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rockinkuwait's avatar
rockinkuwait
Explorer
Jun 09, 2016

New RV thoughts...

Hi all,

I've been reading through the threads and a lot of info I have been seeing on here that I am looking for but just was still curious on a few things.

I own a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and do a LOT of camping out here in Colorado (tent style) and have been for years. I know it isn't a great tow vehicle, but not willing to budge on the jeep. My wife is thinking maybe we look at graduating to a travel trailer. I've had a pop up before, not a big fan of it mostly due to the lack of ability to retain heat/cold, the work setting it up at the site, and not being able to put it away wet.

Anyways, from my vehicle I see I have a 3500 lb towing capacity and a 1100 lb payload. Which means 1100 lbs for tongue weight of trailer, people, gear, etc. from what I see.

So assuming on 300 lbs for me and the wife, and 400 lbs of gear (don't see it being near that much, but playing the safe side) that limits me to 400 lb tongue weight. With that being 10-15% of the trailer weight, I should be well within my tow range.

So our needs are sleeps 2 comfortably (4 is a want).
Shower/toilet inside. Wife is making this a mandatory (we do a lot of primitive camping).
A/C (and of course heat).
Kitchenette.
Hard body not hybrid (don't like the popups).

We are looking now, but probably won't be buying until later in the year when the warm season is ending. Not looking new, looking under $10k.

Some questions I have are..

If I put things (beverages clothes etc.) in my trailer how does that effect tongue weight? ie. I take 100 lbs of stuff from my jeep and throw it in the trailer (keeping it under my 3500 lb tow weight and under the trailer max weight), could I figure a 15% increase in tongue weight??? Or am I just robbing Peter to pay Paul?

What are the non-dedicated beds like comfort wise? The dinette that folds into a bed for example.

If I winterize my trailer, are there any worries about taking it out in winter running everything else (heat) if I don't use the toilet/water systems?




And the big one. Any personal experience idea's on what you like/avoid?

So for example...

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2012-K-Z-Manufacturing-Sportsman-Classic-16BH-118149504



Any things I am missing if something like that interests me?
  • I am not in your position but if I was I would give serious consideration to the Bigfoot line of small TTs or the Scamp small TTs. Recently shared a cold Newfoundland CG with a group of them.

    All are hard sided. All are gelcoat finish. Both brands seem to be of better than average materials & workmanship. I believe one of them is Canadian made & with the strength of the USD against the CAD now would be a good time to buy Canadian.
  • We had a 2007 Trailite by R-Vision 19QB and it was a great trailer. Queen bed and the table folded down to hold our two small kids. All the amenities were present. We towed it with a small pickup and never had a problem.
  • Thanks all!

    Seems like that frontal area will not be helpful. May limit me to the campers I don't want (A frame, popup, hi-low).

    So is that just a flat number then? Like if your trailer is a brick, it's the same as if it has an aerodynamic build?

    Bikendan, was that a pre-2012 jeep? I know that the newer motor had a big HP/TQ update in 2012.
  • One thing that makes a Motorhome seem more like a house to us is a floorplan that has a side hallway to the bedroom (rather than a central one passing through the bath)... Just out preference.
  • Be sure to get a good WDH with integrated sway control, for that short wheelbase Jeep.

    You may have issues with the trailer's frontal area and the wind resistance.
    Your Jeep may have a trailer frontal area lkmit.
    Many vehicles with the 3500lbs towing capacity, have such limits.
    Any TT will exceed it.

    I think you'd be happier with an A-frame style trailer.
    Rockwood/Flagstaf make good ones.
    I have a good friend with the same Jeep and they were unhappy towing their small hybrid TT with it.