Travel Trailer towing input...

Hey all, it’s been a while, and now have a new Taco since my last time on the forum. I’m in the market for a travel trailer and I’d like to get some input on towing from anyone that has a similar setup.

I’m in a factory 2019 TRD Sport, which has the highest GVWR at 6,800lbs. I obviously want to keep my weight as low as possible but I also have a wife and two kiddos to haul. We’ll likely be staying within Florida with no grade changes, and do not plan on carrying fresh water or a full waste tank.

I’ve read a lot of opinions but it seemed more or from guys that are in mountainous regions. Does anyone out there have experience with the same ride, and towing around a 5,000lb dry weight rig? Any feedback would be awesome.

 

5000lbs dry? Better knock off, at least, 1000lbs and then you’ll be set. 3500-4000lbs dry is what you need, might not be what you want, but it is what you need.

 

This^^^. At 5000 dry you would be close to max tow weight when you load it up. Even though your truck may be rated for that much tow weight , towing would be an unpleasant miserable experience. Plus with spouse, kids, hitch weight and equipment in the back of the truck you will likely exceed gross vehicle weight rating. Look for trailers around 3500lbs or get a bigger truck.

 

Yeah, the more I research, the more I’m realizing all those points. Thx for the feedback.

 

The towing bible is still hanging around . May be some good info in there that will help
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

 

I’m grabbing a new TT in the next few months and I’m aiming for around 3800lbs dry give or take a bit.

 

This model is looking like it best option so far. Our musts are, one slide out, bunks (for the kids), and a U-Dinette. This one has a small outdoor stove and fridge so that’s an added bonus.

https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/wildwood-fsx/178BHSK/4584

 

Looks like a great choice.

 

Nice! Very similar to what we are probably going with, which is a Cherokee WolfPup 16PF(don’t need the bunks with a newborn, yet). The Wolfpup 17JG is basically the same exact layout as your wildwood. Might be worth taking a peek if one is closer to you than the other.

 

Think of towing max ratings as posted turn/curve speed limit of 25MPH, even though a properly maintained vehicle is capable of making that turn/curve upwards to 40-50MPH, it's generally safer at 25MPH... My personal SAFEST driveable tow weight guidline is 20-40% below max tow rating...

 

The limiting factor is always payload, forget about what the tow rating is. That number is listed on the sticker on the drivers door jamb. Most Tacoma's are in the 1000-1200 lb range but every truck is different. Some are less, some more. You don't give much info on your truck. If you have a 4X2 access cab you could be closer to 1500 lbs payload. Basically the GVWR is pretty much the same, but the heavier the truck is to start with the less payload you have. A 4X4 Double cab is going to be several hundred pounds heavier and that cuts into payload.

You need to figure 13% of the trailers fully loaded weight as tongue weight. The numbers listed on most travel trailer websites are usually 10%, but that is the minimum. Somewhere around 13%-15% is better and more accurate. Just playing around with numbers a 5000 lb fully loaded trailer will put 650 lbs on your tongue. If you happen to have 900-1000 lbs payload that doesn't leave much for passengers and cargo in the truck. If your truck is closer to 1200 lbs then you could probably handle it, but would still have to be careful not to overload the truck. If you're at 1500 lbs then you're good to go with a 5000 lb trailer.

You won't have any trouble PULLING the weight, especially in Florida. The issue is how much weight the trucks suspension will handle. It wouldn't be a bad idea to actually weigh the truck, then subtract actual weight from GVWR. This is your TRUE payload. Once you determine payload then you can get a better idea how much weight the truck can handle.

Added: Are you sure about the 6800 lbs GVWR. That does not seem right.

 

I agree with Sprig, looks like a great trailer.

 

I actually looked at that Wolf Pup model, as well as the 18TO. They’re priced well too. More kitchen counter space, but the wife doesn’t like the idea of the bathroom sink in the shower...of course she’d find something

 

I was wrong, for this model Taco the door jamb sticker shows GVWR @ 5600lbs, the TWR @ 6,700. You’re spot on with the payload being at 1200lbs.

 

My wife has the exact same complaint. Good luck with your purchase

 

Been looking at the rpods, some have the wet bath with small sink. Most pod owners take that sink out for more room. I can’t imagine that sink has much utility. That’s what I will do.

 

You might want to research the Forest River products QC issues further before making a purchase decision. Forest River has one of the worst ratings for QC in the industry. Many, many complaints.

 

22 ft trailer is max for you and even that is pushing it. Agree about limiting factor being the payload. Door jamb will say 1000-1200 lbs but subtracting 550 lbs for 4 people doesn't leave a lot for everything else.

I had a Wolf Pup 16BHS and towed with a Tacoma once before I upgraded to an F150. I had it lifted and big tires as well. It really strained it a lot. Although it can do small jobs, mid size trucks just aren't made to tow. They are simply too light and the camper will pull the light truck around.

 

Dirty little secret of the RV industry - if the sticker price doesn't demand a mortgage or your firstborn, you had better be handy with repairing stuff right off the bat. Forget about warranty claims or having the dealer service your trailer also, if you ever want to see it again this year. It sucks, but thats how it is. In many ways its better to buy a three year old trailer from a competent owner that's figured out and corrected all of the issues.

I love my FR popup, but only after I rewired a large section of it, tightened up a small section of plumbing that was loose, and fastened some of the woodwork down that the factory forgot. Basically everything. But at least I know my trailer inside and out now.

 

Yeah, I figure I’ll be doing some minor repairs on my own. I’ve heard plenty of stories about service center lead-times and price gouging, particularly if you’re not going to a big name center.