Forum Discussion

jimx200's avatar
jimx200
Explorer
Aug 10, 2019

Suggestions on single axle trailer and SUV tow vehicle

I've been looking at single axle trailers in the 16' range and plan on towing it with a Suburban, Expedition, or Tahoe for a 2 month stay in Baja to visit friends there. The GVW range on these vary, but look doable. Is a single axle ok for travel down there? I'll bring 2 spares and jack. Headed for the El Pescadero area. Reason I'm going smaller is my budget as I can find older/used vehicles much less expensive than a pickup. I'm a bit of a minimalist and really don't need a 20' or larger trailer. Thoughts on this plan appreciated.

Edit: anyone have experience with a new or 5 years old or less Starcraft AR-One trailer?

14 Replies

  • I have a KZ 18th (toy hauler) - single axle and 3500lbs. I don't need all the
    bells and whistles and this camper has been perfect. I've stayed in it for over
    145 days in the past 2 years and towed it out to Big Bend and back.

    It's easy to tow, easy to backup, easy to park and tons of room inside with
    a full shower/toiler and queen bed.

    Have not had a single problem - Cherokee make a WolfPup 16 which is slightly
    shorter and narrower but does not have a full bathroom.

    I'm leaving for a 2 month trip out west again this winter.
  • Our first tt was a Starcraft AR-One. Model 17RD, single axle. We had it for 6 years and never had a single issue with it, and we put a LOT of mileage on it. It is a bare bones camper, but had a ton of storage. When I say bare bones, I’m talking about manual awning, a water heater I had to light the pilot on, etc. The only down side was a east-west bed that was hard to make and only the dinette to sit at. Holding tanks were a bit small, but was no big deal. We really liked it a lot and hated to get rid of it.

    We towed it with a 6 cylinder GMC Envoy. Lock out 4th gear, and it went up anything. You would definitely be good with a Yukon/Suburban/Expedition. Don’t fear the single axle, there are tons of them out there.
  • I had a 21' Starcraft AR-One trailer and regret selling it every day. It was the perfect size for my use. Well built and a great floor plan.
  • Many single axel TTs have low cargo weights and once you add water, propane and batteries you’ll be in the only 500 pounds more range.