vinnydog
Pennsylvania
New Member
Joined: 07/30/2008
View Profile
 Offline
|
Hello,
I'm looking to buy a light weight travel trailer for next year. There are so many things to consider it's down right confusing! I have a 2008 Toyota Highlander, so I would like to keep the weight around 3000lbs to 3500lbs. I don't need anything huge because it's just me,my wife, and daughter, but I want something with some space. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good trailer?
|
Padlin
W. Ma.
Senior Member
Joined: 06/15/2006
View Profile
 Online
|
With a 3.3 or 3.5L V6 you may want to think about one of the high side popups or something like a hi-lo. I'd think the wind resistance an anything full height would prove a disapointment.
Bob & Deb
W Ma.
04 GMC 1500 4X4, 5.3L
06 Starcraft 18SB
|
Trailering Texans
Huntsville, Texas
Senior Member
Joined: 01/01/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Casita or Scamp - goggle them
|
HarvinJeep
Va Beach, VA
New Member
Joined: 04/23/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Edit: sorry posted in wrong thread.
2006 Sunline 276SR
(Gone is the 2007 Sunline Que SE, and the 2006 Ainer)
2008 Ram 1500 QC 4x4 5.7L
2005 VW Passat TDI
2001 Jeep Wrangler
1975 Jeep CJ-6
|
BroncosFan
USA
Full Member
Joined: 06/23/2006
View Profile
|
funfinder and cikira, Jayco jay feather, Hi-lo.
|
|
|
profdant139
Southern California
Senior Member
Joined: 11/14/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
What is the tow rating on your SUV? Remember that you do not want to pull at the limit -- leave a big safety cushion. Some folks say 80% of the rating is the max. I drive a Pathfinder, rated at 6000 pounds, and tow a little Fun Finder at 2000 pounds plus a lot of equipment. Probably too much of a safety cushion, but we do a lot of mountain driving (so I want lots of braking and transmission capacity).
|
Rumtan
Alberta
Senior Member
Joined: 06/25/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Try looking at Bigfoot also. Light weight and very reliable.
2002 Palomino 22'
2002 Chev Silverado V8
Fish-O-holic
|
Fraser in YYZ
East York, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 10/16/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
First off find out the towing capacity of your TV and don't forget to leave some room there for "comfort" and of course safety. I think I've heard it said here that the 1K under weight comfort zone is a good rule of thumb. Check out you TV capacity here:
trailer life towing guide
You may find that your capacity is 3500 lbs in which case a pop up will be probably your only option.
Good luck!!
Fraser
DW
2 sons 13+16
2008 Jayco 213 Exp
2005 Dodge Durango 5.7 Hemi Magnum
Factory tow package
Prodigy brake controller
Husky WD hitch with friction anti-sway
McKesh tow mirrors
A bad day of camping is better than ANY day stuck in the city!!
 (2).jpg)
|
seadawg
Tampa Bay, Florida
Full Member
Joined: 04/12/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Though many young families have started their camping days with popups, I think you'll find more choices than popups available to you if you have the factory tow package on your Highlander, which increases your tow capacity significantly. (Check your manual and Toyota's website... they have a great online towing guide.)
A few people have already mentioned the small molded fiberglass trailers. Our Oliver is one, and there are several other current brands out there... Scamp, Casita, Bigfoot, Escape (Canadian made), etc. A number of them have a narrower footprint and (some, not all)have a more aerodynamic shape to makes towing a little easier, especially with an SUV. This, however, also limits your interior space a little, but is easier to set up at the end of the day than a popup or hybrid. By the way, many of the small molded fiberglass models weigh in at less than some popups and hybrids, and all of them have optional or standard bathrooms, kitchens, etc. There are also some small entry level conventional trailers that may work for you and your family.
We tow our Oliver with both our Silverado half ton and our Volvo all wheel drive Suv, which has a small 2.6 engine, but a decent tow capacity. Both vehicles have the factory tow package. We prefer the truck in the mountains, but for shorter trips or flatter terrain, the Volvo does just fine. The important thing is to get out there and get your daughter involved in the wonderful world of camping while she's young, right?
Sherry
oliverforums.com
fiberglassrv.com
|
HOGS
Upstate New York
New Member
Joined: 08/02/2008
View Profile
|
Just picked up a 2007 Jayco 165 Ultra Lite. Took it camping day after we got it,immediately fell in love with it has all the room needed(me, wife and room for one or two grandchildren). Tows easily behind Ram 1500 with towing package and w/d hitch. Check the jayco website for floor plan. Works well for us.
|
|
|
