2018 GMC Canyon

kw/00 wrote:
Looks good and should work. I am interested in hearing how it works out for you since you changed from a larger setup. Downsizing can be a good thing, and the new mid sized trucks are more capable then ever. Wondering why you chose the gas over the diesel option? The gas is more then capable I’m sure, I’m looking for RV reviewes on both. Another question is what made you downsize? Just curios cause a few people I know are considering doing the same, thanks. Sorry of topic some.

I wrote this in the Forest River forum when asked the same...

"""I spent 2005 thru spring of 2018 being a construction manager/superintendent on-site and drove a company truck that doubled as my personal truck. Switched companies and jobs into a more executive position and decided I didn't want to drive a HD truck just to haul a camper around. Settled on a Canyon and couldn't be happier. The only thing I haven't been able to do with the baby truck that I did with the other truck was tow the Hideout. This while I am building a garage myself and constantly taking trips to the lumber/hardware store.

We put the Hideout on a permanent site last year but didn't want to do that again. Toyed around with the idea of purchasing a used truck just for towing or having my wife (1 mile commute) drive the bigger truck, but ultimately decided to downsize. I grew up in the Adirondacks and I'd like to camp there more as I live in Western NY, and the larger camper also wasn't conducive to "real" forest camping.

I am 36 and this is my fourth camper. An '88 Coleman pop-up and' 92 Jayco 265FS were the other two. After looking around, the 208BHS was the perfect combo of options (double bunks to grow into, baby outside kitchen, 80" queen, interior storage) and length/weight for the Canyon. I don't think there really is a comparable on the market right now, as you either give up items to get the weight down or you go heavier and longer. Heavier and longer might be within the Canyon specs (7000K towing) but I'm not looking to max stuff out, and I've over loaded and towed a lot being in construction."""

As for the diesel debate, I wasn't sure how much I was going to like a baby truck and there was a possibility I'd be getting rid of the Canyon quicker than I bought it. Almost a year later and am really enjoying it. Like I said above, it does everything I need. Truth is, it probably has roughly the same specs as my 2006 F150 with the baby V8 and I never hesitated dragging around a skidsteer with that.

Looks good and should work. I am interested in hearing how it works out for you since you changed from a larger setup. Downsizing can be a good thing, and the new mid sized trucks are more capable then ever. Wondering why you chose the gas over the diesel option? The gas is more then capable I’m sure, I’m looking for RV reviewes on both. Another question is what made you downsize? Just curios cause a few people I know are considering doing the same, thanks. Sorry of topic some.

Ralph Cramden wrote:
Great looking combo and should work well for you.

That said I just fired up the corn popper and grabbed the bowl. It's going to be fun to watch this one evolve as soon as the weight police roll out of bed.

Ha, I would love to hear their input.

I will be max 5,500lbs loaded, as I had 1,600lbs loaded in my 30fter. Tow for the Canyon is 7,000lbs.

Max tongue on the Canyon is 900lbs, per the label on the receiver itself. 15% would put me at 825lbs.

The closest number I will be at or over is payload, and that all depends how much I am loaded up. Payload sticker is 1,470lbs on the door. That less the tongue weight gives me 645lbs of payload, which accommodates my family of four at 425lbs and some additional cargo. With NYS not letting you move wood anymore, the bed of my truck doesn't get much use it seems.

Truthfully, when getting the trailer, the only number that worried me was the length. The Canyon being a shortbox with a 128" wheel base, I came up with a 24ft trailer would be the max. This one is about 25ft ball to bumper, but I was okay going with it.

I towed a 16ft stock trailer 300 miles (with time deadlines) with one. It was around 4k pounds, and I needed to average 70 mph to be on-time. The truck did great, was just thirsty.

I'm currently towing a 3000 lb. dry 18 ft. trailer with a Colorado V6 and looking to go a little larger. It will be interesting to hear how the OP does with his new trailer.

Even if you can't pull it out of the yard, it looks good just sitting there. :B
It looks like someone in the back seat is ready to go!

Nice rig...

Looks nice. I've been intrigued by the new Colorado. Make sure to report back how this tows.

I'm not, but that looks like a good combo.