Single Axle vs Dual Axle
I apologize up front for the length and variety of questions.
I will be retiring in December. My plan is to run away from home and see the USA. It will be just me and my 2 dogs.
I currently own a 91 Coleman tent trailer. It has done its job well, but I don't need to sleep 6 any more and want better protection when it rains or gets cold. I looked at MH's for a few months, but decided a travel trailer better suits my needs.
My tow vehicle is a 2006 Toyota 4Runner with the 5.3L V-8. It's rated to tow 7300 lbs GVWR. I did some research on tow weights and saw recommendations to keep the GVWR at 80%, which would mean 5800 lbs. So I have been looking at small light weight trailers.
I'd like to keep the total length around 20' long. I have narrowed my choices down to:
A North Trail FX18. It's about 21' overall and has 4900 GVWR. I really like this one because it has a sofa bed slideout. Dual axle.
A Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 187. It's about 20' overall and has 3850 GVWR. No slideout. Single axle.
I've also seen a Surveyor Cadet SC189 that looks good.
Most of my research has been through the brochures. I've gone to dealers and looked at other models in the line that are on the lot, but I get the brochure for the floorplans and construction info. There doesn't appear to be a huge demand for small trailers in So Cal, the land of the toy hauler. So the inventory at various dealers is limited. I don't want to get one with something I don't want (like an overhead bunk- which dealers keep trying to sell me), so I may have to order one from the manufacturer. How does that work out?
Just some other topics I'd like to get opinions on:
I'd like to keep the 4Runner as TV mainly because it's paid off! I've pulled the Coleman with the hitch that is on there (Toyota says it's weight-distributing), but I'll change the hitch if necessary. Also, I'll need to add the trailer braking system. Good decision?
Single axle vs dual axle trailers. The salesmen I have talked to say the dual axle is more stable. I realize if I get a slideout, it will be dual axle. Any other benefits to a dual axle?
Since I plan on taking extended trips in it, or maybe even full-timing, I was looking for an upscale/medium (not entry) model line. Are the ones I've mentioned a good medium quality line?
Thank you.
I will be retiring in December. My plan is to run away from home and see the USA. It will be just me and my 2 dogs.
I currently own a 91 Coleman tent trailer. It has done its job well, but I don't need to sleep 6 any more and want better protection when it rains or gets cold. I looked at MH's for a few months, but decided a travel trailer better suits my needs.
My tow vehicle is a 2006 Toyota 4Runner with the 5.3L V-8. It's rated to tow 7300 lbs GVWR. I did some research on tow weights and saw recommendations to keep the GVWR at 80%, which would mean 5800 lbs. So I have been looking at small light weight trailers.
I'd like to keep the total length around 20' long. I have narrowed my choices down to:
A North Trail FX18. It's about 21' overall and has 4900 GVWR. I really like this one because it has a sofa bed slideout. Dual axle.
A Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 187. It's about 20' overall and has 3850 GVWR. No slideout. Single axle.
I've also seen a Surveyor Cadet SC189 that looks good.
Most of my research has been through the brochures. I've gone to dealers and looked at other models in the line that are on the lot, but I get the brochure for the floorplans and construction info. There doesn't appear to be a huge demand for small trailers in So Cal, the land of the toy hauler. So the inventory at various dealers is limited. I don't want to get one with something I don't want (like an overhead bunk- which dealers keep trying to sell me), so I may have to order one from the manufacturer. How does that work out?
Just some other topics I'd like to get opinions on:
I'd like to keep the 4Runner as TV mainly because it's paid off! I've pulled the Coleman with the hitch that is on there (Toyota says it's weight-distributing), but I'll change the hitch if necessary. Also, I'll need to add the trailer braking system. Good decision?
Single axle vs dual axle trailers. The salesmen I have talked to say the dual axle is more stable. I realize if I get a slideout, it will be dual axle. Any other benefits to a dual axle?
Since I plan on taking extended trips in it, or maybe even full-timing, I was looking for an upscale/medium (not entry) model line. Are the ones I've mentioned a good medium quality line?
Thank you.
