Coeba
Wisconsin
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Joined: 01/08/2008
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Ive been doing alot of research the last cpl months looking to get my first RV. I currently have a 2002 Trailblazer and based on all the info if found (mostly on these forums  ) im pretty sure i can pull a Roo 21ss.
The GVWR on the Roo 21ss in the 2007 brochure is 4684lb.
The GVWR for the trailblazer is 5750lb.
Based on my axle ratio, my max trailer weight can be 5700lb with a GCWR of 10500.
the 4684 of the roo is 1000lb under my max trailer weight but it seems odd to me that the 5750 of the trailblazer and 4684 of the roo total to 10434, which is just under my GCWR.
If im correct in assumming that the GVWR is the maximum my trailer or RV can/would weight then i think im fine.
What do you guys think or is my math/data wrong?
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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You are correct that the GVWR is the maximum your vehicle(s) are allowed to weigh when fully loaded and still be within factory specs. There are two safety related numbers to keep in mind and they are GVWR and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Ratio) and there would be one for the front and rear axle. As long as you're under these ratings the only thing you have to be concerned about is warranty (probably not in effect for your truck) and your own satisfaction with the tow. Good luck / Skip
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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BearingBuddy
St. Lawrence County, NY
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Joined: 07/04/2004
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I really don't like to assume, but based on your numbers, you have a standard length TB, I-6 motor, 2WD, and 3.73 gears??
Others will chime in about listed weight in the brochures and weight of people, pets and or gear in TV.
I say its too much weight. I towed my HTT (listed weight of 37XX lbs, real weight of 4100lbs) with a 2004 TB 4wd. On short trips (less than 2 hours) it was a champ. Also makes a good daily commuter. Anything longer than that and you are gonna toast something on that TB.
IIRC the weight of my TB was darn close to 5000 lbs. w/o people or gear in it!
my .02 worth
jeff d
2005 Ford F150 XLT CC 5.4L, 3.55 gears, McKesh Mirrors
2004 Jayco Jay Feather EXP 23D, Prodigy Brake Control
Reese WD Hitch Round Bars & Friction Sway
1973-Jeff  1975-Dawn  1999-Cody  2001-Katie 
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Chuck_S
Broadview Hts, OH, USA
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If your maximum towing capacity is 5700 pounds the 1000 Pound Rule of thumb states you can safely tow a 4700 pound trailer. (All this rule does is keep you within GCVWR). This is not "Happy Towing" weight, but you'll be in specs.
I think the Roo 21SS got the 3000 pound axles and will have a GVWR over 6000 pounds, but it's difficult to put that much weight in it.
The transmission remains the critical item on a full frame vehicle. A transmission temperature gage, and maybe as auxillary transmission radiator will help. If you can fit the 4.10:1 axle(s) your max tow capacity will bump to 6200 pounds. Fairly straight forward swap if you have 2WD.
Weight management and temperature monitoring are key to stay within specs.
As noted this isn't Happy Towing, so don't be surprised if you start thinking of a bigger tow vehicle, but in-spec is in-spec.
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland
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Chuck_S
Broadview Hts, OH, USA
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Oh, yeah, don't forget the Roo 21SS is one of those with the narrow bathroom. Uncomfortable to sit on the pottie with the door closed if you're much above 5'4".
-- Chuck
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spohara
New Brunswick, Canada
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Joined: 09/19/2007
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I have a 2004 Envoy XL (relatively close in specs to the Trail Blazer) and a Roo 21 with close to the same GVWR. This seems to be a good towing combination for me, but when I am loaded for camping with gear, kids (x4 or 5 if we have a tag-along), dog and DW, it is not going to set any land speed records on the hills, but it tows well with the weight distribution hitch and friction sway.
I hope this helps.
Sean, Maureen, 4 Kids and a Shih-Tzu
2003 Rockwood Roo 21
2004 GMC Envoy XL (4.2 L V6)
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Campfire Time
Wisconsin
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Joined: 07/20/2007
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I recommend you consider getting a "tune", that is to have your PCM flashed with a new program. PCM for Less is about the most reasonably priced and people report great results. It'll remove the torque managment and "loosen up" your TB. While it won't increase your towing capacity, it will make for easier towing. Do a thread search at http://www.trailvoy.com/ and you'll get a feel for what this is all about.
Chuck D.
'03 Jayco Kiwi 17a, '03 Chevy Trailblazer EXT, Garmin Nuvi 200 GPS
Photography is my obsession: http://coldwater.smugmug.com/
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mbopp
Henrietta, NY, USA
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Joined: 06/20/2004
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Our 21SSO is similar to the Roo 21SS. My Envoy has 3.42 gears & a listed trailer tow capacity of 5200#.
It's OK on the flats but slow on the hills. I added a tranny cooler & use a Reese DC & Prodigy brake controller. With the 3.42 gears I tow in 3rd, not OD.
I've looked into PCM For Less, Alvin gets good comments on the Trailvoy forum for his tunes but I haven't gone that route yet. He has a tune specifically for trailer towing. It's too bad GM didn't put a tow / haul switch in the TB.
Since it's DW & me (no kids or pets) I probably load a but lighter than most other people. But the next TV will be bigger, maybe an Expy or Tahoe / Yukon.
You do know the 4 wires needed for the brake controller are taped up under the dash, right? And you'll probably need to connect the battery feed line on the under hood fuse block & maybe add the fuse.
"A bad day of camping is better than a good day at work."
'04 GMC Envoy & '05 Travel Star 21SSO
17' Wenonah Kevlar & 16' Dagger Royalex canoes
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americandream42
NJ
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Joined: 01/05/2008
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I ALWAYS like to be below my tow rating by a ton or two just to make sure i can handle going up hills with minimal problems
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eddie3260
Florence, al
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Joined: 05/26/2007
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I've got a 2002 Trailblazer as well and towed my Jayco 23B with it, one time. The GVWR's for the Roo you are looking at and my 23B are about the same. My Trailblazer did not handle it well. It stayed wound up the whole time; I could not imagine trying to tow any distance with it.
You may want to test pull the new HTT before you buy it just to make sure it's going to meet your needs.
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