cwmoser wrote:
This afternoon I went to an RV dealer that had a Coachmen 192RBS and an R-Pod 180.
The 192RBS Dry Weight = 3,798 lbs and priced at $17,924
The R-Pod 180 Dry Weight = 2,864 and priced at $16,529
You're comparing apples to oranges ... fair I suppose in light of the fact you're just starting out BUT these are two entirely different types of trailers.
The owner of the RV dealership felt that my Lexus LX470 felt sure that my LX470 could pull the 192RBS, and recommended against anything bigger.
With such confidence he shouldn't have any issue with arranging for a test tow. ;)
I do like the spare tire being located under the tongue, leaving the back for a bike rack.
I guess some do but hanging the spare from under the A-frame exposes it 24/7 to the elements ... I moved mine to the front pass through storage compartment and 3+ yrs later it still as new. The crank mechanism I removed and stored in my workshop so it can be reinstalled later if I sell the trailer.
Hanging a bike rack off the rear of a trailer this size is a terrible idea. :( You'd certainly want to make sure that whatever system you use is bolted or welded to the frame of the trailer, not the bumper, but regardless doing so will unload the trailer tongue, potentially leading to squirrely handling - i.e. sway. You'd be far better off to invest in a rack that mounts over the trailer's A-frame, the
Arvika Bike Rack System being one of the best available. Not cheap certainly but excellent quality and it places the weight where it should be, fore of the axles and not aft ... and you won't ever have to worry about your bikes flinging off the rack and tumbling down the highway. :E
