After more than a decade, looking to move up from our pop-up to a TT. We're looking for easier, quicker setup than the PUP. We have spend about 30 nights a year camping and want to keep that pace up or even pick up a few more.We really, really like the idea of a rear-living floorplan. Tow vehicle is a diesel jeep that has a max towing capacity of 7,300#, so figuring a good dry weight to look at is 5,500ish. I've come across trailers from Coachmen (Apex) and a couple of Keystone brands that fit the bill.Others folks would recommend, or feedback on these?

dcf wrote:We really, really like the idea of a rear-living floorplan. Tow vehicle is a diesel jeep that has a max towing capacity of 7,300#, so figuring a good dry weight to look at is 5,500ish.Most RLS trailers are in the 30' class so my concern would be not so much the weight of the trailer but it's length and whether your Jeep's wheelbase is sufficient to deal with it. Our previous mid size 24' Spree measured 26' 9" coupler to bumper and although it towed just fine behind our Avalanche which has a 130" wheelbase I certainly wouldn't have towed it with anything shorter. Some may disagree but IMO even a good weight distribution system such as an Equal-i-zer or Blue Ox Sway Pro still wouldn't be enough to overcome the effects of towing such a long trailer with any short wheelbase vehicle. Perhaps if you posted your Jeep's wheelbase others will offer comment on this.

It's a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 114.8" wheelbase

dcf wrote:It's a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 114.8" wheelbaseThanks, hopefully others will chime in on this. In the meantime if you Google "tow vehicle wheelbase vs trailer length" you'll find endless discussions on the topic, this being just one and this being another. As you'll see it's a topic of discussion with varying opinions, my own being that 114" is just way too short for towing any 30' trailer.

We have the Coachmen Apex 279 RLS... It tows great with our F-150 ecoboost... Not sure if you would have the payload needed with the Jeep.... Good luck with your decision....

You should verify your receiver rating. I believe that the limit is in the 750 pounds weight range, which is closer to a 6000 pound loaded TT. If so, then you'll want to shop TTs closer to 5k dry and under 600 pounds dry TW.

Suggestions for RLS w/dry weight around 5,500#?

APT
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
dcf wrote:
The Class IV Receiver is rated at 1,200 pounds, per Jeep, so the limit would be 10% to 15% of trailer weight.

The diesel supplement owners manual for a 2015 Jeep GC 3.0L says the max tongue weight is 720 4WD/740 2WD. The regular owners manual lists the same weights for the 5.7L. The 3.6L is also 10% of their tow ratings.
badercubed
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
K-Z Vision V23RLS

This little guy has a decent set up, and the picks show bigger windows in the back.
badercubed
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
The hard thing about the rear living space is finding one with all the glass. There are a bunch of shorter trailers that have the space, but not what I imagine you want.

Crossroads
Grey Wolf
Aspen Trail
Walaby
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2015
My Jeep GC hitch rating is 1100 lbs for a WD hitch (IIRC). Directly off the receiver, not owners manual or web info.

I think the main concern is payload and wheel base. 114 wheel base, I think, could end up being the biggest hurdle to overcome.

I don't think I would feel comfortable towing my TT with my jeep though. Even if the numbers worked out. Of course, mine is not the diesel.

Mike
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
dcf wrote:
APT wrote:
You should verify your receiver rating. I believe that the limit is in the 750 pounds weight range, which is closer to a 6000 pound loaded TT. If so, then you'll want to shop TTs closer to 5k dry and under 600 pounds dry TW.

The Class IV Receiver is rated at 1,200 pounds, per Jeep, so the limit would be 10% to 15% of trailer weight.

That sounds too high for that vehicle. The receiver has the information on it if you will look. Never trust a car or RV dealer for anything. My next concern would be the payload rating. Any idea what it is for your vehicle?
dcf
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
APT wrote:
You should verify your receiver rating. I believe that the limit is in the 750 pounds weight range, which is closer to a 6000 pound loaded TT. If so, then you'll want to shop TTs closer to 5k dry and under 600 pounds dry TW.

The Class IV Receiver is rated at 1,200 pounds, per Jeep, so the limit would be 10% to 15% of trailer weight.
Walaby
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2015
I've got a Forest River (PrimeTime) Tracer 2640RLS. Mostly dry (had a few gallons of water in it) it weighed 5450 (if I recall), actual weight. It's 26 ft box, but 30.1 ft tongue to bumper. We really like it so far.

My GMC Sierra 1500 handles it nicely. I have a Jeep GC, but not the diesel. Not sure how well it will handle with your jeep, but it's kinda close to the weight you're looking for.

Mike
APT
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
You should verify your receiver rating. I believe that the limit is in the 750 pounds weight range, which is closer to a 6000 pound loaded TT. If so, then you'll want to shop TTs closer to 5k dry and under 600 pounds dry TW.
jonmad
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
We have the Coachmen Apex 279 RLS... It tows great with our F-150 ecoboost... Not sure if you would have the payload needed with the Jeep.... Good luck with your decision....
SoundGuy
Explorer
Aug 04, 2015
dcf wrote:
It's a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 114.8" wheelbase

Thanks, hopefully others will chime in on this. In the meantime if you Google "tow vehicle wheelbase vs trailer length" you'll find endless discussions on the topic, this being just one and this being another. As you'll see it's a topic of discussion with varying opinions, my own being that 114" is just way too short for towing any 30' trailer.