New and trying to learn

klynnw wrote:
Gah, you are right, I forgot a number there. Coachman Apex Nano 193BHS is the one we are thinking.

I just don't want to burn or kill the transmission or brakes on the vehicle. I was told that we would be safe b/c we fall within the numbers. (well within, actually, with this particular trailer, especially if we travel with empty tanks and pack light).

ah, got it. We looked at very similar models, though a bit shorter. I noticed this has a slide out, which will of course add to the weight. We thought we wanted a slide for the extra floor space and "roominess" but after looking at similar model w/out slide, we decided it was plenty. It all depends on how you are going to use the TT. We dont "hang out" in the trailer, nor do we really want to, so extra floor space wasn't important. But if you're unsure of the weight numbers, consider getting a BH without slide. Same sleeper space, less floor space.

Our Jeep is rated to tow 5000, but our loaded TT is about 3700 and I really wouldn't want to go much heavier as it struggles some uphill. Obviously your TV is different, but something to consider.

Also for brakes and transmission wear, learn how to use engine braking on downhills, will be a huge difference for TV brake life. For transmission, there's a ton in these forums about the topic. Basic gist of it, its okay to "push" your transmission higher than you think is normal. Obviously not into the red-zones, but it will work harder, sound louder (higher RPMs) but be perfectly fine. Research it some more.

klynnw wrote:
Ok, thank you for the fast responses and help!! I will call rv dealer and get all the numbers as well as look at the explorer when my husband gets home from work (its his car). And I'll try the calculations and post back when I know what they all are.

If it isn't too far out of your way, consider taking paper and pencil to the dealer and get those numbers yourself. Not to imply dealers sometimes shoot numbers off the top of their heads, or anything...
The skinny sheet will be (likely) on the inside of a cabinet door near the kitchen sink.

Gah, you are right, I forgot a number there. Coachman Apex Nano 193BHS is the one we are thinking.

I just don't want to burn or kill the transmission or brakes on the vehicle. I was told that we would be safe b/c we fall within the numbers. (well within, actually, with this particular trailer, especially if we travel with empty tanks and pack light).

Stovepipe wrote:

klynnw wrote:
We've got tents!! (We usually camp in two four man tents plus a screen tent....its cozy).

So I see disagreement on what our vehicle can tow easily? I'm pretty settled on the Coachman Apex 19bhs, I think. But if it's not going to be an easy tow.....I'm not certain I want to then? I thought with the wdh that would take care of it? Or no?

You will never get a perfect consensus on what you can safely tow here. If the numbers roughly match up, you have an adequate hitch that is properly adjusted, and you drive carefully you should be ok in my opinion.

I believe they can safely tow, I just know from experience with that vehicle/motor that they will be unhappy with the lack of power in the Explorer loaded and towing 5k.

EDIT: And that being said, I would still try it. Camping is worth it.

klynnw wrote:
We've got tents!! (We usually camp in two four man tents plus a screen tent....its cozy).

So I see disagreement on what our vehicle can tow easily? I'm pretty settled on the Coachman Apex 19bhs, I think. But if it's not going to be an easy tow.....I'm not certain I want to then? I thought with the wdh that would take care of it? Or no?

i can't find coachmen apex 19BHS, is it 191BHS? or can you post a link?

klynnw wrote:
We've got tents!! (We usually camp in two four man tents plus a screen tent....its cozy).

So I see disagreement on what our vehicle can tow easily? I'm pretty settled on the Coachman Apex 19bhs, I think. But if it's not going to be an easy tow.....I'm not certain I want to then? I thought with the wdh that would take care of it? Or no?

You will never get a perfect consensus on what you can safely tow here. If the numbers roughly match up, you have an adequate hitch that is properly adjusted, and you drive carefully you should be ok in my opinion.

klynnw wrote:
danimal53- We were wondering whether or not the rosemont show was worth it to go to. We did go to a camping world show at the lake county fairgrounds in august, I didn't know if the rosemont show would be better or just a similiar thing in a different place (and not free). Same for us, a new vehicle is not an option. So, we really do have to work within the specs of the explorer.

for us it was absolutely worth it. haven't been to any other show, but we were able to see so many different layouts and really the whole spectrum of prices/sizes. A lot of places do offer "show price" discounts, and will even honor them 1 or 2 months later if you keep a business card and tell them "oh we saw this at the show".

I think tickets were $20/person, kids free? Not sure if I'm remembering that correctly (no kids yet, just wife and I).

We've got tents!! (We usually camp in two four man tents plus a screen tent....its cozy).

So I see disagreement on what our vehicle can tow easily? I'm pretty settled on the Coachman Apex 19bhs, I think. But if it's not going to be an easy tow.....I'm not certain I want to then? I thought with the wdh that would take care of it? Or no?

2112 wrote:
Here's my $0.02

Take a tent or two. Our kids preferred to sleep in the tents.

Agree, our kid and friends kids preferred sleeping in tents.

Here's my $0.02

Take a tent or two. Our kids preferred to sleep in the tents. They have the camper for restroom, shower and a place to change clothes but they preferred a tent. That's camping to them. They got to play with their flashlights and had more sense of freedom.

If you're considering choosing a heavier trailer take note to where the waste and fresh tanks are. Water weighs ~8 lbs/gal. It adds up quickly. If the tanks are forward of the axles most of that weight goes straight to the tongue weight. That's no big deal until the dump station is 2 miles away and you have full tanks.

Your doing your homework and asking the right questions. I'm always amazed how many do not.

Good luck with your search.