I am asking this in the most general of terms, so please do not request more info before you can answer. Assuming a substantial TV,
like an expedition. Does a mid sized TT tow any better or worse than a small one would, due to wheel base. Or vice versa ? You know big tow-er, small tow-ee. Do not want to get into the "what is small" "what is mid size" debate, hope you understand. thanks, wolfie
I don't know that I would call an Expedition a 'substantial tow vehicle' but ok..
The heavier and longer wheelbase the tow vehicle is in comparison to the length and weight of the trailer, the better it will handle the trailer. A one-ton crewcab longbed dually will handle any trailer alot better than a short wheelbase, relatively light weight Expedition. Think of your tow vehicle as an anchor for your trailer. If your trailer is so much longer and heavier than the tow vehicle, it has greater ability to throw the tow vehicle around. My F350 weighs 10,000 lbs and has about a 170" wheelbase. I don't feel most trailers behind it, chassis/handling-wise. The little mouse wheel under the hood feels the weight on the hills though!
I agree with the trailer wheelbase vs length and axle placement and tandem axle comments above.
socal,
please re read my original post. "small/mid size" . their was no need for a passive agressive dis of my TV. Not everyone can afford a mondo size rig.
Wolfcat1, I didn't see a "dis", I saw an acknowledgment that a Ford Expedition is a small to mid size tow vehicle in the context of towing a travel trailer. That is, to me, very relevant in considering your question. Anyway, to get as generic as possible, a heavier trailer will be harder for the tow vehicle to control than a light trailer. A trailer with more wind surface area, both frontal area and side view area, will be harder for the tow vehicle to control than one with less surface area. A trailer with more axles will be easier to control. A trailer with a longer wheel base will be easier to control.
Obviously these balance each other out. A longer, lower, more aerodynamic, lighter trailer (think of Airstream) will probably handle better for you than a shorter, taller, quite heavy trailer. One thing is that a longer wheel base trailer is easier to back up than a short wheel base trailer.
Brian
2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab, Hemi, 5 speed manual, 3.73 gears, Tow Beast hitch with 24" extension.
28 ft race car hauler, Lola T440 Formula Ford, NTM MK4 Sports Racer
2004 Travel Hawk 8' Truck Camper - Roll at 16K combined weight
VintageRacer wrote: One thing is that a longer wheel base trailer is easier to back up than a short wheel base trailer.
Brian
X2
Definitley easier to back up a short wheelbase trailer with a short wheel base TV than with a long wheel base TV...at least that's been my experience. My Shasta seems to want to jacknife with any input from the steering wheel on the Dakota, but with the Trooper it's no problem.
Regardless of the tow vehicle (BUT assuming you are not overtaxing the tow vehicle) the longer trailer by design will always tow more smoothly and back up easier.
The shorter the trailer, the harder it is to back up (but the more spaces it will fit into ).
Theoretically, the closer the trailer axles are to the back of the coach the less chance for sway (although there are disadvantages to having them too far back as well = heavier tongue weight). This is really an academic point, however, as I think most coaches are designed for optimal balance - my point being that the more rear overhang on the TT, the more tail you have to wag the dog).
Dual axles on the towed unit is always more steady, and less bouncy than single axle.
The important is just making sure that you are within the safe margins of whatever the tow vehicle is, regardless of whther anyone here calls it substantial or not
Dirk
Myself (34), my Wife(32), and "The Boy"(3)
06 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, 5.3L V8, 3.42rear
05 30QBSS Trail-Cruiser, Prodigy BC, Reese Dual Cam W/D
Our 21' HTTTH gives a nicer ride (in TV) than our 16' TT did, but it is dual axle versus single.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely German Shepherd.
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded) Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories. I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
Sway has not been discussed here yet. A longer TT will be more inclined to sway. Typically a smaller TT can be placed in spots that a longer one would not even think of going. Bottom line, you should not tow more weight than your TV weighs or you will be asking for problems. JMHO!
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