Hopefully, we will soon be in the market far a new/slightly used HTT. I had to part with my beloved motorcycle to do it, but this will be something we can get more use out of as a family. I am looking for something for weekend and week trips to some local destinations. We won't be traveling across the country or anything, yet. So, it would be me, my wife, two young daughters, and our 80lb weimaraner. My tow vehicle is an 08 Honda Ridgeline RTX with a 5000 lb tow capacity and 500 lb hitch weight capacity. The manufacturer does not recommend the use of any weight distribution devices.
Here is my problem. Ideally a 21 foot hybrid with a slide would be ideal for additional space. Initially, my goal was to stay around 3500-3700 lbs dry weight and 400lbs hitch weight, which leaves a little room for gear. However, the only models meeting those criteria are 19 foot models. I really like the Forest River Surveyor 192T. I like the fact that the windows and doors are framed and the heated underbelly for Spring and Fall camping. I am also interested in the Aerolite Cub with the unique tent design. Does anyone know of any models with a slide at this weight for consideration? Should I be concerned about inferior build if I do find one due to less weight? Any thoughts or options I'm not considering?
I did find the Palomino Stampede 21SDSL with a total dry weight of 3846 and hitch weight at 444 lbs. This is pushing the limits of where I feel I should be. Is this a quality manufacturer?
Look at all of them. Take a weekend and plan out a dozen dealers to visit around your area. You'd be surprised some of the stuff you see that you didn't know you would want (the unique tent ends for example). Look at the coyotes. They have a 23' slideout model that is in that weight class. We had one that was an '01 and it weighed 3800lbs. Something to think about though is that the TV that we had was a large V6 that has a tow rating of 5200lbs and that 3800lb trailer was a strain!! You don't want to max out your tow vehicle! With the ridgeline, I think I would look for a trailer closer to 3000lbs. by the time you add gear, trailer add-ons (propane, microwave, water), etc. you'll be at the highest weight you can comfortably and safely tow.
You can also go to RVtrader and do an overall search and just browse the different models. I've found that most of those listings will tell you everything but the weight but that is nothing a quick google search won't fix.
Hi Brett...I'm just north of you in Wyoming, PA. We have an older Palomino Stampede. It's bigger than what you are looking at, but we have had virtually no problems with it. We love it. Are you looking for new or used? The thing is, ours was made by Vanguard Industries. At some point, I'm not exactly sure when, Palomino was bought out by Forest River. I believe they are still produced in the same factory as they had been, apart from most other Forest River lines, but I'm not 100% sure. I don't know if that would make the build quality better or worse...I'm just tossing it out there. Good luck with your search. Keep us posted.
Me~Jim, 44
DW~Patty, no comment
DS~Dave,19
DD~Megan,17
DD~Emily,11
200lb. English Mastiff~Gulliver,8
2005 Expedition Eddie Bauer
2002 Palomino Stampede 235 SL
We tow our Starcraft Travel Star 21SB with our Honda Ridgeline - couldn't be happier. You may want to consider a Starcraft. The 21SB has 3 bunk ends, but no slide. Good luck with your research and decision.
ME
DH
2DDs
'06 Honda Ridgeline
'07 Starcraft TravelStar 21SB
I have an '07 Ridgeline and an '07 Antigua 215SSO complete with the slide-out. The trailer has a dry weight somewhere around the 3,700 lbs mark. Fully loaded for 2 weeks of camping (except for water), we weighed less than the 5,000 lbs with a GVCWR of less than 9,600 lbs. The Ridgeline is rated for 10,080 lbs GVCWR. The hitch weight is probably heavier than it should be, approaching 550 lbs. I have towed this for about eight trips with no real concerns with the setup from a safety standpoint.
However, driving performance is another matter. Wind resistance on the HTT is huge and I believe this is a bigger factor on the Ridgeline than the weight that it tows, especially as you increase speed. You will find this same problem with most HTTs.
Acceleration is not great but my setup is a combined weight nearing 5 tons and almost 40' long so I really am not racing anyway.
The truck will run at approx. 3,800 RPM at any uphill grade (up to 4,500 RPM on steep hills) because the engine is designed for the higher revs. It is a strange feeling to get used to but after awhile you don't notice it.
I normally tow at about 60 mph but it feels better at 55 mph. My opinion is the Ridgeline will handle the larger HTT with slide but you will be slower - but you're on vacation anyway so it shouldn't matter.
If you have a hitch, visit your dealers and try towing some of the trailers to get a feel for them. In addition, you may want to visit www.ridgelineownersclub.com to see what others are towing.
Offline
, Skyler 
, Sammy...the wonder dog 
