Need Some Advice on Used TT Purchase
Hello All! I'm new to this forum--but knew I could come here and get some solid advice for purchasing a used TT. We're towing with a 2005 Armada (9100 lbs), but in crunching the real numbers---I th...
Forum Discussion
OK..here's what I can add. I have a 5.7 Toyota Tundra which is a 1/2 ton pickup rated to tow 10,000 lbs. While I know the truck could technically do it, I wouldn't want to be towing that weight on a regular basis. When I bought the Tundra, I had a 29' Sunline TT, and loaded with gear, it was over 8K. The Tundra pulled it ok, but I'm not sure I would have wanted to take the rig over the Rocky Mountains. As planned, after getting the Tundra, we downsized to a smaller (26'9") trailer that weighed less. Our Winnebago Minnie 2201DS has a dry weight of just under 5K. After loading it with gear (no food, no clothing) and just a little water in the fresh water tank, it weighed 6,104 lbs. when I took it to the scales. With the lighter weight, Tundra pulls it much better, and I plan to take this rig over the Rockies.
IMHO (and that's all it is!), it's much better and safer to be 10 to 20 per cent below the maximum tow rating. By doing so, you avoid stressing engine and transmission, and your braking performance will be much safer.
My suggestion for the OP is to look at some hybrid units that will give you plenty of sleeping space, your own bath/shower and a galley. On the plus side, your kids will get a better sense of camping....hearing natures sounds at night, easily looking up at the stars while in bed, etc. While our two sons were growing up, we had popup tent campers and we did a lot of traveling and camping and I still miss sleeping under canvas.
If you want a "camping cabin on wheels", trade in the Armada for a 3/4 ton truck and then you will be able to easily tow a large trailer with the bunkroom and slideouts. If you do that with the Armada, you will more than likely find out after the fact that while you can tow a larger trailer, it won't be fun nor leave you with a sense of safe towing.
In any event, I hope you get a rig soon and hit the road because you will start making so many memories that will still be with you long after the kids have grown up and are on their own!
IMHO (and that's all it is!), it's much better and safer to be 10 to 20 per cent below the maximum tow rating. By doing so, you avoid stressing engine and transmission, and your braking performance will be much safer.
My suggestion for the OP is to look at some hybrid units that will give you plenty of sleeping space, your own bath/shower and a galley. On the plus side, your kids will get a better sense of camping....hearing natures sounds at night, easily looking up at the stars while in bed, etc. While our two sons were growing up, we had popup tent campers and we did a lot of traveling and camping and I still miss sleeping under canvas.
If you want a "camping cabin on wheels", trade in the Armada for a 3/4 ton truck and then you will be able to easily tow a large trailer with the bunkroom and slideouts. If you do that with the Armada, you will more than likely find out after the fact that while you can tow a larger trailer, it won't be fun nor leave you with a sense of safe towing.
In any event, I hope you get a rig soon and hit the road because you will start making so many memories that will still be with you long after the kids have grown up and are on their own!
