Toyota Tacoma towing Travel Trailer/Casita
Alright guys, im currently saving up to take an extended trip across the U.S. next summer. I have been going back and fourth debating if I should upgrade to a tundra from my 2011 Toyota Tacoma Trd spo...
Forum Discussion
Many people tow Scamps and Casitas with compact pickups and small SUVs. I have over 140,000 towing miles on an '08 Highlander V6, rated 5000 lbs towing. Towing a 17' Burro (molded fiberglass similar to Scamp) through the Rockies and Utah I averaged 14 mpg. Towing a 16' KZ Escape E14RB on a similar trip netted me 12 mpg. The rounded trailer pulled noticeably easier and the fuel economy reflected that fact; wind resistance is a huge factor at highway speed.
Be careful about the Casita 17' front bath, which tends to have a disproportionately high hitch weight (sometimes 400-500 lbs). Other than that, you should be just fine with any other Casita, Scamp, Eggcamper, Trillium, Boler, or similar unit.
If you opt for a conventional, boxy TT like the KZ I mentioned, they will work but you may find yourself having to go 40 mph up some long grades at high altitude (where HP decreases due to thinner air) instead of 50 mph... that was my experience. The upside of the conventional TT is the price; I bought the KZ brand new for less than $10k, but $10k is about right for a 10 year old egg trailer.
Be careful about the Casita 17' front bath, which tends to have a disproportionately high hitch weight (sometimes 400-500 lbs). Other than that, you should be just fine with any other Casita, Scamp, Eggcamper, Trillium, Boler, or similar unit.
If you opt for a conventional, boxy TT like the KZ I mentioned, they will work but you may find yourself having to go 40 mph up some long grades at high altitude (where HP decreases due to thinner air) instead of 50 mph... that was my experience. The upside of the conventional TT is the price; I bought the KZ brand new for less than $10k, but $10k is about right for a 10 year old egg trailer.
