towing a camper/trailer

gnwhite · 09-09-2006, 07:44 AM

OK my wife and i want to get a small camper that has a shower in it.
She keeps looking up 22 to 26 ft trailers and i cant get her to understand that even if they are light enough they will be driving us instead of the us pulling the trailer.

so im thinking a nice pop up or small expandable trailer.

My problem is when she asks well what will it tow, and then im going uhhhhhh
because i really dont know. so anyone have any experience with this or suggestions. Heck the whole thing may be a bad idea!

thanks

FJCameron · 09-09-2006, 07:56 AM

They all have a 5000 pound towing capacity don't they?

dau666 · 09-09-2006, 08:04 AM

and 500 pound tongue weight....You just need to make sure whatever you two is below the limit....Check how much the 22 ft trailer weighs..I think you will do OK....

FJCameron · 09-09-2006, 08:09 AM

I also give the advice about looking at used ones first, seems like there are always those people who barely use their boats and campers more than a few days a year and then are sold for cheap a few years later.

Blackstone_Cruiser · 09-09-2006, 08:14 AM

Airstream makes a nice mini trailer there new basecamp model

Also TAB makes a kickA#@ little tow behind unit that is very lightweight and has a great floorplan.

OlyWaFJ · 09-09-2006, 10:54 AM

I am going to buy the Highlander Niagra next spring, compare it to what you get with a hard sided trailer, I think you & your wife will be surprised.

http://www.fleetwoodcampingtrailers....rtrailers.aspx

**proinv** · 09-09-2006, 11:18 AM

i am planning to tow my 21ft Trail-Light. Camping World installed the Prodigy electric brake control. (would not tow w/out it no matter what size.

I also have the weight distribution and sway bar. (a must have) The weight dist brings the rear of tow vehicle back up to level.

If you received the Toyota owners manual on CD check it out. They have a section on towing that gives you the tongue weight, max tow requirements etc.

The main thing is, remember to add occupant weight, luggage, bikes, toys, etc. When you figure your gross weight.

Others have talked about the short wheel base and concerns of swaying or jack-knifing. Keep this in mind. Again, I would NOT tow w/out weight distribution and sway bar. I do not plan to experiment w/out those.

When I bought this camper I towed it home 80miles from the dealer. I did not have the two safety features. Tow vehicle was a GMC Savanna custom van 5.0L.
I installed both before the first outing and noticed a huge improvement in stability and handling. I would not go w/out them. (sorry, did I say that earlier)

Good Luck

David
Titanium #2 Option
Pioneer Z1 and a few extras

gnwhite · 09-09-2006, 11:37 AM

thanks for the input. much appreciated. im checking some options and will let you know of any possible conclusions.

thanks for the heads up on safety features. any more input is appreciated!!

grit · 09-09-2006, 12:00 PM

I pull a starcraft 10RT tent trailer with my FJ auto,It tows it well.I believe the trailer is approx 2500-2700 lbs loaded.The FJ has a max tongue weight of 500lbs, but it starts to sag in the rear with approx 275-300lbs, I wouldn't want much more tongue weight than that.I also wouldn't want to tow 5000lbs with the FJ, i don't think there would be alot of control.
In trailers look at the starcraft RT series,some have showers,we have been very happy with ours

good luck

RubiconSS · 09-09-2006, 01:19 PM

There are some Very nice Hybrids these days ( Pop-up/out beds) Solid side Camper. 16-18 ft. when towed, 22-26 ft when parked. They are light at about 3400 lbs. Not badly priced at 14-16k. I think the company is Shamrock or something like that.