The Tacoma Towing Bible

What if I am looking at an Airstream that has a tongue weight of 700lbs dry! Is that even conceivable on my Tacoma???

 

I'm afraid the answer is...

 

You can't do anything to shift the weight to the back of the airstream? I'd hardly think 50 lbs would be a deal breaker...I mean, I'm sure there's safety limits built into the system, and another 50lbs should be within that....

 

Yeah, I am going to look into it further. The other problem - that is dry weight. Now what happens when I load it up.

 

Depends on where the weight is. If you have a 50 gallon water tank in the back behind the axles, for example, that would put around 420lbs toward the back of the trailer.

I'm pretty sure that would make the tongue weight less than 650.


The other think is, could you put things like propane tanks at the back during the trip, then mount up front where they need to be to cook once you get there? Just guessing since I have no idea wtf this tin can you want to tow looks like.

 

It was a Craigslist item, but I called about it. Unfortunately, it isn't available anymore. Oh well - back to shopping...

 

Well that was a f'n waste of time!

 

I know, huh?

 

If you find an Airstream that looks like a decent deal you better be ready to jump on it, they do not last long.

 

Yeah, I'm finding that out the hard way. I think I am going to stick to something simpler (read: cheaper). I am going to start looking at the Jayco trailers now...

 

Look at the KZ Spree line as well. Easily towed with the Tacoma. I have a KZ JAG which has been discontinued for the Spree. A bit heavier than the Spree but still towable with the Tacoma.

 

What about one of these:

http://www.trailmanor.com/index.htm

 

They tend to leak arround the seems and the lift mechanisims tended to break atleast on the older ones, and at the end of the day you are still getting wet when you pull into camp in a storm while you get it set up so you can get inside out of the rain.

Jayco is definately the way to go if you are not going to go airstream.

 

Not that I can afford one, but good to know Mav! Where ya been? You missed all the drama this afternoon....

 

Work schedule changed, I turn up later at night for shorter periods of time and mainly only chime in on towing related questions. What drama did I miss?

 

TONS - its an hourly occurrence now...

So, it looks like I may be living out of an RV for several months (maybe even a year or so). Minimal stuff - clothes, a few dishes, a computer, and two dogs. Would you be able to recommend one of the Jayco's for towing behind the Tacoma and living out of?

 

got a question for yall!!! my 04 has a 4wire plug in for towing a trailer, but its just basically hanging there. can i get just a bracket to hold the wire end inside of instead of it just dangling?? i know....dumb question.

 

Well, a certain member we've both had a run-in with got banned... And tried coming back with a different name. Only to get banned/deleted again. bob was busy this evening!

 

...and that was just this evening. That's to say nothing of the rest of the time you've been MIA. Crazy stuff.

 

The Jayco Jayfeather 218 is pretty bitchin' I would have considered it if it exhisted when we bought ours.

The Jayfeather 197 is what we purchased, and we absolutely love it, though I am not sure if it would be ideal for long term living.

The Jayfeather 199 is the new clubhouse leader. Hands down this would be the one we'd purchase if we had to do it again right now. Queen bed with overhead bunk option, jaysteel sofa bed with long table in a slide-out, and what looks to be a bigger bathroom than the 197. Look no further, I think I've just found you your RV.

now if you are looking for used, then the 218 and 199 are not an option as they are new for 08 models, but the 197 could be found used or as a close-out and there was a 186 which would be nice for a man and his dogs.