Towing something very light.

So this might be an unusual post but I have been thinking about a Kompact Kamp Mimi Mate: https://www.kompactkamptrailers.com/minimatecamper.

Weighing 260 pounds, it's typically towed behind a motorcycle or small car. I just need something inexpensive and easy to set up for an extra bed as I camp with another person using my truck cap. I've been told there might be issues with not seeing it behind the truck bed (I can use extended mirrors and also have a back up camera). I am also told it is difficult to level the truck and the camper because the camper is so much lower to the ground. (I am hoping I can use a drop hitch for this.). I would hope that with such low weight and profile, it won't do much to gas mileage. I read all the time about not exceed GVWR but this is of course a problem from the opposite end of the spectrum. I would use it a lot on back roads and some dirt roads and would also want to take it on the highway at speeds up to 60-65 mph. I have a 2017 Toyota Takoma Crew Cab with a tow package. Anybody have experience with something like this and any suggestions?

 

You

you could probably pick it up and throw it in the back of the truck lol. I would just find a drop hitch to level the trailer out so the back end isn't scraping on any surface. 60-65mph is a safe enough speed to reduce trailer sway.

 

I thought about that! Except I can't single handedly lift 260 pounds. I appreciate your thoughts... thinking about the same thing myself.
Very helpful. Thank you.

 

And, oh, I thought a simple friction sway control might not hurt. I'm wondering if the little unit is so small that traditional sway bars might not work. Available at Amazon for $41.

 

I dont think it will be necessary. That trailer is so light, the truck has built in electronic sway control that should be able to control that small unit. Just drive no faster than 65mph and load you trailer cargo with appropriate tongue weight if you want to be safe.

 

Thank you. I appreciate your help.

 

Trying for sway control on a 200b trailer is useless. It doesn't weigh enough and isn't large enough to even worry about. Visibility is an easy fix. I used to tow a little 8' flatbed. They invisible. But go to lowes and buy 2 4' driveway markers, they cos about a buck. Attach them to the end of the trailer and problem solved. You'll see the markers over your tailgate.

 

Sway control can be improved with a longer tongue and making sure you have at least 10% of the total trailer weight on the tongue. Keep the tongue as level as possible in towing configuration. Too high is like too little tongue weight, too low is like too much tongue weight. No more than that trailer weighs, it would be difficult to have too much tongue weight. Longer tongue (increased distance between ball and trailer axle) increases moment arm and discourages shimmy.