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otterslide's avatar
otterslide
Explorer
Oct 19, 2019

Reliable truck+lightweight TT RVing Setup

I'm looking for some lightweight truck+TT ideas. The TT has to have a toilet and shower, around 18-22ft.
I recently saw a Honda Ridgeline pulling a decently sized Jayco, looked around 20 feet. That seemed interesting, as I want the best gas mileage and the lightest combined weight.

I'm wondering what other lightweight setups there are that have worked well for people. My current car is Toyota Corolla, so I'm a bit leery about jumping to a V8. The Airstream 22 is quite light and looks amazing, but more than I want to spend.

And ideas of reliable lightweight truck/trailer combinations are appreciated. We are two people, both of us are not too tall so a lower ceiling is okay.

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  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2019
    There is a clean 19ft Airstream Bambi for $22000 on Airforums classifieds. I am in no way connected wit the seller. I am just pointing out that one can find good used units at reasonable prices. That unit and a Tacoma is a perfect combination.
  • J_herb's avatar
    J_herb
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2019
    Crowe wrote:
    Look into one of the 150/1500 with a 3.0 diesel. That will give you the best MPG solo or towing, and be a way better platform than any Honda.

    Problem with this is the extra cost of the diesel. It will take a long time to make up the difference with mileage savings.

    "Reliable" is very subjective. You can get a lemon at any time. Find a truck within your budget that you are comfortable with. If you are thinking small, don't rule out an SUV-that can give you some possible extra versatility. You don't necessarily need to go to a V8 engine. The Ford F150 with the Ecoboost engine gives decent economy with good power. Someone suggested a pop-up. My only caveat with those (I speak from experience) is that folding the wet tent sides can be a PITA. The upside is they are relatively inexpensive and easy to tow.


    Crowe is right on! I have towed our 17'Casita at 3,000 Lbs for over 17 years with mid size trucks and now a GMC van and average from 12 to 14 MPG. Have friends that tow their Casita trailers and like the SUVs and V6 engines.
  • Crowe's avatar
    Crowe
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2019
    Look into one of the 150/1500 with a 3.0 diesel. That will give you the best MPG solo or towing, and be a way better platform than any Honda.

    Problem with this is the extra cost of the diesel. It will take a long time to make up the difference with mileage savings.

    "Reliable" is very subjective. You can get a lemon at any time. Find a truck within your budget that you are comfortable with. If you are thinking small, don't rule out an SUV-that can give you some possible extra versatility. You don't necessarily need to go to a V8 engine. The Ford F150 with the Ecoboost engine gives decent economy with good power. Someone suggested a pop-up. My only caveat with those (I speak from experience) is that folding the wet tent sides can be a PITA. The upside is they are relatively inexpensive and easy to tow.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2019
    We pull a 16 ft Airstream with a Toyota Tacoma. Great combination. I would look at the 19 ft Airstreams with a Tacoma. You should get in the mid teens mpg with that combination. Shop the used units.
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2019
    otterslide wrote:

    I recently saw a Honda Ridgeline pulling a decently sized Jayco, looked around 20 feet. That seemed interesting, as I want the best gas mileage and the lightest combined weight.


    you need to forget about "best gas mileage". all gassers towing a Travel Trailer, will get between 8-10mpg towing. Doesn't matter size or weight, it's the trailer's frontal area that affects fuel mileage. if you go diesel, then you'll get 2-3mpg better.
    a Ridgeline won't get any better mpg, than a F150 Ecoboost, towing a TT. maybe even worse.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2019
    Look into one of the 150/1500 with a 3.0 diesel. That will give you the best MPG solo or towing, and be a way better platform than any Honda.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2019
    If you don't mind a really little trailer, a fiberglass "egg trailer" such as a Scamp might be a good option. I myself find the biggest models, the 19' fifth wheels, especially beguiling.
  • wowens79's avatar
    wowens79
    Explorer III
    Oct 20, 2019
    We had a Hoda Pilot, which is basically the same drive train. Great vehicle! We pulled our popup with it sometimes. Really about a 3000lb popup is all I'd want to pull with it. Gas mileage towing was rough, down around 14-15. It did get 24-25mpg without the camper.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2019
    “I recently saw a Honda Ridgeline pulling a decently sized Jayco...”

    Pulling ability is only one consideration. Carrying ability (payload) is another. The tow vehicle must be able...more than able...to carry the people, stuff, hitch and tongue weight.

    Find a TT first then match a tow vehicle to it. What others do may be unsafe or ruin their TV.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2019
    otterslide wrote:
    I'm looking for some lightweight truck+TT ideas. The TT has to have a toilet and shower, around 18-22ft.
    I recently saw a Honda Ridgeline pulling a decently sized Jayco, looked around 20 feet. That seemed interesting, as I want the best gas mileage and the lightest combined weight.

    I'm wondering what other lightweight setups there are that have worked well for people. My current car is Toyota Corolla, so I'm a bit leery about jumping to a V8. The Airstream 22 is quite light and looks amazing, but more than I want to spend.

    And ideas of reliable lightweight truck/trailer combinations are appreciated. We are two people, both of us are not too tall so a lower ceiling is okay.


    Just about any F150, or 1500 series truck with the right equipment will do what you want. however. Do remember. It is NOT the weight that cost the MPG. It is the front wall of the traveltrailer. It stops a lot of air.
    If you want MPG, you need to look at popups.

    Having said that. there are many light weight travel trailers on the market. You just need to search dealers online, or go visit your local dealerships. All pretty much with the same quality. Except of course the airstream. but then you saw how pricey it is.

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