Overwhelmed Newbies--Help!

even thought the Frontier has that much towing capacity, that v-6 could be overwhelmed if you had chosen a trailer in that weight range.
so, the lengths you're looking at are good.

the Flagstaff and the Rockwood are exact twin models. the only difference is the outside graphics and interior fabric colors/patterns.

get a price from RVW or RVDirect on the Mini Lite 18FBRS. they have some of the best prices in the country on Rockwood products. use those prices to shop around with.

Weight is not really the big issue for small trucks. Frontal area will be your big killer. Think in terms of a tent trailer and you will be much happier. Besides used tent trailers can be a great bargain.

Here's one place to research for towing capabilities: http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/

If you already have experience with a tandem kayak, great. If not, you may want to reconsider. For some paddlers, that type of kayak is also referred to as a 'divorce boat' :W

Tried to also send you a PM but you have that turned off. You might also find some useful info on my website.

HappyKayakers, thanks for the laugh! I will definitely keep that in mind when we shop for Kayaks. ;) Thanks for the info!

G'day Greg and Linda
Prior to purchasing our first 28ft fifth wheel my husband and I had only ever towed a 6x4 trailer just like you. Just take it slow and steady and you won't have a problem. And when reversing - just be very patient with each other. It took me a long time to realize that my OH thought that because he was looking at me through a mirror when reversing that it was a 'mirror image' so if I had my right hand up that meant I wanted him to go left. We sorted that out and now we can put our 5er anywhere - almost~~

Cheers

Why not rent a trailer or two in the lenght range you are thinking about and try it first before spending your money only to find out you made a mistake.

I've seen several fun finders around and have not heard any negative things. I don't think they are as popular around here as other places though.

We saw a Hobbi I believe the spelling is correct on out last trip out. I was impressed and it was towed with a Nissan pickup. Not sure what the pick was other than a newer Nissan. Nice camper Larry

A friend of mine tows a Fun Finder 18 or 19 ft with a Mazda trubute 2x4. He has traveled with us and seems to be able to keep up on the expressways, his only complaint is on hills or into a really strong headwind a bit slower but he gets there. I think a Fronter is more powerful and larger. Good luck

Hi! I'm responding to your post because you sound like you are going through just about the same thing I did...including the fact that you have the exact same truck we "had".

I'm 3 mos. into this. I bought my Conquest 19kd with a slide and running under 4k in tow weight. Should've been great for the trailer, right? I'm not bitter...just wiser as I thought I wouldn't mess up like I've heard so many ppl in the forums have.

Your Frontier is an awesome truck, great for towing....but this is what I've learned in my short term of experience:

1) it's not just or only the power of your engine, but also your wheel base that matters. You might be able to pull loads, but you may not have the stopping power you wish you had. I learned this my first time out in a slow motion wrecking going only 20 mph with what would've seem to have been plenty of braking time...on a level, dry surface and electric brakes. Everyone was fine, gentle bump in the end, but it is awful to be able to breath in and out several times before impact.

2) Just going over local bridges over waterways, I could feel my engine was not ecstatic with the extra load. Reality check...my Frontier was NOT going to enjoy the mountains and I plan on spending a lot of time in them. Felt like it would be more like the Little Engine That Could. Yes, your Frontier can help that load, but it will shorten the life of that cute, zippy truck.

In the end, even though my husband had just purchased his Frontier 6 mos. before, we traded it in for a GMC Yukon. I can't even begin to tell you how much more confident I feel towing. Understand, my son and I are just getting ready to make a 3 week trek out to the Black Hills, SD, then to New York and back down to SC. I can still feel the weight of the tow, I just don't feel like it wags the truck like it could in the Frontier..and that is with a sway bar.

You may feel braver and others may have alternative experiences. The RV salesman are just that...salesman. And I adore ours and keep in touch with him. He sold me the trailer I wanted for a truck that is rated to pull it. But experience is Golden. With our relatively new Yukon, I feel confident to take to the open roads.

I wish you all the best in your adventures!

Samantha