Help us choose our new trailer

kim_e83 wrote:
One of our top picks right now is just at 5000 lbs dry weight. Coachmen Freedom Express 229TBS. Any thoughts on how well this matches with our TV? The GWVR is still under our max and I don't think we would max out our carrying weight ever, but would still welcome input.

With a factory UVW of 5000 lbs you'd ideally want to limit the gross weight of this trailer to 6000 lbs loaded and ready to camp but with up to 3 kids (and all their attendent "stuff") along for the ride as well that could be a real challenge. Assume though for a moment that it's possible ... @ 13% that means a gross tongue weight of about 800 lbs. You'd have to weigh your truck with a full tank of gas and do the math but with five potentially in the cab, three of whom will only continue to grow heavier, I'd question whether your truck would have enough payload capacity to handle this much tongue weight ... and if the trailer actually weighs more so too will the gross tongue weight increase even more. Your truck does have the advantage that it's running a more tow friendly 3.73 axle but the downside is it's an older truck that doesn't make anywhere near as much power as the current GM 5.3L, along with the fact it's running the older wide ratio 4 spd transmission which isn't anywhere near as capable for towing as the current narrow ratio 6 spd.

As for the trailer itself those three bunk beds that measure just 30" x 70" are awfully narrow & short, and because they're stacked that means the bottom bunk is on the floor, with little headroom between the bottom and middle bunk, the middle and top bunk, and the top bunk and the ceiling. A far better choice in a triple bunk bed trailer would be the KZ Spree 240BHS in which two HUGE beds run the full width of the trailer, with the third middle bed running lengthwise along the rear curb side of the trailer ... but IMO it's too heavy for your truck.