Lightweight non-hybrid TT that sleeps 7-8 people?

kdlugozi wrote:
Thanks. Yes, we saw it in person, and feel like we can tow it fine for now...recalculated and our family, with dogs in the mix, is 650 lbs. We will just need to carefully watch whatever else we put in the car. The reality is that our kids will grow...they are still really little, weighing between 25 and 55 lbs...so we will likely need a car upgrade due to max payload. Maybe a passenger van. Pick ups are great for towing but can't fit 7 people. So I guess I will be researching vans next.

Sounds like you are on your way! What is the model of the HTT you are looking at? As you probably know, we fellow forum members like to shop vicariously with other members ;)

If I was looking for a larger TV- and I have considered it recently due to volume of payload- I would look at a Suburban. They have a ton of room and the 2500's can tow all kinds of weight, with room to seat about 700 people (at least it seems that way!).

One more thing about your current TV. Make sure you are running 'LT' tires. There is a tendency for mfrs to put 'P' rated tires on SUVs, which often have far too soft sidewalls. If you are towing and are loaded up with people/gear, you'll really appreciate the improvement!

Check out your hitch, it should be a Class IV and have a sticker on it with your towing capacity with and without WDH. Just take a look underneath and make sure everything looks in good shape before you haul heavy the first time ;)

We use a Tekonsha Prodigy proportional brake controller. Your vehicle (has the towing package, right?) should have a wiring pigtail up under the dash to {wire} PLUG in a custom connector matching your vehicle, without any splicing.

You will want...make that NEED...a good proportional controller. There are several good ones out there, but the Prodigy is pretty much the gold standard in this weight/size market. There are other fine ones out there, but I have a Prodigy, have installed them for friends, and recommend them without hesitation ;)

If you're getting ready to buy your NTU (new to you, the BEST kind!) camper, you may want to start a thread in the HTT section with the make and model and ask what specific items or issues to check out before writing the check.

You'll get lots of opinions, but remember, except for a few rare exceptions, we are all trying to help. We likely won't all agree, but you can read and weigh the info, heed or ignore it, and you don't have to 'answer' to any of us. Get the camper that meets YOUR family's needs and be as SAFE as possible towing it.

Hope this helps.