Buying first travel trailer...need advice

swhite005 wrote:
We are looking into getting our first travel trailer to upgrade from our popup trailer. I have two young kids and want to make sure I am being cautious. The trailer we are considering is a 2007 Fleetwood Mallard 26RLS. The GVWR of the trailer is 7,900 (5,523 Dry) with a hitch weight of 802.
My truck is a 2004 F150 Lariat Supercrew 2WD 5.4L 3.55 rated at towing 8,500 maximum loaded trailer weight and a GCWR of 14,000. My truck has the tow package and an electronic brake. I also have a weight distribution hitch.
Given the above information, would it be reasonable to tow the Fleetwood Mallard or should I look for something lighter?

IMO that is too much trailer for the truck. Usually your max hitch weight is 10% your towing capacity. In your case, 850 lbs. The trailer seems light, but must balance a lot of the weight over the front of the axles. If you start loading up front storage, you will exceed your hitch capacity in a hurry.

Whats max payload for your truck? I would imagine in the 1500lb range since it's a half ton. With a 800lb dry hitch weight, that leaves 700 lbs for passengers/gear in the truck. I decided to get a slightly lighter trailer because I usually camp with 4 people and a 50lb dog and didn't want to overdo my payload. My My trailer is 6000lbs on the sticker and 745lb hitch weight for comparison. I would had thought a 5500lb trailer would have a hitch weight closer to 600lbs, not 800 for a 26' model. The quad bunk (what I have) usually has an extra 100lb hitch weight from what I have researched. is 5500 listed weight or actual weight (sticker on the trailer)? Mine is 300-400 lbs more than the brochure "due to options".