Apex or Venture (Sporttrek) TT

jerem0621 wrote:
Apex will probably be my next brand of trailer.

Im a coachman guy myself. I like that they are low slung.. I have the 261 bh.. My next one would be a freedom express. Just that much better finish IMO.

Saw this one and its just a great size shower and layout.. A bit heavy in the hitch though..Apex has the smaller ones but the showers have no surrounds. A bit of a turn off.Just cant see water spraying on luan.

http://www.coachmenrv.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=60&ModelID=2096#Main

I’m experienced, towed lots and lots and bought a half ton with my eyes wide open. Former Dually owner and understand the weights.

For half ton trucks I look for dry weight to be about 3,500-5,000 dry MAX. I know that loaded I want to be maxed out at 6,500 lbs. This puts my worst case scenario tongue weight at 15% which is about 975 lbs. Well within the hitches rating. The likely Tongue weight will be around 12% (hopefully) which will put me about 780 lbs. This will keep me under the axle weight ratings which in turn will keep me under tire weight ratings with plenty of payload for my family and our few things in the truck.

IDK... Im at 740lb TW now and its 14%...Not sure your percentages add up..I input weights here.



http://towingplanner.com/ActualWeights/TravelTrailerCatScales


I look for trailers that are relatively low to the ground and have a lower overall profile. I also look for an aerodynamic front profile. I like the adzel construction but it’s not a deal breaker. Apex for the Win.

Other trailers on the list are also Keystone Bullet and the Surveyor brands. Jayco has a few that ticks the boxes too. I have never bought into the sayings that a Half Ton can’t handle lengths in the 27-32 ft range. That has not been my experience towing 32 ft with a half ton. Set up the trailer right, set up the truck right, set the hitch right, air the tires up and drive sensibly.

Matching the ratings of the combo up is 1/4 of the battle and a great foundation. Loading is another 1/4, hitch set up is 1/4, and how you operate is 1/4 of the battle. Just IMHO that is.

IMO for 1/2 ton is start with a low TW if you can. 600lbs or less. They are outhere. Somes brands and models.

The 288bhs here has same weights as ny unit. under 600 tw and 4800 lbs all in 30 feet.

http://www.coachmenrv.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=62&ModelID=292#Main




Thanks!

Jeremiah