Show us what you tow.

On the road again for a mental health break.

 

This is inspiring. We're in the market but i was leaning towards a class c because i just assumed the taco wouldnt handle it.

 

I just drove over the Sierra and a shitton of other hills with a teardrop that comes in about 1500 loaded. While the truck handled fine, I won't lie and say she didn't struggle a little on some of the longer steeper passes. If you're headed for mountains, I'd seriously be cautious.

 

Loaded up, thinking im at about 2500-3000 right now. Tows without an issue. Just wish i had trailer brakes so i could gain a little more confidence

 

My Tacoma will be an improvement. I had been using a 2002 Nissan Frontier (3.3 L V6, 3,500 lb. tow rating) to tow a 24' travel trailer with a dry weight of 3,260 lbs. Naturally, we purposely tried to pack light and avoid the real steep grades. The Tacoma will allow us morefreedom.

 

Just a heads up, if you didnt know. Make sure you check the rear marker lights. Sonic had issues with them being installed on the curve and not sealing. 2018 models are suppose to be lower than '16-'17 models so they dont have a gap. The one I was about to buy had so much water infiltration through the lights that it had to be sent back to the factory for a frame off rebuild.

 

Honestly, at that size, it is either bare bones, no AC, no stove oven, no other amenities, OR it's built like a piece of poo with very small and light materials.

I'm sorry, but that is far too light to be a good build

 

Here is my camp trailer. The Tacoma should be an improvement over towing with my old Frontier that had a 3.3 L V6. The trailer is 24 feet long (including tongue).

 

It's a 2005 still in perfect condition, all work perfectly.

AC = yes
Stove oven = yes

 

Love it! Looking at a Sonic right meow actually. Which model is this? I didn't find any ultralight ones with dual axles.

 

Do you know if there was an actual recall for this issue? Looking at a '17 model currently ... might hold off if this is a common thing!

 

I know they sent a memo to dealers to look for water damage. The first one I looked at had water damage that the dealer repaired in their shop. If you look at one, crawl under the back and check if the rubber sheeting is sagging from water and look at the rear marker light to see if they sit on the flat or curved section of the back end.
And just to note, Im not trying to trash the brand. I still want to get one. Im looking at the 210vrd.

 

Looks like the 190vrb.

 

Great information! Ugh I loooooved the 210 but it's a bit heavy for my little 4R with all of her mods. Looks like the 168 it is! Happy camping!

 

Check out the coachman apex ultra light

 

@windsor Looks like that Sonic is about 300lbs lighter dry than the Springdale 202QBWE I've been looking at here in Medford.

Can you more seasoned RV'rs with the 25 footers tell me what I should or shouldn't be worried about? I have an 05 V6 DCSB with Tow Package and the only non stock items now are the 265/75/R16 BFG KO2. The normal weight of my truck with my fiance, dog, and the standard stuff I keep in it (48 hrs worth of supplies plus standard vehicle emergency gear) I am 4700 lbs on the scale.

That Springdale would be roughly 4880 wet (60 gallons h20 and 2 30lb LP tanks full) and then I would pack around another 500-750 lbs of gear pending what we're doing. 75% of what we'll do will be at full service campgrounds or at least campgrounds with water hook ups so we wont always need a full fresh water tank.

I will have Summo springs, brake controller, WD Anti Sway hitch, so the whole truck & trailer should come in under 10,500. My GVWR is 11,600 (might be 11,400) on the sticker.

Someday I will pull this trailer with a Tundra but until we have kids I like my Tacoma and I would prefer to have my Tacoma be my hunting rig so it needs to tow this Sept-November.

Thanks for the advice and if anyone has any other models they recommend we're still open. Want to stay around 15-18k and must be rear dining so we can see whatever we're backed up to.

 

The Sonics are on my very short list... esp the 170 & 190... from their website they look to be very well made... but have read just a few (& I know only will see the negatives on the internet) buyers that had some issues with it not holding up well when traveling.

What is your current experience with the Sonic?

 

I personally think Sonics are entry level trailers and have the build quality as such. There will be things that need to be changed before you even take it out and things that need to get fixed along the way.
First issue is the water issue I mentioned. But that is something that needs to be handled by the dealer BEFORE paperwork is signed. Also have the dealer check the fresh water fill connection to the tank.
Next is condensation. On these, and most other trailers, bathroom condensation is an issue. Take care of this by having vent covers installed and leave the bathroom vent open during and after showers.
Staying in the bathroom, make sure it has the correct toilet. A few I looked at were suppose to have porcelain, but had plastic. Also, the shower pan needs work before use. Pull the access panel off the shower/tub. You will see the floor is braced by only a couple loose 2x4s. My plan was to remove them completely and replace them (and add more) with pressure treated 4x4s that I was going to install with marine grade glue.
Inspect as much as you can at the dealer and make them fix anything that is loose including hoses/wiring/brackets.
Keep in mind, Sonic trailer does NOT have a walkable roof. Any work up there needs to be done with care, including adding solar panels.
As for WDH, I still plan to get the Anderson No-Sway hitch (was gonna be part of my purchase agreement) and an observation camera since the Sonic does not have windows that allow you to see all the way through.
Best part about the Sonic 210vrd is the shower. At 6' tall, I can stand up for a shower without having to hunch over. Lots of headroom.

 

This is great information! What do you think would be a step up, but still in the lightweight game? I looked at Forest River but felt even they were a hair below Venture. I might be spending a considerable amount of time in the thing at some point, so I don't mind spending a bit more for the quality.