We are completely new to the RV world, and are considering the purchase of a travel trailer and tow vehicle. We are a family of 5, with three children ranging from 2 to 9. I've been looking at trailers in the 26' range because of the sleeping capacity, but I'm starting to think I can't really tow that safely with a half-ton pickup. Basically, we'd like to find something where we don't have to make a bed out of the table or a couch. I don't see us doing a ton of driving with the camper, we'll probably stay within a one-day driving radius of our home.
Depending on the weight of the trailer and how your truck is equipped, you may be able to tow it safely. More info is needed on both items. Remember you'd need to subtract the weight of your passengers, cargo, pets, etc. which you would carry in the truck from its tow rating. (As an example of what might be possible, we tow a 7000-lb (loaded), 34' TT with a 1/2 ton. I wouldn't go any heavier, but this combo works well for us.)
Unless you get a bunkhouse model with at least 4 beds, you'll be sleeping somebody on the dinette or couch (made into a bed), as that's just how RVs are configured. Sounds like 26' would be a nice size for your size family, but others have made do with less (sleeping one or two kids on the dinette or couch, though).
If you'd be ok with sleeping under canvas, you might give some of the hybrid trailers (HTTs) a look, especially the models that have 3 popout beds, or have bunks at one end. Rockwood Roo and Jayco are the most popular brands of HTT. These trailers tend to be a bit lighter weight for their size, and since the beds at the front (and back, if it's not a bunk model) fold down when you're in camp, the towed length is less than the open-in-camp length, assisting with some of the handling ease when towing.
First, find out what your truck is capable of pulling. Then work from there. Even for short trips, you need to be within your truck's specs for safety and for a more comfortable tow. Weight-distributing hitch may be needed, and sway control will definitely be needed for something as long as a 26'. Good luck!
2007 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 5.7L V8 w/ tow pkg, Equal-i-zer
2008 Flagstaff 831RLSS
There are several manufacturers that make light weight and ultra light weight bunkhouse TTs in the 5-7,000# weight range. Jayco and Keystone have some and there are others. You will just need to look at the tow rating of your truck. Then go to some well stocked TT dealers and look at the various bunkhouse models and their respective weights. You may have to go as much as 29' to get 3 separate bunk beds.
Have you looked at hybrids or pop-ups with tip out bunks at each end? They often have a large bed at each end and sofa or dinette that can be used for a child if necessary. They are light enough to be towed with a class 1 truck or SUV. Your option is to get a class 2 truck or SUV to tow a larger trailer.
We spent a week with another couple in Yellowstone in an AeroCub towed by a 1989 Suburban (Class 1). It worked well for its size and circumstances.
JMHO
Marv
2001 Volvo VNL42T420, ISX450/1650, super 10sp w/GearMaster
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire 38RLRK (20K GVWR, tandem duals)
Piaggio MP3 400 scooter
RVing since 1979 - Fulltime since 2000 (mostly CO, MT, NC & Key West)
Retired USAF
Remember that you need to consider the gross weight of the TT, when matching it to tow vehicle. Most of us run close to gross by the time we accumulate chairs, tables, grills and other camp gear.
Would need to know what your truck is capable of towing. There are a lot of options out there from Ultra Lite TT to HTT. Ours has two bunks in the back and a Queen bed up front. Works well for us, we have 4 kids and 100lb dog when we go out.
You have a lot of options just need to look around.
Have fun
2010 Passport UL 290BH
2006 Ford Expedition Limited
I guess I'm kind of at the "chicken and egg" condundrum. I don't have the truck yet (or the TT for that matter), but I'd like a crew cab half ton that will become my everyday driver too.
So - I'm thinking I should start with the truck and get the TT I can handle with it, since I'll be in the truck every day.
I understand that a longer wheelbase on the truck makes for a more stable arrangement. Do many people go with longer bed trucks then? For instance, the F150 comes in both a 5.5 and 6.5 bed length with the crew cab. Also, I understand that the 3.73 axel set up will increase the towing capacity. Will that decrease the mpg though? Given those parameters, does anybody have any suggestions for the truck?
Well we really need a little more info about your TV. We have 3 boys ages 7 to 9 (and a 4th, 22, who does not camp much anymore) and just bought a Jayco 28BHS, 30', replacing a Coachmen TBG248, 26'. The Coachmen with no slide, no couch, and only 2 bunks quickly proved to be too small. Had to use the dinette every night. I kept it less then a year. The point is don`t make same mistake and go too small the first time. Now we have sleeping for 3 in the bunkroom, a fold out couch, a walk around queen bed and more room overall with the slide. I`m towing with a 1/2 ton but I`m about at my limit for this truck. Jayco also makes the smaller 26 BH with same sleeping accommodations but no slide and 1 ft shorter and about 700 lbs lighter. These are Just a couple suggestions. There are numerous bunkhouse configurations available from several brands. Good luck with whatever you purchase.
I guess I'm kind of at the "chicken and egg" condundrum. I don't have the truck yet (or the TT for that matter), but I'd like a crew cab half ton that will become my everyday driver too.
So - I'm thinking I should start with the truck and get the TT I can handle with it, since I'll be in the truck every day.
I understand that a longer wheelbase on the truck makes for a more stable arrangement. Do many people go with longer bed trucks then? For instance, the F150 comes in both a 5.5 and 6.5 bed length with the crew cab. Also, I understand that the 3.73 axel set up will increase the towing capacity. Will that decrease the mpg though? Given those parameters, does anybody have any suggestions for the truck?
Go with the 3.73 rear or greater. Gas mileage difference will be insignificant. I personally would get the longer bed also. I was always used to an 8' bed and went to a 6.5' and I miss that 1.5 feet, so the 5.5 would not suit me, but that`s a personal choice.
Alot of the bunk houses would have enough room, and quite a few are available in Ultra Lightweight models. Since you're looking at Crew Cabs, you might also wanna checkout some 3/4-tons like the Ram 2500 Mega Cab. There's some of these new HD trucks that get close to the same MPG daily as a 1/2-ton. That would open your TT options up into 5th-wheel options that only a very select few are light enough for a 1/2-ton.
2005 6" Lifted Nissan Armada LE (Offroad Beast)
2007 Jay Flight 29BHS
__________________________
Offline
Remember you'd need to subtract the weight of your passengers, cargo, pets, etc. which you would carry in the truck from its tow rating. (As an example of what might be possible, we tow a 7000-lb (loaded), 34' TT with a 1/2 ton. I wouldn't go any heavier, but this combo works well for us.) 
