We are currently full time 5th wheelers and while that is a big downsize from our sticks and bricks, the truck camper is a much smaller unit.We are going to buy a truck camper for 4-8 week trips from our base to adventure/fishing/hunting/hiking spots that the 5th wheel would not be ideal for.We are trying to decide whether we need a cargo trailer for bicycles, small gas grill, kayak, fishing gear, portable black water tank, extra clothes, backpacking gear, extra cookware, extra canned goods, small chest freezer, etc.I like the idea of being a minimalist and being able to go wherever the 4x4 truck will take us, however, I also realize that getting there without any of the toys/tools necessary to enjoy the destination really defeats the purpose.I'm thinking a 7' x 12' as the MAXIMUM size, it would be even better with a 6' x 9'.Two axles ride better on rough ground?So, how about some advice???

I had a 6x10 one axel enclosed trailer that I towed behind my MH for 4 or 5 years with my MC and other stuff loaded in the trailer. Towed like a dream. Never had a second of trouble. Also used the trailer when I had a cab over

We drag a 20' enclosed trailer when we take our quads and RZR for riding. But if we going ''just camping'' we put the bikes on a bike rack and go without any trailer. Yes the trailer is nice, but it is nicer not having one when you want to park in a 30 foot camp spot. I'd personally start with no support trailer and see how things go. Bikes on a bike rack, kayaks on top of the camper, BBQ on a front rack, storage area or truck back seat. What is your truck and camper setup?

2BLAZERS wrote:We drag a 20' enclosed trailer when we take our quads and RZR for riding. But if we going ''just camping'' we put the bikes on a bike rack and go without any trailer. Yes the trailer is nice, but it is nicer not having one when you want to park in a 30 foot camp spot. I'd personally start with no support trailer and see how things go. Bikes on a bike rack, kayaks on top of the camper, BBQ on a front rack, storage area or truck back seat. What is your truck and camper setup?We have a 2011 Ford F350 6.7L 4x4 set up for a 5th wheel right now, thinking about a Lance 1052 or 975 or similar.I did not think about putting a front hitch receiver on for a hitch hauler basket or a bike rack, good idea!!I suppose we could put a hitch hauler front and back or a bike rack in front and a hitch hauler basket in back?I really don't want to put anything that we will use everyday like a grill or bikes on the roof, too much trouble going up and down.

Front receiver hitch and a hitch hauler basket works great for things like firewood, grills, Honda 2000, etc.... We have a bike rack we put on the back extended receiver hitch for all the bikes. Agree, we don't put anything on top of the camper, if we got Kayaks (want some) I'd put them up top though before I drug a trailer around. And if you have an extended cab or crewcab a lot can go in back seat if you don't have kids or furry kids.

Stick with one axle rather than two if your load allows. Typical axle is 3500# capacity. (Maybe less $ for registration, maybe no inspection requirement - check CA requirement). I still recommend brakes just to take the load off the tow vehicle some. It will be easier to back if it is the same width (or slightly more) as your tow vehicle. I would say less height is better for MPG but your camper should shelter it from the wind load. A rubber torsion suspension will allow a lower load height than traditional leaf springs.

Cargo Trailers Yes?/No? Off High Clearance? One axle?/Two?

38 Replies

Boatycall
Explorer
Aug 31, 2015
I don't understand why people get a TC then haul a trailer behind it....
:B

And I couldn't agree more----
2BLAZERS wrote:
And if you end up going with a trailer, I love having an Enclosed trailer. Everything is hidden and locked up. Rain, dirt, snow, can't touch it. Just need to make sure it is long enough for your kayaks or canoes or other toys.

Also, with all the uncluttered roof space, I have a large solar array on the roof of my trailer, with jumper cable that goes from the trailer to the camper to provide solar power to the camper.
Northforker
Explorer
Aug 31, 2015
Thanks guys!

I think we will try to go without the trailer and see if we can do it.

Will add a hitch hauler up front, a swing away bike rack in the back, a roof top rack with a thule clamp for the kayak and maybe a roof top cargo box. for fishing and hunting gear.
2BLAZERS
Explorer
Aug 31, 2015
And if you end up going with a trailer, I love having an Enclosed trailer. Everything is hidden and locked up. Rain, dirt, snow, can't touch it. Just need to make sure it is long enough for your kayaks or canoes or other toys.
DougE
Explorer
Aug 31, 2015
Stick with one axle rather than two if your load allows. Typical axle is 3500# capacity. (Maybe less $ for registration, maybe no inspection requirement - check CA requirement). I still recommend brakes just to take the load off the tow vehicle some. It will be easier to back if it is the same width (or slightly more) as your tow vehicle. I would say less height is better for MPG but your camper should shelter it from the wind load. A rubber torsion suspension will allow a lower load height than traditional leaf springs.
2BLAZERS
Explorer
Aug 31, 2015
Front receiver hitch and a hitch hauler basket works great for things like firewood, grills, Honda 2000, etc....

We have a bike rack we put on the back extended receiver hitch for all the bikes.

Agree, we don't put anything on top of the camper, if we got Kayaks (want some) I'd put them up top though before I drug a trailer around.

And if you have an extended cab or crewcab a lot can go in back seat if you don't have kids or furry kids.
Northforker
Explorer
Aug 31, 2015
2BLAZERS wrote:
We drag a 20' enclosed trailer when we take our quads and RZR for riding. But if we going ''just camping'' we put the bikes on a bike rack and go without any trailer. Yes the trailer is nice, but it is nicer not having one when you want to park in a 30 foot camp spot.

I'd personally start with no support trailer and see how things go. Bikes on a bike rack, kayaks on top of the camper, BBQ on a front rack, storage area or truck back seat.

What is your truck and camper setup?

We have a 2011 Ford F350 6.7L 4x4 set up for a 5th wheel right now, thinking about a Lance 1052 or 975 or similar.

I did not think about putting a front hitch receiver on for a hitch hauler basket or a bike rack, good idea!!

I suppose we could put a hitch hauler front and back or a bike rack in front and a hitch hauler basket in back?

I really don't want to put anything that we will use everyday like a grill or bikes on the roof, too much trouble going up and down.
2BLAZERS
Explorer
Aug 31, 2015
We drag a 20' enclosed trailer when we take our quads and RZR for riding. But if we going ''just camping'' we put the bikes on a bike rack and go without any trailer. Yes the trailer is nice, but it is nicer not having one when you want to park in a 30 foot camp spot.

I'd personally start with no support trailer and see how things go. Bikes on a bike rack, kayaks on top of the camper, BBQ on a front rack, storage area or truck back seat.

What is your truck and camper setup?
samsontdog
Explorer
Aug 31, 2015
I had a 6x10 one axel enclosed trailer that I towed behind my MH for 4 or 5 years with my MC and other stuff loaded in the trailer. Towed like a dream. Never had a second of trouble. Also used the trailer when I had a cab over

Forum Discussion

Cargo Trailers Yes?/No? Off High Clearance? One axle?/Two?

38 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Travel Trailer

one axle vs. two axles on short TT (20')

Travel Trailer ground clearance

My Travel Trailer Fell Down

Cab to trailer clearance