I have a 16ft Kodiak Scamper and it is 2800 lbs unloaded and I love it. I tow with a Envoy 6 cyl. It can tow up to 5,100 lbs. I have had the camper 3 years.
Most of your 19 foot model and shorter will be your best bet.
I remember when shopping the trailmanor 19 foot model was the lightest- thuogh they were all very close.
We ended up with a Starcraft Travelstar 19CK- its 3200 pounds with options, but no cargo. (it has all options though). I'm about 3800 to 4000 pounds loaded.
I towed that originally with a Ford Windstar 3.8 liter engine, the van did a pretty good job, the only reason why I upgraded is because with a 3500 tow rating, we didn't feel it was safe for long trips.
You will have a perfect match with the Highlander.
I would double check the tow rating because the '03-'05 models only had a 3500 pound capacity.
Families who camp together, stay together...
Dad
Mom
11yr old son- knows everything now...
5 yr old son- still sweet...
4 yr old daugher- turning me grey already...
We have a larger Star Stream model and after a few initial issues (nothing major - just some recaulking), have been quite pleased. We just got it and have spent five nights in it so far. After looking at quite a few hybrids, we were sold on the quality of the construction, including the interior cabinets. On our model, the tanks were significantly larger as well.
2009 Starcraft Star Stream ss22rbh
2005 Dodge Durango Limited
2003 Dodge Ram with Thule rack system
5 bikes
3 kayaks
1 Bayliner 185
1 Mini Australian Shepherd
3 kids
2 Tired, But Happy Camping Parents!
We have a new TravelStar 21SB and absolutely love it. We tow with a Toyota Sequoia and have had no problems. Good luck in your search and purchase, and Happy Camping!
Karla, DH, DD~17, DD~12, DS~4 and "Pest in Show"~Odie
New England
2003 Toyota Sequoia, 2008 Travelstar 21SB
Quote: I know of no hybrids 3000 pounds and under when normally equipped and with your camping gear on board. Even my popup was 3500. The "dry" weight is pure fiction, that's before the awning, AC, spare tire, and sink cover go on. Figure about 350 pounds over dry weight before you add the first sleeping bag or can of beans.
Coming home from the dealer, I took my Palomoino Stampede 17 across the truck stop scales, and it checked in at 2750# That's with lots of options like AC, awning, microwave, etc. This also included two full propane tanks.
On my way to Myrtle beach for a week's vacation this past spring, I went through a truck stop scale again. This time, it checked in at 3100# This is with LOTS of vacation junk. Typically, for a weekend trip, I don't take hardly anywhere near that amount of stuff! I imagine for a typical weekend, I can come in under 3000#
Excellent information. You getting trailer weights? or axle weights?
A 3500 pound trailer can easily have 3100 pounds of it on the axles and the rest on the ball. A couple hundred pounds, though, should make little real difference.
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland Our Photo pages
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