn't recommend towing in 5th gear" at that point he just walked away and refused discuss it further. Just before I bought the Tacoma I check the 2011 Ridgelines and nothing had changed.

 

My 2011 Ridgeline had a tow mode that worked well. I went with a Tacoma to get the 6,400 lb towing capacity vs the 5,000 lb for the Ridgeline.