Camper travel trailer noob questions
About to pull the trigger on a 2016 Dutchman Aerolite 292 DBHS. http://www.dutchmen.com/aerolite/floorplans-and-pictures/floorplan-details?modelId=22695 I'm hoping I got a good deal at 31950 out ...
Forum Discussion
I see a few problems. First, the dry weight at 6500lbs. If that is the weight in the brochure, forget it. It doesn't include options, battery, propane etc. You can easily add 4-500lbs to the dry weight just with those. That puts you pretty close to your max tow rating and you haven't even put anything in the trailer yet. If it's the stickered UVW as delivered of the actual trailer, you may get away with it.
The other is the tow rating. Previous to last year, manufacturers still used the old method of determining tow ratings. It was based on an empty truck and allowed 150lbs for a driver. Any weight added to the vehicle reduced the tow rating pound for pound so once you've loaded the family and stuff into the truck that trailer will likely exceed the "actual" tow rating.
You will probably exceed the trucks payload as well. As mentioned previously, check the door jamb for your actual payload limit. That trailer, once loaded, will have a tongue weight in excess of 1k which will eat up the majority of most 1/2 ton truck payload ratings, leaving little room for passengers etc.
For comparison, I towed the tt in my sig for 2 years with a CC Tundra. Plenty of power to pull, not enough payload to carry. We were always several hundreds pounds over payload. Trailer weighs 6400lbs UVW as delivered, 7600lbs loaded with 950lbs on the tongue. Truck was rated to tow 10k.
If it's just 2 of you and you pack lightly you'd be maxed but could get away with it, but since it's a bunk house and CC truck, I'm going to assume that won't be the case. I'd suggest a lighter tt or heavier truck.
Price seems a little steep too based on this and this. I think you can do better.
The other is the tow rating. Previous to last year, manufacturers still used the old method of determining tow ratings. It was based on an empty truck and allowed 150lbs for a driver. Any weight added to the vehicle reduced the tow rating pound for pound so once you've loaded the family and stuff into the truck that trailer will likely exceed the "actual" tow rating.
You will probably exceed the trucks payload as well. As mentioned previously, check the door jamb for your actual payload limit. That trailer, once loaded, will have a tongue weight in excess of 1k which will eat up the majority of most 1/2 ton truck payload ratings, leaving little room for passengers etc.
For comparison, I towed the tt in my sig for 2 years with a CC Tundra. Plenty of power to pull, not enough payload to carry. We were always several hundreds pounds over payload. Trailer weighs 6400lbs UVW as delivered, 7600lbs loaded with 950lbs on the tongue. Truck was rated to tow 10k.
If it's just 2 of you and you pack lightly you'd be maxed but could get away with it, but since it's a bunk house and CC truck, I'm going to assume that won't be the case. I'd suggest a lighter tt or heavier truck.
Price seems a little steep too based on this and this. I think you can do better.
