What kind of camper do you have?

Thats at payload capacity before the trailer is even attached.

Great looking hauler though

 

You also need to look at combined weight, payload, and rear axle capacity. Its not just about the weight of the trailer

 

General rule of thumb:
For the first 110" of wheelbase, this allows you 20' of trailer.
For each additional 4" of wheelbase, this gets you 1' more of trailer."


That puts you around 22ft max. I personally think its dangerous to haul a trailer that long.

 

Hmm now I'm really questioning Mr salesman! I have not officially signed any docs. Just a down payment to hold it. Financing got approved today. So even with sway and load leveling the census is "unsafe"?

 

Mr. Salesman was not considering you at all, and trying to get a sale. If you end up driving on flat ground between home and a campground 20 miles away, you will 'probably' be fine. Other than that, count on going everywhere in 2nd gear at 4000 rpm. It will not be a fun camper at all.

 

I've been looking at campers for a couple months now and I find it amusing all the dealers saying "You can tow this with a car or small suv" and the campers are 19-23 feet long.

 

Also,when we go camper shopping we bring my little civic si and leave the tacoma at home.the dealers leave us alone to shop.

 

Well I pulled the chute before signing anything. Salesman tried his darnedest to sell me on it even after I proposed the safety of my family. Going to look at the viewfinder today. Sure wish there was some better options for a few more horses rather than a discontinued SC.

 

IMO, way too much camper for your truck. Your canopy and bumpers are only going to reduce your payload capacity, not make it a better towing vehicle. My 2009 Sport had a payload of 900 lbs. With a trailer that size, tongue weight and 2 adults and you'd be pretty much maxed out if not over your payload (considering bumpers and canopy already). I'm not sure what your Tacoma's exact payload capacity is, but it can't be much higher, especially with the extras you've added.

I would strongly recommend you either go down in camper size, or go up in truck size.

 

Great choice. You made the best decision for your family's, and everyone else's on the road, safety.

 

Yeah my only thinking with the added weight of the canopy bumpers and tires along with suspension was it would be a little heavier and stable as well as less likely to be blown around. Little big truck syndrome

 

Hey, also check out the Cruiser Fun Finder, I like the Viewfinder better but the Funfinder has some nice floor plans and are a little lighter weight.

 

Good info! Thanks I'll have a look! I'm going to take a step back and look for the perfect camper.

 

We are looking at trailers now and a dealer for wildwood x-lites tried to sell us on a 26ft that weighed 4400. Not terrible but bigger than we wanted for camping locations and towing. I saw someone in an xterra pull out towing one. That guy doesn't know what he's in for.

 

just purchased a 2015 salem 40ft that i leave parked at a campground (permanent site) and my 75 trillium i got to go on wheel trips

 

Been reading this thread from the start and have found it very interesting. Have had popup campers in the past so there was never an issue pulling them with a Tacoma. Older now and appreciate a little more comfort in the outdoors. Before I went shopping for a travel trailer I did some research on the various websites that give a host for valuable info for first time buyers. Just because you can tow 6500 lbs doesn't mean you should all the time. That number is there for reference of limits. Bought an Avenger ATI at 17 foot and 3100 lbs. Me and the Tacoma could not be happier. I have all the comforts including a full bath and my Tacoma does not strain on steep grades in the mountains.

 

I like that Trillium. I've always liked the durability of those little fiberglass campers. I have a 2014 Casita that i travel with and a 30ft. Gulfstream that i keep on a permanent site.

 

Thanks Dave,btw sweet caddy

 

Thanks. I'm thinking airride and wide white walls for her.

 

That's my camper.