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

1414 lbs is the payload.

6400 is the gvwr for our car.

kdlugozi wrote:
7000 towing capacity minus our family weight (let's say 1000 lbs, even though we are nowhere close)=6000

Take away another thousand for gear, and we are left with 5000 lbs that we can pull, but the trailer minus that gear (already accounted for in above weights) is well under 4000...closer to 3500, so it seems like there should be a cushion, right?

These are all numbers that relate to how much your vehicle can pull - you also need to be concerned with how much it can carry (your 'payload').

If it is a relatively recent vehicle, there is a yellow sticker on the side of the driver door that will say list a total weight of cargo and passengers you can carry. From this number, you need to subtract the weight of your driver and passengers (for the life of the vehicle, not okay - kids will grow), the weight of their stuff in the vehicle, and 75 pounds or so for your WD hitch. Once all of this deducted, you need enough left for the tongue weight of the trailer.

Using your 1k of family weight, adding another 125 pounds for basic gear, entertainment, etc... and then adding 75 for the hitch, you have roughly 1,200 pounds in your vehicle before the trailers connected. Figuring 600 for your hitch, you'd need 1,800 pounds of payload available.

I don't know what your vehicle is, but the 7k you list for a tow rating makes me think you are probaky driving a 1/2 ton SUV or lassenger van - neither of which are likely to have that kimd of availale payload. Only you can decide whether or not you are willing to exceed your ratings, but I'm guessing you may be well over the gvwr (total allowable weight) for your vehicle.

Our gvwr for the car is 6400 for how much it can carry.

7000 towing capacity minus our family weight (let's say 1000 lbs, even though we are nowhere close)=6000

Take away another thousand for gear, and we are left with 5000 lbs that we can pull, but the trailer minus that gear (already accounted for in above weights) is well under 4000...closer to 3500, so it seems like there should be a cushion, right?

kdlugozi wrote:
We found our trailer today. It is a 2005 Forest River Shamrock hybrid. Only about 4500 lbs gross weight/ 3500 lbs dry and sleeps 8+.

GMC says we can tow up to 7000 lbs with a weight distributing hitch, but we didn't want to push it since we have a bunch of passengers who will grow..so I am happy with the low weight of this trailer.

And the best part is 3 queen beds plus the jackknife sofa/futon , so no more need to convert the dinette all the time. That was getting tiring in the old pop up.

I'm glad you found a trailer and hope it works out for you, but. D want to encourage you to take a good look at your weights. You seem to be focusing, here, on your engine power (the amount your trailer can 'tow'). As, f not more important for you, however, is how much your trailer can CARRY.

It very well may be something you have a handle on, but with a limit of 7k for towing, I'd wonder if you'd have the payload you need to carry 7-8 passengers, gear, a WD hitch, and the 600-700 pounds of tongue weight that trailer is going to have.

We found our trailer today. It is a 2005 Forest River Shamrock hybrid. Only about 4500 lbs gross weight/ 3500 lbs dry and sleeps 8+.

GMC says we can tow up to 7000 lbs with a weight distributing hitch, but we didn't want to push it since we have a bunch of passengers who will grow..so I am happy with the low weight of this trailer.

And the best part is 3 queen beds plus the jackknife sofa/futon , so no more need to convert the dinette all the time. That was getting tiring in the old pop up.

Thanks DiskDoctr!

kdlugozi wrote:
I think we are going to start looking at hybrids again. We did see some that were about 4500 lbs gross weight that would offer us everything we want. We were only concerned because the ones we saw had histories of leaks/water damage . But we will look again.

By all means, find and get the one that suits you and your family. Our HTT is a Starcraft 23SRG (not a current model), but opens up with additional sleeping space in the bunks (about 5-6' each), so that is approx 33-35' of total living space!

Downside? Setup/teardown time and effort, but it is actually LESS than our PUP and has TONS more room with the large fridge and floor to ceiling cabinets.

Also, definitely use a set of PUGs for all but the mildest of weather. You'll be glad you did (also same as PUP).

A slide, even a small one, will really open things up

We have also looked at TTs, but to get a 29-32' with a slide is going to be in the 7100-7600 GVW minimum with front and rear bedrooms. I can tow at absolute max and sometimes a little heavy, but don't want to make a habit of it. Just too hard on TV.

Also consider something like Carefree Add-a-Room LTD or simliar. Here is a link: http://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/carefree/products?action=category&categoryid=32

They have ones with heavy vinyl, roll up windows/canvas, etc. With an awning mat they can be used as an extra room or sleeping area, though you'd want well drained ground cover.

You can also bring an EZ-UP or similar to add outdoor 'space' for rain, no bugs, even privacy. We have one of these: http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Guide-Series-Combo-Canopy&i=711223&aID=505K2&merchID=4006



Which is aluminized on the inside and has 3 side curtains in addition to a full wrap around screen with 2 zippered entrances.

Some or none of these may work for you, but they can really help out when you need more space.

Good luck in your search. Camper shopping can be a frustratingly exciting and rewarding experience ;)

Found a 26' r vision with 2 bunks, not 4. Looking some more. It sounds perfect!