Forum Discussion

eherber's avatar
eherber
Explorer
Oct 01, 2020

New and confused

Hey all! New here, so instantly I apologize if this info is somewhere else, and I do not know where. I did some searching, but I'm also at work so I can't steal all the time.

My Wife and I just entered into the travel trailer world. We're pretty much complete newbies. We did our research and found a TT with a bunk house was the best bet with our family, us and 3 kiddos 5 and under. We purchased the new (cringe) Jayco Jay Flight SLX 8 267BHSW. We got the Baja package and the rocky mountain edition. We live in AZ, plan to do a lot of dry camping, but also try to traverse the country and show our kids what it has to offer. On top of visiting family in MN and VA. Our intent, or so we thought, was to buy a used 2016-2019 Suburban. Separate our kids in the vehicle, and bring the 4 legged friend inside for comfort too. In talking with some co-workers who have done a lot of camping, they have since advised us to not go with the suburban, as it is more or less the half ton now, they do not make the 3/4 ton anymore (since 2013.) With the trailer being at max 7300lbs, towing up the mountains of AZ, they don't think the 1500 is all that "safe" of an option. Fine, so now our options are a 3/4 truck for the most part as we want something used but with lower miles. Now sacrificing our space (all 3 kids in child's seats, two in rear facing)

The gist. Are they correct? Even with the different engine packages of the newer subs, their point is the transmission and suspension aren't really "up to par" for towing the 30' raised trailer fully loaded. Granted the tow rating of the sub is 8100-8300 - other factors should be considered.

Thanks for your time, and any input. Again, I apologize If this info is out there. I need to get more concrete answers to my wife, she hears me, gets me, but then circles back to the Sub... she wants the space. I... do not want to sacrifice safety.
  • Yeah the 'burb has been passed by, by the towing world. We had one for years and traveled all over the west but only pulled lightweight popups and later a travelmanor. You need a HD truck like a 3/4 ton. The Crew cabs will give you plenty of room for the kids in the back. And you'll have a lot of storage space in the bed of the truck especially if you get a topper or tonneu cover.

    You are braver than I, in taking those small kids camping....LOL. We took ours to all 48 lower states and Canada and Mexico. But we let them get a bit older and they were spaced farther apart. That took quite a few years of course taking 3 to 4 week vacations.
  • You really should do something more substantial than a suburban. Check out a ram 3500 single rear wheel with the mega cab. The cab will help with the rear facing seats.