wv_boy
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We are nearing the purchase of our first TT, took a while to find something that fit my comfort level given our TV (Toyota Tacoma dbl cab, 6500 lb max towing GVWR). Our pick right now is a Jayco Swift SLX 184bh, which is at 3500 lb GVWR. The dry hitch weight is about 300 lb, but I think loaded it could approach 425 lb loaded given the single axle and fresh water tank in the front. Now, down to the particulars- there are so many options for hitch systems. Seems I need WDH and sway- but there isn't much room to work with the A frame on these small trailers. Does anyone have experience with the Reese 350 mini-lite system? It is a simple system where the WD bars slide on friction pads that mount to the A frame. Any other ideas?
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downtheroad
Pacific Northwest
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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If, as you posted, your tongue weight might go over 350 lbs..this might not be the best choice for you...
Here are the specs. for that hitch:
Specs:
Tongue weight: 100 lbs - 350 lbs
Gross towing weight: 3,500 lbs
Fits: 2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers
Ball size: 2"
Rise: 4-1/2" from top of hitch receiver opening
Drop: 2" from top of hitch receiver opening
Spring-bar length: 26"
Limited lifetime warranty
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krnmsn
East Texas
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I have a Casita 17LD (single axle) weighing about 3200 lbs loaded with a tongue weight of 400+. I'm pulling with a Nissan Frontier 6cyl Crew Cab, about the same tow specs as your Taco.
I have the Reese 66151 and it rides really well; the tow is MUCH better than w/o. I chose it because it has integrated sway control and it bolts on. I'm certainly no expert but I think the Mini lite might not be sufficient for your set up. good luck with your choice.
Karen
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wv_boy
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The Reese 66151 does look like a better choice- hadn't seen it before. I just want to avoid something complicated that will cause me clearance issues. How does the Nissan handle a trailer that size? Since we started looking at TT's I have revised my ideal weight down several times... mountain roads and a v-6 are not a great idea, no matter what Toyota says it can pull.
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beemerphile1
I'm 57, I'm not a
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Take a look at the Equal-i-zer 600/6,000 hitch. 350# is too light.
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2006 Weekend Warrior FK1900/1998 Ford E150 4.6L = 8MPG
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krnmsn
East Texas
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The Casita/Frontier combo is pretty new for me. Just one 5 day trip of about 800 miles. East Texas to the Hill country west of San Antonio. Some pretty good grades but not what you would really call mountains. It was very stable; the Reese WDH makes it feel more like a 2 axle trailer. Not sure about the gas mileage; I just didn't calculate it. I had pulled it a couple of times w/o the WDH and it's fine for running it down to the car wash but you won't find me on the highway without it!
Previous to this I had a 13 foot Casita pulled by a 6cyl Ford Escape (used a anti-sway bar only) and while it was fine... this combo pulls much better.
Karen
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gmw photos
midwest
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I'm pulling a Funfinder 189FDS ( 19', scaled at 3700 to 3900 pounds depending on what I take ) with a '06 Frontier 4WD CC. 4.0 V-6, 6 speed manual ( factory rated tow capacity 6300 ).
I am using a BlueOx swaypro WD hitch, with built-in sway control, with 550 bars. Works very well. Easy to set up, and the brackets that go on the a-frame are very low profile, so they easily clear the propane tanks/cover, etc.
Just got back from over three weeks on the road, and averaged 13 mpg. I tow between 55 and 60 mph.
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Cedarhill
Deep South
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wv_boy wrote:The Reese 66151 does look like a better choice- hadn't seen it before. I just want to avoid something complicated that will cause me clearance issues. How does the Nissan handle a trailer that size? Since we started looking at TT's I have revised my ideal weight down several times... mountain roads and a v-6 are not a great idea, no matter what Toyota says it can pull.
I pull a 21 foot 4400 pound (measured weight) Flagstaff model 21FBRS with my 2011 Nissan Frontier with a 4L 265 hp V-6. It does a fine job. When towing, the fuel economy is about the same as a V-8 engine but when using it as a daily driver, it gets better fuel economy and is easier to maneuver than a full sized vehicle. I was unwilling to buy a dedicated tow vehicle and I don't want to drive a full sized truck all the time. The Frontier is a very competent tow vehicle for a small trailer like the 21FBRS and represents a good compromise for my purposes. I use a low cost weight distributing hitch with a friction sway bar and the combination is stable under all normal driving conditions. I think it is questionable to pull even a small travel trailer without a WD hitch as it makes the combination ride better and tow level.
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gmw photos
midwest
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wv_boy wrote:The Reese 66151 does look like a better choice- hadn't seen it before. I just want to avoid something complicated that will cause me clearance issues. How does the Nissan handle a trailer that size? Since we started looking at TT's I have revised my ideal weight down several times... mountain roads and a v-6 are not a great idea, no matter what Toyota says it can pull.
Part of your satisfaction in towing with the this class of truck will come with what your expectations and attitude are. If you want to run up the mountain passes at 65 to 75 mph, and if you expect to zoom up to freeway speed like in your family car.....well....you may want to consider a more powerful TV. But on the other hand, if you are willing to approach the whole thing within reason, the Frontier/Tacoma make fine tugs for these smaller trailers.
I also use the Frontier to pull a slant load two horse trailer, that is about 4500 pounds with one horse in it, and the truck pulls it fine, and actually get better mileage than when pulling the lighter funfinder. The little horse trailer is lower and more rounded in shape, so the truck get 2 to 3 mpg better with it in tow.
I agree with what the other poster ( Cedarhill )said that this class of truck really should have a WD hitch to tow these trailers. It makes a big difference in handling.
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cpaharley2008
york,pa
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TRy pulling without one and then make you decision, sway control is prevalent in smaller lighter trailers. I had a Frontier and never used a weight hitch. The 400# on your rear should not drop it noticeably.
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