Morning RV.nettersOver the past couple of days the wife and I have finally came to a decision and have started shopping for our first new trailer. In conjunction with the trailer we also have to upgrade our vehicle as well (lucky me :)We viewed a few trailers on some lots and figure we are looking for something around the 28ft size, with a slide, and bunks for the kids. We are a family of 4 and have a dog so the bunks are needed and floor space would be beneficial.Here's an example of a trailer we viewed and like very much.www.keystonerv.com/share?brand=COUGAR-XLITE&model=28RBSThis should give you an idea of what we are looking for or "think" we need. Ultimately the goal is to have something for the next 5-10 years that our family can enjoy and grow into.As for the new vehicle, with kids and the very likelihood of having more, we are limiting ourselves to large SUV's with a 3rd row seat. This is good and bad as there aren't many but unfortunately they are expensive.We viewed the Ford Expedition and found an extremely good deal on a new 2015 Nissan Armada. I'm just concerned about the tow and whether or not an SUV like this could handle it.Nissan says the Armada will tow 9000lbs but that seems high to me.So I guess after all that my questions to you, the community are as follows:1. What are some good trailers that offer our needs that are lightweight?2. Does anyone out there have an Armada and what size (weight) trailer do you tow with it?3. Are the Cougar Trailers recommended?4. Any other tips or advice when shopping for both a Trailer and vehicle?Thanks for any help or suggestions.Cheers

I would think you are going to have trouble with payload. towing capacity means nothing. my WJ for example is rated for 6500lb towing but 1000 lb payload. my trailer is only arouind 4000 lb but im MAXED for towing since I have 500lb of tongue weight. (tongue weight)+(my weight)+(wifes weight)+(kids weight)+(fuel and gear in the jeep) < payload

Winnebago Minnie with bunks!A trailer such as the Winnebago Minnie 2451BHS may be the answer since the towing weight will probably end up around 6,000 to 6,500 lbs. But I would want a tow vehicle rated for at least 8,000 lbs. As posted, payload rating will be the limiting factor. Is there any reason why you wouldn't consider a pick-up truck with two seats? A truck with a bed will provide more room for gear.

I'm just going to throw out some real numbers for you. (Nice trailer by the way)Shipping Weight 6115 , Loaded up: 7800 to 8000# (includes some water)Carrying Capacity 2085 Hitch 895 , Loaded up: 1200# +Length 32' 2"Height 11' 4"Fresh Water 43 x 8.3 = 357#LPG 40 And before you start juggling numbers to make it work(ie. "I won't carry water while traveling", etc.), just remember why you are doing this in the first place. For me, it's the freedom to travel with our stuff and not worry about it. Usually it's about the journey and not the destination.Make it easy on yourself and get a tow vehicle(the first time) that will more than do it. Today's large SUV's just don't have the payload for this weight. Maybe consider an older 3/4 ton Suburban or Excursion like I did and travel happy. :)

Get a grasp on the numbers as far as weight and how it all works. The closer you get to the max capacity the less enjoyable the tow. I towed a 8200 lb trailer 5 years with a 1500 Silverado which did the job but was night and day difference after upgrading to a 2500 as far as handling. It's such a hard decision because you are spending all this money and you can't test it all out first. We have some friends who upgraded from a 24 foot to 30 foot trailer towing with a Yukon and they have been struggling with some sway issues since. Good luck

I'm not so sure about that bunk setup. It might be fine with young children, but with your goal of 5-10 years are teenagers really going to want to share a bed?FWIW, we just traded our quad bunk in two weeks ago. We had 4 seperate beds.Also a bunk room with a real door is nice with young ones as they can go to bed while you stay up and not be disturbed.

New and need Trailer options advice | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

evanrem
Explorer II
Jun 23, 2016
Get a grasp on the numbers as far as weight and how it all works. The closer you get to the max capacity the less enjoyable the tow. I towed a 8200 lb trailer 5 years with a 1500 Silverado which did the job but was night and day difference after upgrading to a 2500 as far as handling. It's such a hard decision because you are spending all this money and you can't test it all out first. We have some friends who upgraded from a 24 foot to 30 foot trailer towing with a Yukon and they have been struggling with some sway issues since. Good luck
krobbe
Explorer
Jun 23, 2016
I'm just going to throw out some real numbers for you. (Nice trailer by the way)
Shipping Weight 6115 , Loaded up: 7800 to 8000# (includes some water)
Carrying Capacity 2085
Hitch 895 , Loaded up: 1200# +
Length 32' 2"
Height 11' 4"
Fresh Water 43 x 8.3 = 357#
LPG 40
And before you start juggling numbers to make it work(ie. "I won't carry water while traveling", etc.), just remember why you are doing this in the first place. For me, it's the freedom to travel with our stuff and not worry about it. Usually it's about the journey and not the destination.
Make it easy on yourself and get a tow vehicle(the first time) that will more than do it. Today's large SUV's just don't have the payload for this weight. Maybe consider an older 3/4 ton Suburban or Excursion like I did and travel happy. :)
scbwr
Explorer II
Jun 23, 2016
Winnebago Minnie with bunks!

A trailer such as the Winnebago Minnie 2451BHS may be the answer since the towing weight will probably end up around 6,000 to 6,500 lbs. But I would want a tow vehicle rated for at least 8,000 lbs.

As posted, payload rating will be the limiting factor. Is there any reason why you wouldn't consider a pick-up truck with two seats? A truck with a bed will provide more room for gear.
Jebby14
Explorer
Jun 23, 2016
I would think you are going to have trouble with payload. towing capacity means nothing. my WJ for example is rated for 6500lb towing but 1000 lb payload. my trailer is only arouind 4000 lb but im MAXED for towing since I have 500lb of tongue weight. (tongue weight)+(my weight)+(wifes weight)+(kids weight)+(fuel and gear in the jeep) < payload

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New and need Trailer options advice

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