We had a T@B a couple of years ago, but Crystal gave a good assessment of them. We moved on to a 2500 lbs Serro Scotty, but that's probably a little too hefty for a 4 cylinder. However, Serro Scotty has a model that's lies between a teardrop and a T@B, size-wise, called the Scotty Lite. Checks in right at 1,000 lbs and was just introduced last summer: http://www.scottytrailers.com/lite.php
vidman64 wrote: wow..such a great number of responses right away..thanks for all of them and I will take each of your recommendations to heart. I was looking at the teardrop variety like Littleguy, T@B, CampInn, Cozycruiser, Eggcamper, Silver shadow and So Cal lines. Anyone heard of or had any of these type of travel trailers? Btw, I have started with the popups, but found that most of them were too wide to ride up that 7ft wide driveway, and they seem aerodynamically not as good in reducing the drag of these "teardrop" types. Also, any advice about towing weight on my Toyota? Thanks again, you guys are great!
Regards,
Millard
thanks for all your advice, and now from my research, I think I have decided on pop up trailers, as for a first time user, they are inexpensive, plenty around to choose from, and if I decide that this activity is not for us, i have not lost a lot of money..If I get the "bug", I will definitely consider an enclosed trailer, like the teardrops or small travel trailers. I do have a question about buying any of these items: What would you do when buying a trailer from an individual to protect yourself from getting taken? I know about getting the title, testing all the appliances to make sure they work, ck for leaks, hook up the trailer and drive it a short distance, but am I missing anything? I guess I have always purchased from a dealer, so from an individual makes me think..
Appreciate any input..you guys are always super!
Regards,
Millard
Finally getting close..so many choices, so many recommendations.So we decided to give this a try first, by renting one.We went to a Pop up rental place,(only one within 100 miles and they showed us the smallest which was a 10x10, 1700 lbs loaded with essentials. We saw how to crank up the tent and put the sides in place..very nice. we were considering it. She told us of a recommended RV site "Yogi Bear Jellystone Park" nearby. We decided to ck it out, to see what the route would be like going there before we hitched the trailer. Very nice campground, however, the entrance was a 20 degree downward asphalt drive to the lake. When we were going back up it, our 14 year old little 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine Toyota Tacoma was straining a bit, and we could imagine what it would be like with the 1700 lb load (Toyota USA stated, no more than 2000 lbs). Maybe we need to buy a decent SUV that can pull 3000 easily and get good gas mileage.Or maybe 2500 and good gas mileage?? Our Toy gets 30 on the highway as it is a 5 speed tran. Any recommendations for a new or slightly used SUV that has the towing power but still can get 30mpg? I would think technology would have improved in 14 years to make that a possibility..Right? Any recommendations? Regards,
Millard
I've got to commend you on your research and planning modality, there are many that forgo renting an RV for a weekend and buy one, only to find that their towing vehicle can't handle the load.
FWIW, at one time I had a Mazda B2200 w/4cyl. and, at that time, owned two popups and a boat. I found that the Mazda, although a great little truck, couldn't handle pulling even a small boat for any distance. Your Tacoma can probably pull a little better but will greatly limit your choices and probably be very hard on an older truck like that. I did find that loading the box with weight was better than towing a trailer. Perhaps there is a slide-in PU camper that would meet your weight restrictions. Again, on a 14 yr. old truck, it may be the cause of demise of your Tacoma.
Perhaps the best avenue, if possible, is to get a second towing vehicle that will broaden the range of your selections. You can keep the Tacoma for it's excellent mileage and have something else that will better serve for occasional towing. There are plenty of used trucks in my area, priced so they wouldn't break the bank. Good luck on the hunt!
"Any recommendations for a new or slightly used SUV that has the towing power but still can get 30mpg?"
I don't imagine you are kidding. I don't think even a Tureg TDI gets close to that towing a 2000 lb trailer.
Happy Motoring
Bob & Deb
W Ma.
12 F150 HD SCAB EcoBoost LB 4x4
06 Starcraft 18SB
I took his statement that he's asking if there's an SUV that will get 30mpg when not towing, but with towing power for a camper he will buy. Can't say as I know of an SUV with tow package that gets 30 mpg.
I haven't researched hybrids and their tow capacity. Maybe start there?
I think Ford claims 30+mpg with their hybrid, a bunch of $$$ however.
I am towing our 1,600Lb tear with a 3L Subaru Outback, it has a tow rating of 3,000Lbs, but I would not want to try it. Tow ratings need to include brakes as part of the equation.
The Subaru diesel with 6sd manual supposedly gets something like 50mpg but is not imported/built in the US.
Again, thanks for all your recommendations and comments. I am deciding to keep my Tacoma and get another vehicle. I may have a deal on a 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid that will get 26 mpg and can tow up to 3000 pounds, and has a class 3 hitch attached.That should open my horizons, and then I can rent that popup and try it out. Good advice to do this.
My goal, once I quit my job and fully retire, is to find a towing abode that my wife and I can live in during the day when we are unhitched, and not kill each other as we are sitting in one another's lap, and tour the US for at least a month. Lol
Thanks again,
Millard
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and tour the US for at least a month. Lol
