Newbie purchasing a Travel Trailer
I have been reading on here a bunch, but i have a ton of questions myself that it would be nice to have answers and opinions in one location. My wife and I are moving to CA from VA and are planning o...
Forum Discussion
First thing to do is ABSOLUTELY verify what your Taco is capable of. You need the cargo capacity, which is the GVWR minus curb weight. The tongue weight of the trailer must be 10-15 percent (usually around 12 percent) of the loaded trailer weight for good towing. That tongue weight becomes part of the cargo of your truck. The cargo capacity of the tow vehicle, and the rear axle rating are usually the limiting factors in what you can safely tow, rather than the tow rating. One person is generally included in the curb weight. So add your wife and your stuff, and the trailer tongue weight, and make sure you stay under the cargo capacity.
2 axles are generally thought to give a smoother tow, and there is a safety factor in case you have a tire blow. But millions of miles are put on single axles every year, with very few problems. Make sure your tires are good, the lug nuts are tight, and check the tire pressure often.
In the weight range you are looking at, you will most likely be in a single axle trailer.
You will need a good weight distributing/sway control hitch. Lots of info on here about those.
Buy the trailer that suits your needs and a layout you like. Any brand can have quality problems but as long as you maintain well, you can prevent many problems.
You are absolutely right that A-liners and similar are high dollar for what you get. The main reason for you to consider one is weight, and towing ease due to the low profile. The Explorer with hard dormer does come with a wet bath. They really might suit your needs, and would be easy on your truck.
2 axles are generally thought to give a smoother tow, and there is a safety factor in case you have a tire blow. But millions of miles are put on single axles every year, with very few problems. Make sure your tires are good, the lug nuts are tight, and check the tire pressure often.
In the weight range you are looking at, you will most likely be in a single axle trailer.
You will need a good weight distributing/sway control hitch. Lots of info on here about those.
Buy the trailer that suits your needs and a layout you like. Any brand can have quality problems but as long as you maintain well, you can prevent many problems.
You are absolutely right that A-liners and similar are high dollar for what you get. The main reason for you to consider one is weight, and towing ease due to the low profile. The Explorer with hard dormer does come with a wet bath. They really might suit your needs, and would be easy on your truck.
