Which Travel Trailer should I get? — another towing thread

I usually get beat for my purchase decisions after I do the purchase

Today it’s different, I’m looking to buy an rv travel trailer and these are the choices I have.

All these 3 have the floor plan we want, which is a bunkhouse and a bed. All of them are the same make.

The difference is Axle #s, weight and price


The reason I bought a Tacoma and not a full size truck cause I don’t just go to camp, we like to offroad the taco in trails where we camp.


So first choice is 3100lbs dry, $21k single axle. Likely 3500lbs loaded

Second choice is 3750lbs dry dual axle $28500 likely 4200 lbs loaded

3rd choice is a 4250 lbs dry dual axle $25500 likely 4600 lbs loaded

Which one would you pick with a “turd” gen??

My preference is easy safe towing for us and the truck. If the truck is working too hard the trip won’t be fun

Usually the trips are 300 to 800 miles each way.

Let me know your thoughts!! .

The core discussion here is simply:

does the weight difference and axle difference above really matter?

Is a dual axle easier to tow even though it is heavier in weight; (salesperson told me that)

Is it okay to have single axle on a taco? (Salesperson also said, single axle is no problem on light trailers)

I already have a weight distribution hitch and a tekonsha.


Thank u


This is our most recent trip in my 18 ORD
https://youtu.be/un1Q7wDO008

 

What are the gross trailer weight?

 

Single axle will be less stable towing, and more likely to cause issues if it blows a tire.

 

I’m currently towing a single axle camper that weighs about 3150 fully loaded, tongue weight of 380, Tekonsha RF trailer brake controller, S4+ect. With the current load, RPM run around 2500 and transmission temps within the normal operating range (scangaugeII). The factory tow package appears to be adequate for this job. This is my only experience towing with my 3g so based on that I would say go for the lowest weight camper.

Your 3rd gen V6 should have no problem with any of the three options so I might be tempted to get one of the dual axles because I also have been told they track better than a single axle. However I’d be mindful of how much of a bite the tongue weight takes out of your Taco cargo capacity (passengers included) and go from there.

To sum up:
Trailer weight, not a problem. Tongue weight, as low as you can get it within 10 to 15% of your trailer weight

Single axle ok, dual axle better tracking.

Weight distribution not “required” (owner’s manual pg 178) under 5000# but if you have it, use it.

Trailer brake controller needed over 2000#

You will have a great experience no matter which one you choose.

All the best

 

How do you like the R-pod? They look really nice!

 

Nice rig!

G.

 

We like the R-pods so much that we upgraded from a 177 to the179 being pulled around now by the Taco.

Pro: 179, more storage the we need and more counter space than almost any other model trailer.

Easy tow

Comfortable floor plan

Con: have to climb over sleeping partner to use the can. I can live with that. Still agile enough to do it.

 

what do you do to mitigate the single axle dilemna?? ...
im thinking if i go that light, i could even use runflat tires to save several thousands over the dual axle.

also at which speed do you cruise @ 2500rpm?

 

55 - 60 mph in S4. I have OVTune gearlock. It’s well suited for the towing application.

I’ve towed single axle since 2015 (4 seasons with a Ford Escape) with no problems (touch wood). I keep the tires inflated to the psi stated on the tire and get bearings repacked as required.