enahs
Washington
Senior Member
Joined: 03/11/2003
View Profile
 Offline
|
I am looking for a small, light, hard top tent trailer that has a galley and a propane heater. It has to be pulled by an '08 Toyota four cylinder PU. I am aware of the Fleetwood Neon, which has a heater but virtually nothing else. Basically, I need to know what brand names and trailer size to look for. Too, for those with experience, how heavy would you go with such a TV?
'07 Chevy 3500 Dooley, CC, LT3, D/A
|
Triguy
SE Wisconsin
Full Member
Joined: 08/05/2010
View Profile
Offline
|
Here are some thoughts for you:
Consider using a catalytic heater; especially if you intend to dry camp. It will do a better job than the trailer's heater IMO. No blower means no noise and no draw on your battery. A blower on a heater will run the typical group 24 battery down in no time at all.
I've never towed with a Tacoma so not sure of its specs. What's the max towing cap - 3,000lbs? 4,000lbs? Either you can use one of several towing calculators on the web or the 80% rule to narrow down the max your pup can weigh.
2012 Shamrock 233S, P3, Equal-i-zer
2008 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4WD
|
maximus
Marion, Il. USA
Full Member
Joined: 06/20/2002
View Profile
|
I pulled a good sized pu with my old Toyota 4wd. No problems but my mileage dropped from 18 to 13 in the Tenn. mountains. I use/d a small electric heaters when I had electricity. Never used the cats, but it sounds good.
don
|
enahs
Washington
Senior Member
Joined: 03/11/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
Yes, a cat heater is a good solution — except for the loving Lab that is part of the family. I dunnnnooooo.
|
Gene&Ginny
North Kingstown, RI
Senior Member
Joined: 03/16/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Years ago I had a 10' Jayco pop up with a LP heater. That heater would take the chill out of the 40 degree mornings in New Hampshire where liked to camp in a few minutes.
Gene and DW Ginny
2008 Toyota 4Runner 4.7L V8 w/factory towing option
2002 Sunline Solaris Lite T2363
Reese Dual Cam Straight Line HP Sway Control
Proud member of the Sunline Club
|
|
|
nfisherman
IL
Full Member
Joined: 04/17/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
I have a large PUP with a furnace. I don't like the furnace. It's noisy and it uses a lot of propane. I use an electric ceramic heater and a Big Buddy. Some people sleep while using the Big Buddy, but I don't trust it enough for that. If I don't have electricity, I rely on a good sleeping bag at night and I use the heater to warm up the camper when we're awake.
|
retiredtraveler
Woodstock Il --- GO HIKING!!!!
Senior Member
Joined: 08/16/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
If there are only two of you, Jayco makes an 8 footer that is only about 1300 pounds dry. Loaded, you shouldn't be exceeding 1800 pounds unless you're carrying some heavy gear.
I don't know your tow rating, but if it's 3000 pounds, you should be fine (assuming proper towing setup). Having said that, a 4-banger will be pushed hard.
Just look at Jayco site and you'll find floorplans, specs, options.
If you're new to RVing, please be aware that all the manufacturers' website show diagrams, specs for all their products. You can easily search 'tent trailers' and find the various companies that make them and get all kinds of info online.
* This post was
edited 08/03/11 05:55pm by retiredtraveler *
Pup: 2007 Jayco 1206 w/slide-out + shower
surge brakes, 54w solar panel
TV: 2005 Nissan Xterra 4X4, manual trans
25 years tent camping, 4000+ miles of hiking, lots of biking
|
enahs
Washington
Senior Member
Joined: 03/11/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
Found an exceptionally nice '94 Coleman 8' box pop up today. Price was toooooo good to pass up, even without a heater. Looks like the kids will have to use a Buddy and teach the dog what "hot" means. Thanks everyone for your kind replies to my question. Now, if I can figure out how the converter works and how to wire in a deep cycle battery — since the unit is stock without one (though there seems to be a plug on the front hitch and another near the converter for one to be attached).
|
RoyB
King George, VA
Senior Member
Joined: 04/13/2008
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
|
CHALET XL1935
A local camper pulls his 2011 Chalet XL1935 hard-walled Folding Trailer camper with his 2009 Nissan Xterra...
Doesnt seem to have any problems.
My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - PM me
Roy and Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS
POPUP PHOTOs-Pg52-Pg56
.JPG)
|
retiredtraveler
Woodstock Il --- GO HIKING!!!!
Senior Member
Joined: 08/16/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
RoyB wrote:CHALET XL1935
A local camper pulls his 2011 Chalet XL1935 hard-walled Folding Trailer camper with his 2009 Nissan Xterra...
Doesnt seem to have any problems.
 I have an Xterra. Has a 6 banger and tows 5000 pounds. No comparison with his 4-banger Toyota.
I tow 3000 pounds (everything loaded) and can't tell the thing is back there. Only issue is soft suspension which I could remedy, but have not, with WD hitch.
|
|
|
