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

Have you considered putting up a tent for the older children? Our TT sleeps ten but it could not live ten and I do not think it could live eight either.

kdlugozi wrote:
Our 17' popup has worked fine for sleeping... We tent camped prior to the popup but we NEED a bathroom. Our kids are still little and on our last trip we literally spent half of the day escorting kids to the camp bathroom.

just get a porta potty and a shelter. Cost less than 120 for everything.
It is what I do....works perfect

Our 17' popup has worked fine for sleeping... We tent camped prior to the popup but we NEED a bathroom. Our kids are still little and on our last trip we literally spent half of the day escorting kids to the camp bathroom.

You probably can, I just don't think you're going to enjoy the experience. Do you have the I6 or V8? What is your gear ratio? Keep in mind that your kids are growing, and their need for more "stuff" will grow with them. That means more weight.

Our X20E is in that size range, but I would hate to stuff 8 people in it! We're pretty close to our tow capacity. As I said, it tows nicely in Wisconsin, but I certainly wouldn't tow through mountains with this combo. And I wouldn't take more people than the 3 adults that ride in the truck now. As it is I move all cargo into the trailer so as not to eat up the trucks cargo capacity.

I understand the desire to keep your current truck. Its probably paid for, like ours. I'm not replacing it for a couple of years yet just for that reason. It works for us but I am under no illusions that its "ideal". When I replace it, it will be with a 1/2 ton PU or a 'Burb. But I think if you can't replace the Envoy, you'd be better off sticking with the pop-up.

We do have to extended model. Subtracting the weight of passengers, etc, we can tow under 6k lbs.... But if we are looking at something that is 3600 lbs dry and 4600 lbs fully loaded, wouldn't that still be well under our towing capacity? Not looking for a big trailer. Our pop up is 2400 lbs loaded and 17 feet opened and the car didn't even notice it was there . Surely there is something between that and a large trailer.

Don't look at the dry weight. Look at the GVWR, that is the rated weight of the trailer fully loaded. With that large of a family you'll max out your capacity far too easy. Keep in mind too that you have to subtract the weight of all passengers in your vehicle. So for example if your whole family weighs a total of 800 lbs, you have to subtract that weight from the towing capacity. I'm assuming you have an extended Envoy? Depending on gearing, engine, and 4WD, your tow capacity at best is 6800#. If your family weighs 800lbs, that's now 6000# you can tow.

We tow with a Trailblazer EXT, which is the same truck "family" as the Envoy. They are excellent tow vehicles. Ours has been excellent for what we towed previously and what we tow now. But I know its limitations and you will most certainly be taking yours beyond what it can handle. I don't think you are going to be happy with your Envoy and a large trailer. At a minimum you will need to add a transmission cooler, and I highly recommend a shift kit as well.

Few people are happy towing high walled RVs with an Envoy/Trailblazer. Even a hybrid like that Roo 233 will be more like 5500-6000 pounds dry and probably over your receiver rating with 700-800 pounds of tongue weight.

Upgrade the Envoy first, 3/4+ ton passenger van or SUV. Then you can pick an quality RV that fits your requirements.

Our GMC Envoy... Can tow a bit over 6000 and closer to 7000 with weight distribution. So that is why I really need to keep the dry weight of the trailer under 5k and these 3600 lb units sound even better.

I have had 8 in my camper for one night. It was fine, but it isn't what I want on a regular basis. Converting dinette/couch every day sucks. Mine is 28' box and 5500 pounds dry.

There is nothing wrong with hybrids. They have made improvements in design and quality over the years. They are cheaper and lighter. Most leaks can be repaired. Preventative maintenance is the key for any RV and water intrusion along with early detection. Something like the Rockwood Roo 233 would be good.

What are you towing with?

wildwest450 wrote:

Goldstalker wrote:
Watch this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yixB3piNtmk

Watch what, you cant see anything, if you're going to bash a company at least carry a flashlight with you.

I didn't say what to watch for, I just said watch then form your own opinions.