Not the problem I was expecting to have

krobbe wrote:
Back on page 29 of the "RV & Towing Guide" it states:
Navigator L: 8700# max trailer, 870# max tongue load, (with HD hitch).
I would pay special attention to that 870# max tongue weight.

Good info from krobbe, and I think this is going to be the issue. If you want a true picture of what you are dealing with, be sure your propane tanks are full and ideally, the camper is packed the way you want to travel.

I'm pretty sure the scales will tell you the Navi is over its ratings, but that doesn't mean the wheels will fall off....what it means is that things like the transmission and rear axle will work harder and wear out sooner...

Once you get a picture of what the camper actually weighs with all the "stuff" in it, you'll know what kind of ratings to look for in your next vehicle...many pickup trucks, even in the 250/2500 category can have surprisingly low ratings based on optional equipment, etc., so best to know what your numbers are before you shop.

FWIW, that size camper and traveling with kids, you will likely add in the neighborhood of 1200-1500 lbs to the dry weight, with pots/pans, food, BBQ, etc, etc. Where that weight winds up and how much is on the tongue depends a lot on floorplan and where the storage is relative to the trailer axles.

Also consider if you will be wilderness camping and traveling with a full water tank, and where that tank is located relative to the camper axles.