Advance on Travel Trailer
Hi, I’m new to the RV world. I have a grand Jeep Cherokee 2011 with the V6 engine with tow package. I have settled on two very different travel trailers. One is 1100 pounds dry weight 13 feet in leng...
Forum Discussion
Either trailer would be fine with your vehicle, but...
You’ll likely need a trailer brake controller and 7 pin connector with the larger one. The smaller trailer likely does not have trailer brakes and a four pin connector for lights is all that is needed. Most, if not all, states do not require trailer brakes under 2000# GVWR and many don’t require them until 3000# GVWR. A Weight distributing hitch would be nice for the larger trailer if it squatted your SUV much, not needed with the smaller one.
I towed a 3877 GVWR TT with a V6 Ford Explorer V6 with tow package. Engine was a little weak on steep or long hills But elsewise fine towing that. I did use a weight distributing hitch.
Smaller length single axle trailers are easier to jackknife when backing. Just expect it and go easy and slow while backing.
I own a small 2000# 4x4x8.5’ cargo trailer & it is real easy to jackknife. My previous 2995# GVWR (on 3500# axle, no brakes) 10x6x6’ cargo trailer was also easy to jackknife.
Just don’t be in a hurry when backing up. Like the Shootist said, “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast”. That also applies when backing a trailer. Take your time and the end result will actually be faster than pulling forward a lot to straighten out, with less frustration.
You’ll likely need a trailer brake controller and 7 pin connector with the larger one. The smaller trailer likely does not have trailer brakes and a four pin connector for lights is all that is needed. Most, if not all, states do not require trailer brakes under 2000# GVWR and many don’t require them until 3000# GVWR. A Weight distributing hitch would be nice for the larger trailer if it squatted your SUV much, not needed with the smaller one.
I towed a 3877 GVWR TT with a V6 Ford Explorer V6 with tow package. Engine was a little weak on steep or long hills But elsewise fine towing that. I did use a weight distributing hitch.
Smaller length single axle trailers are easier to jackknife when backing. Just expect it and go easy and slow while backing.
I own a small 2000# 4x4x8.5’ cargo trailer & it is real easy to jackknife. My previous 2995# GVWR (on 3500# axle, no brakes) 10x6x6’ cargo trailer was also easy to jackknife.
Just don’t be in a hurry when backing up. Like the Shootist said, “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast”. That also applies when backing a trailer. Take your time and the end result will actually be faster than pulling forward a lot to straighten out, with less frustration.
