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.
