I’m trying to stay around 6000 to 6250 when I combine dry weight plus 1500 (additional features plus what we might possible pack on a trip). I am staying away from trailers where the dry weight and GVWR are only separated by ~ 1000 pounds simply because that doesn’t make much sense to me. Why would you even manufacture that trailer?
I feared there was probably a correlation between weight and build quality but unfortunately with three kids, smashing them in the back of a truck on these trips isn’t much of an option any longer. I considered getting rid of the kids and the wife and I getting a real nice 18 footer but she shot that idea down. Looks like I am going to have to be a gambling man and learn how to caulk and seal.
With all of the issues mentioned, I would assume that covered storage would be a must.