What kind of camper do you have?

Set as per instructions, and no not really. Only got 50 or so miles on it so far. I know I am ok with the weight, both total and trailer. But hearing bad things about 27 ft lenght, and trying to see if I can "limit" my risk. I am comfortable towing, but also older than I used to be, if you get my drift....

 

I will add my 2 cents...I am pulling a similar trailer to the Ultra Lite 245BHS. All the weights are around the same. I will say, I had to upgrade my suspension in order to pull my TT, and upgrade other areas of my truck. I had to add air bags - OME leaf packs - larger trans cooler - and a scan gage so I can monitor the trans temps. After adding these extras the truck pulled the TT much better and safer. I am using a Trunnion weight distribution set up right now, I have been using this for several years and on long trips I find myself white knuckling it at times because the TT is swaying. I am in the mitts of buying a Hensley Hitch, very expensive. You need to ask yourself a few question: Will you feel comfortable towing that size trailer, can you control the trailer, will you feel safe with your family in the truck and will they feel safe. Will the Tacoma pull that size TT...absolutely, but with modifications to the suspension. You may be spending 3K more on the TT but you will also need to add another 2K in suspension upgrades. now you are at 5K...is it worth it. I have a KZ Sportsman 245BHS, total length is 27' dry is 4470#, loaded for a long trip I average 6100#, my tongue weight is 625#. This weight on a stock Tacoma will bottom you out right on your bump stops. I love my truck and I do believe it will tow whatever you throw at it, but you need to be smart about it. Just because the truck can tow something heavy doesn't mean you can mentally. Good luck in your future purchase and stay safe in your travels

 

I have a Keystone Passport 2400bh at 4810 dry and the 2nd gen Tacoma does fine with it. It’s no speed queen and it will slow down on big hills but maintains 60-65 fine on the highway. Slideout was a big plus for us with the U-Shaped dinette. You can let the slide out about a foot or so to get by it. At home I leave it out all the way. When we stop for food supplies we just let it out enough to get to the kitchen area.

I had them change my jack out to an electric when I bought it. It’s also prewired for the backup camera. I’ll be adding that myself because they want $600 for the camera and to connect 2 wires along with two screws to hold it on. No thanks.

Bedroom has entertainment center in the middle with sliding doors on each side. Tv is on the outside of bedroom but it has a place for one on the inside of bedroom too. Outdoor kitchen was a must for us and we enjoy having a second fridge outside for drinks. Helps to keep sand out of the camper. We also like it has a full size queen mattress because that will be replaced before our next trip with a memory foam one.

We’re not ones to pack anything we might ever need so it keeps the weight down.

We rented a Winnebago micro mini 1700bh prior to buying. It was way too small for the 3 of us. The 2400bh was perfect for our size family. Only thing with most outdoor kitchens is you lose rear storage compartment. The only one we have is the front one to get to from outside.

I should probably add also I have Dakar springs in the back too. If stock you may need to upgrade your suspension some way.

 

I’ve been using the recurve R3 hitch and towed around 1000 miles so far with it. I haven’t had any issues with sway or felt uncomfortable at any point. My camper overall is 27’11”. It can be a little uncomfortable at first it you’re just not used to having something that big behind you. The more you drive with it the more comfortable you’ll get. Main thing is never exceed your comfort zone. The campsite will be there when you get there. Bad things happen when you’re in a hurry. Take it easy and enjoy your trip. If you’re in a hurry or worried about things it just makes the trip not what you were expecting. I try to do all travel during the daytime. Not only will you see road hazards and be able to avoid them it’s a lot easier to change a tire with light than in the dark.

 

So I was still debating the merits between the Apex Nano 208BHS and the Apex Ultra Lite 245BHS and was thinking it would be nice if they had something between, and lo and behold I see there is a Apex 226BH!

It has similar upgrades over the 208 as the 245 (electric jack, aluminum wheels, sink cover, oven, backup camera ready, dual propane, etc.) and comes in at around 4400# instead of the 4600# of the 245, so saving a bit of weight and length, though still not quite down to the 208's 4000#.

The downside is it isn't a slide, so a bit less interior space (though less to worry about as far as mechanicals breaking and seals around it I'd imagine), and it is 8' wide instead of the narrower 7.5' body. Does the 6" extra width make that much difference in towing, especially on our Tacomas? Any comments on towing a 8' wide trailer, especially from someone that may have done both in the past? I assume it might affect mileage a bit with more surface area facing the wind, but I wonder how much it would really affect that and handling in the end.

 

I can't speak for the 7.5' wide, but towing the 8' sucks fuel. As much as I hate it, that's the nature of the beast. I don't think I'd trade the extra 6" for possibly better fuel economy. Hopefully others will give more input.

 

The tires on my R-Pod are outside of the body I don't have a sway control and have zero sway.

 

I picked up a 2013 Jayco X19H yesterday, traded in my 1995 Itasca Passage 25ru for it. Nearly a straight up trade. My motorhome was in excellent condition, so that helped. I always wanted a hybrid but never had anything that could tow anything but the smallest hybrid. We have had pop ups in the past and I loved the open feeling, but not the pain in the ass loading, setup, and unloading.

The trailer weighs 3669lbs dry, and man, I forgot just how much stuff was in my motorhome, probably 600lbs do stuff that I had to transfer over (I only went there for the annual safety inspection, lol, didn’t intend on trading it in. But they had the right trailer and worked with me) So with the thing loaded up it towed fine.

 

Looks like Camping World? Maybe I'll see you out in the campgrounds

 

We are doing Lake Erie State Park, Golden Hill, Wellesley Island, and probably Letchworth this year.

 

Does having a Sport vs. Off-Road affect much as far as towing a decent size RV (4000-4500#)? I believe the Sport has a bit stiffer suspension so wondering if that is better or doesn't really matter since either way you'll want to use a WDH and possibly upgrade springs, add Sumo Springs, or even add air bags.

 

The shocks are stiffer on the sport, but I think the rear springs are the same, so it won’t make a difference. The WDH makes a huge difference and is a must. I plan on upgrading the springs anyway, but I was thinking I would also need airbags, after towing this thing with the WDH I don’t need them. You may feel different in your situation but try the WDH first.

 

I have a 2017 TRD OR and tow a Coachman Freedom EXpress 192rbs . It weights right around 4100 lbs dry . I have a weight distribution and sway hitch and the setup sits pretty much level . I am considering adding the Timbren bump stops on rear . Has anyone on here added them and are they worth it alone or would I need to add additional stuff?

In response to the post where someone mentioned a Hensley hitch at 1600.00 ... if you find one that cheap grab it ... I think my quote was around 2300.00.. I am considering the Anderson hitch as a upgrade.

 

After lots of searching I finally have found and purchased a Northern Lite 6'10" slide in camper. 93 on my 03 tacoma.

 

Jealous! I wanted one for a few years to take up skiing and stuff. Could never find one in good shape/at the right right price

 

Just picked this up over the weekend. Seems like it's going to pull perfect behind my truck.

 

Nice looking setup. Congrats!

 

Nice looking setup. Are you planning to regear with those tires?

 

I've thought about it before. I've had this setup for a year or so now and it seems like it works out pretty decent. I am supercharged with a smaller pulley so that helps out a ton power wise

 

Ah, I’m sure that supercharger works great. I tow a 4500# boat which obviously has much less drag than a camper. I’d sure like to step up to either 275’s or 33 skinny’s, but I definitely do not want to regear. Still debating.