Forum Discussion

bigbigman77's avatar
bigbigman77
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014

Brand New to this

Hi

We are just starting to look into RVing. We are thinking of buying 2015 Forest River RV Flagstaff Micro Lite 21FBRS Travel Trailer
Specification Description
Length 21'8"
Width 8'0"
Height 9'3"
Interior Height 6'8"
Hitch Weight 336 lbs
Dry Weight 3,665 lbs
Cargo Weight 1,033 lbs
Fresh Water Capacity 36 gals
Grey Water Capacity 30 gals
Black Water Capacity 30 gals
Sleeps 4
Slides 1
Interior Color Grayson/Hickory.

What type of vehicle could tow this? Could a Jeap Cherokee with the following?
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 6200
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 620
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 6200
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 930
Maximum Trailering Capacity (lbs): 6200
or could a Dodge Durango with the following ?
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 5000
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 500
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 5000
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 750
Maximum Trailering Capacity (lbs): 5000

We would appreciate any info you can give us. We want to do this for our up coming retirement. We travel with our two dogs and this will make it much easier.

Thanks,
Joe

8 Replies

  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    rexlion wrote:
    The V6 would struggle on any long grades at high altitude (think Rocky Mtns), but you would be ok running up to 60 mph in normal terrain. If you can get the hemi or the new diesel, you will have a more enjoyable time and no doubts about the heavier transmission that comes with either of those.


    I drive at high altitudes all the time and I don't have any problems. Sure, a V8 would be better when towing but not necessary. The 2014 GC has a new 8 speed tranny and it is a dream.
  • If you are just thinking of getting into RVing and have not done it before. I would say rent a few times and see if you really want to invest all that money into it. Then my 1st RV would be a used one in good shape, as you get into RV you will find out what you really want in floor plan etc. When you look at new ones and have never done it before or see floor plans you can become overwhelmed with it all. Like the queen size corner bed, but then someone has to climb over your sleeping partner to get up.
    Or if you have kids making up the couch ever night for them to sleep, which means you have to go to bed at the same time because they now have the living room area. Etc. Lot to think about rent a few times different floor plans decide what you want or can live with.
  • The V6 would struggle on any long grades at high altitude (think Rocky Mtns), but you would be ok running up to 60 mph in normal terrain. If you can get the hemi or the new diesel, you will have a more enjoyable time and no doubts about the heavier transmission that comes with either of those.
  • Thanks OldGuy AZDRYHeat and GEMSWORLD.

    OldGuy- I don't have either vehicle yet. I would plan on a towing package and Heavy duty engine cooling.

    AZDRYHeat - Thanks Good to know.

    Gemsworld - That is pretty much the combination I'm looking at, so this helps a lot.

    Thanks Again Everyone,

    Joe
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    I have the Micro Lite 21DS and pull it with a V6 2014 Jeep GC 4X4 with no problem.

  • The Jeep should pull it. We were behind a Jeep towing a 28' trailer through some AZ mountains and it was towing great. Spoke to the driver at a fuel stop and it turns out his Jeep had the Hemi engine in it. Very impressed with the Jeep.
  • other things to look at in a tow vehicle are what engine in the TV and the gear ratio. does it have a transmission cooler?