Forum Discussion

tsherv's avatar
tsherv
Explorer
Mar 18, 2017

Newbie - need towing advice...picking a travel trailer

Hi,

My current TV is a 2008 Honda Ridgeline (112k miles good condition). It has a 5,000 LB towing capacity / 600 lb hitch weight. Currently I have a 10' Jayco popup. This summer we will be traveling from WI to Yellowstone national park (about 3,000 miles round trip). I'm considering upgrading to a travel trailer for me, my wife, and 8 year old son.

I've been looking at the R-Pod's. I feel it would meet our needs. It's on the small side, but I like the idea of a light weight trailer. The R-pod is somewhere around 2,600 lbs / 260 lbs hitch weight.

On the flip side, I have a friend that is selling an almost new 2015 Gulf Stream Vista 19ERD. I could pick it up with the WD hitch for $12,000. It seems like a good price. The weight of the trailer is somewhere around 3,000 lbs. / 350 lb hitch weight.

I like the idea of the Gulf Stream for it's extra space.

My main concern is towing. I don't want a "white knuckle" drive all the way to Yellowstone. I'm looking for opinions on how much more difficult of a trip would it be pulling the Vista vs. pulling the r-pod? The vista is longer, heavier, and a bit wider.

Any input?

Thanks!
  • Last_Train's avatar
    Last_Train
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2017
    tsherv wrote:
    Hi,

    My current TV is a 2008 Honda Ridgeline (112k miles good condition). It has a 5,000 LB towing capacity / 600 lb hitch weight. Currently I have a 10' Jayco popup. This summer we will be traveling from WI to Yellowstone national park (about 3,000 miles round trip). I'm considering upgrading to a travel trailer for me, my wife, and 8 year old son.

    I've been looking at the R-Pod's. I feel it would meet our needs. It's on the small side, but I like the idea of a light weight trailer. The R-pod is somewhere around 2,600 lbs / 260 lbs hitch weight.

    On the flip side, I have a friend that is selling an almost new 2015 Gulf Stream Vista 19ERD. I could pick it up with the WD hitch for $12,000. It seems like a good price. The weight of the trailer is somewhere around 3,000 lbs. / 350 lb hitch weight.

    I like the idea of the Gulf Stream for it's extra space.

    My main concern is towing. I don't want a "white knuckle" drive all the way to Yellowstone. I'm looking for opinions on how much more difficult of a trip would it be pulling the Vista vs. pulling the r-pod? The vista is longer, heavier, and a bit wider.

    Any input?

    Thanks!


    As SoundGuy noted, we've been successfully towing our Coachmen Freedom Express 192 RBS with our 2011 Ridgeline. Be glad to give you feedback if you care to receive it. Not many Ridgeline owners on this forum, and since I've posted a number of times previously about our experiences, rather than bore everyone else, his suggestion of sending me a private message sounds like a good way to go. Also, lots of towing data and experiences are available on the ridgelineownersclub.com forum. There is a sub-forum there for "Racks, Hitches & Towing" that would be an excellent resource for you.

    Good luck.
  • Sprink-Fitter's avatar
    Sprink-Fitter
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2017
    Lwiddis wrote:
    Donn said "You will never tow a dry trailer. " But I have towed my trailer through DRY counties.


    Are you quoting someone?

    Is the quote button broken?
  • fitznj's avatar
    fitznj
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2017
    Do not get a single axle trailer.


    Really? after 25 years of owning 3 dual-axle trailers; I bought a single axle toy hauler; Tows great, very maneuverable; easy to reverse,
    and great in the hills due to its lack of weight.

    The only downside is that a flat tire will need immediate attention although a flat tire on a dual axle is no walk in the park.

    So - why should we stay away from single axle trailers?
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Mar 18, 2017
    Donn said "You will never tow a dry trailer. " But I have towed my trailer through DRY counties.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2017
    tsherv wrote:
    My current TV is a 2008 Honda Ridgeline (112k miles good condition). It has a 5,000 LB towing capacity / 600 lb hitch weight.

    Any input?


    If forum member Last Train doesn't respond to this thread I'd suggest you PM him directly as he tows the same trailer I have - a Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS - with his own Ridgeline. His is a newer vehicle than yours but he's quite familiar with the abilities and limitations of this vehicle for towing and would be able to offer really sound advice. :)
  • PAThwacker's avatar
    PAThwacker
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2017
    Keep the pup. Look for a better trailer. Do not get a single axle trailer.
  • evanrem's avatar
    evanrem
    Explorer II
    Mar 18, 2017
    It all comes down to the numbers and the specs of the truck. Gut says stick with rpod but I could be wrong. Towing capacities can be confusing to figure out but you really have to have an understanding of it to make an informed decision. The closer to the limits of the truck the worst tow experience will be. You are in a good spot as you have not purchased anything yet.
  • Dannyabear1's avatar
    Dannyabear1
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2017
    Not nearly enough tow vehicle; Honda does not recomend weight distribing hitchs because the Ridgeline is of uni-body construction instead of a true 'frame'; it is also underpowered for the wind loading
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 18, 2017
    Stick with the RPod. Full sized trailers place more than just load on the truck. Wind resistance is going to play havoc towing. Also please remember to subtract your wife, kid and any stuff you put into the Ridgeline from what you think towing rating might be. Also please forget the advertised dry weight humbers. You will never tow a dry trailer.

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