Forum Discussion

Flmanatee's avatar
Flmanatee
Explorer
Jun 14, 2016

Can I dream?

First off I want to say thank you to this forum. I have been lurking around here since we decided to start looking at travel trailers and so many posts have answered my questions and raised questions I didn’t even know I should be asking. So in what I believe to be morphing into a fool’s gold quest to find that perfect trailer, we will be heading to the Tampa RV show later this month and I thought I should ask a few questions of my own before realistic ideas turn into outlandish fantasy. Quick background: We are a family of four with 2 boys (9 and 4) who tent camp around 10-12 times a year here in South Florida. We have slowly evolved from primitive backpacking to “car camping” complete with the cabin style tent and it is time for the next step – the travel trailer! Ideally we want to skip the pop up/hybrid style as it honestly doesn’t’ seem to offer more than our giant cabin tent (with the wonderful exception of more canvas and tires to worry about), but at this point we are still open to a hybrid.

We currently have a Kia Sorento and, considering the towing constraints, started our search with the R-Pods. Online, we fell in love with them and headed to a local dealer to check out a used one. It didn’t blow us away…. but it wasn’t bad, just not in love with the wet/bath….at all.

So we have decided to look into trading our 2013 Sorento for a 2013-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 (general specs: TC 7200lbs, GVWR 6500lbs, curb weight around 4850, payload 1650, wheelbase 114.8”).

And here are where my questions come in, so if you are still with me, thank you. I have come to the conclusion that there are a few basic layouts, hundreds of brands who make these layouts, and then only a few larger companies who own these brands. So task one seems to be figure out the basic layout/length we want and go from there. We are honestly pretty open and while looking at the RPod, the wet/bath and thought of having to convert the dinette every night was not highly appealing, it still isn’t necessarily a deal killer either. But if we were to DREAM, the general floor plan we love has a u-dinette slide, a murphy bed and bunks in the back. Exampling being the Rockwood mini light 2504S, the Salem 230BHXL or the Jayco White Hawk 23 MBH etc.

Rockwood mini light 2504S: http://www.forestriverinc.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=204&Image=5058&ModelID=914#Main

Salem 230BHXL: http://www.forestriverinc.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=170&Image=5063&ShowParent=1&ModelID=2239#Main

But am I already dreaming too big? It appears the weights with us and gear would work with the Jeep IF I am even doing these calculations correctly, but is 23-25 feet too long of a trailer here?

The next option would be to forgo a designated kid sleeping area and look at models that have a U-dinette slide and murphy bed and just have the kids sleep together on the dinette every night.

Example being the Rockwood 2104S: http://www.forestriverinc.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=204&Image=5058&ModelID=907#Main

IF this is more where we should be, is there anyone who has some experienced advice with kids? Would getting a hybrid be better than having kids sleep on the table every night? I just want some good, realistic ideas and advice before heading to the show and dreams don’t turn in to nightmares! I really appreciate any and all advice here!
  • JimNH's avatar
    JimNH
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2016
    We have a KZ hybrid 16RBT which we do love, and can tow with our V6 Tacoma. But of the trailers I covet now, I would love a Jayco feather ultralite. http://www.jayco.com/tools/archive/2015-jay-feather/

    Dual axle, larger than our current unit, nicer interior and the hybrid gives you the feeling of a much larger trailer, yet still easy to tow.

    JIM in NH
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2016
    A crew cab half ton pickup with appropriate towing equipment will cost less (new) than a similarly equipped mid sized SUV. MSRP will be higher, but discounts are large. The back seat of the crew cabs is a lot bigger than an SUV. The payload and receiver limits are higher. The bed offers a place to store/carry all your dirty stuff, and a $200-2000 bed cover can provide protection. You do lose a bit of maneuverability and that climate controlled cargo space.

    I think you will find the payload of the 4WD JGC in the 1200-1300 pound range typically equipped, not 1600. And the receiver is limited to 750-ish pounds. I call that marginal for a family of 4 towing a 4500 pound dry TT.
  • sam22's avatar
    sam22
    Explorer III
    Jun 22, 2016
    Hey, for at its worth I tow my Evergreen ascend 232bh (a layout I think you'd like!) with a 2015 Grand Cherokee V6. The trailer weighs about 4600lbs before putting in food, clothes and water and the V6 tows it wonderfully. Now, I've only had it out a few times and never into the mountains or anything like that, but I don't think you'd have any issue at all towing, especially with a V8. It's a great car to drive in, very comfortable..you won't be disappointed!

    From what I've seen on these forums there are just some people who seem to think you need some massive truck to tow anything and that there are just no other options. While I suppose more power isn't a bad thing, a good SUV like the Grand Cherokee would pull your trailer without any problem and anyone who tells you it wouldn't probably hasn't ever tried it!
  • tdp6022's avatar
    tdp6022
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    My two cents: I'm going through a similar issue. I started out with a Tahoe 3.5 ltr V8 with Max tow package, bought my first trailer a 28' GVW 6700lbs trailer. The horsepower was fine, but the sway wasn't. it only took one year before I upgraded to a 1/2 ton with Max tow package and a 6.2 ltr V8. It changed the towing experience from a white knuckle adventure into a stess free, relaxing ride. My wife and I now want a bigger trailer, since we have outgrown the 28'. Dealer is trying to sell me on a rig that's 33' and GVW of 8995. He says my truck can handle it. I posted on this site and got lots of good advice to weigh my truck first to get exact numbers since this was very close. I did and found out my truck would be just at or over the GVWR with that new trailer. Moral of the story is to get the most Tow Vehicle you can within reason of course. I guarantee at some point, you will want a bigger, heavier trailer. Since my truck is in great shape, we have decided to downgrade our new "dream" trailer to something lighter. Just need to find it now!
  • dadmomh's avatar
    dadmomh
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    I'm of the 1/2 ton PU thought. Aside from the towing capacity, you can carry your firewood, toss the camp chairs and other misc in the back and don't have to worry about storage in the trailer. Also agree that if you haven't given a HTT a look, please consider it. We had a ROO 23SS and opened up, we had equivalent of a 30'. You have all the other amenities of a TT. My only concern would be the heat issue in SO FL. You have tent camped, so you know the heat. Most HTT come with a 13.5 a/c and with Pop Up Gizmos and a bit of shade you should be fine. The TT will be a bit more comfy than the HTT in this area.

    Excellent that you're doing you homework now rather than after a purchase. Good luck and happy camping.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Jun 15, 2016
    Here is one that meets all of your criteria. Murphy bed, bunk beds, seperate bathroom with corner shower, slide out with dinette. All this in a very attractive package! :) If we were to sell our present trailer, this is the brand we would probably get.
    Sonic SN220VBH
    Barney
  • sky_free's avatar
    sky_free
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2016
    I don't agree that a pickup is better than an SUV for towing if you stay comfortably under max towing capacity and don't need the extra cargo capacity of a truck. I suggest you look at the Grand Cherokee 3.0 diesel if you go with a Grand Cherokee though.

    As far as your TT choice, if this is your first towable RV you might want to stay on the shorter/smaller side. Try to rent something before you buy, which will give you a good feel for the experience. We are going on our 3rd RV and they continually get smaller each time we change because driving a large RV around can be a real pain.

    If you are used to tents you will probably be outside most of the time anyway, so converting a dinette for sleeping shouldn't be a huge issue.
  • pira114's avatar
    pira114
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2016
    Trailers are like a lot of toys in life. Once you've had one, you want more. Some folks downsize, but usually it's the other way around. Especially if family size increases or kid's friends start tagging along.

    Given that, you may want to consider a bigger tow vehicle. If you're upgrading anyway, a 2500/250 isn't really much more money than a 1500/150. But much more capable.

    Don't discount hybrids. You can gain a ton of extra sleeping space with them. Space that's not used on a particular trip, is excellent storage space. Either that, or look into bunkhouse models.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2016
    Just to chime in one more time, since you're buying a new (to you) tow vehicle and not a particularly inexpensive one at that, you ought to really check out all of your trailer options before you commit to anything. Go shopping and look at hybrids, travel trailers and fifth wheels. See what strikes your interest and then buy the corresponding tow vehicle to pull it.

    I suggested checking out a half ton pickup above, and compared to a Cherokee I still think that's good advice, but you might find yourself (or your wife) gravitating towards heavier and larger trailers or maybe even fifth wheels. When you start getting into those it's very easy to blow by the capabilities of a half ton pickup too.

    You're doing your homework up front which is good, but don't limit yourself until you have a better idea of what might suit your family.
  • Campfire_Time's avatar
    Campfire_Time
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2016
    Since you are already seasoned tent campers, yes, you need to include hybrids in your search.

    honestly doesn’t’ seem to offer more than our giant cabin tent

    That comment tells me that you haven't actually set foot in a hybrid. A hybrid is far different than a pop-up camper, and can't even be compared to a cabin tent. A hybrid is a travel trailer with tent ends. So think fridge/freezer, AC, bathroom with shower, microwave, etc. Many (like mine) have slide outs. Some have 3 bunks. Lots of options. Very little canvas involved and it's vinyl covered, not straight up canvas like a tent. The hybrid in my sig is our 2nd one over 13 years.

    There are plenty out there that the Jeep can tow, but as said no matter what look at you have be conscious of the payload of what ever you tow with.

    I agree with IdaD about giving consideration to a 1/2 ton PU. With 2 boys, one who will be a teen soon, you'll be wanting/needing the extra payload.

    Another thing to consider is a smaller travel trailer for you, and putting the kids in a tent. As our daughter got older that was something she decided she wanted to do, go with us but stay in a tent. Aside from a few trips where that was impractical it worked out really well.

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