How big can I tow?

[Crusher_33]

I have been searching but cannot find anything and with it being Sunday I cannot call the car dealer or Rv dealer. I have an opportunity to buy a 32 foot camper but do not know what my vehicle is capable of towing. I have a 2005 Dodge Durango with 4 wheel drive and the 5.7 Hemi. If anyone could help me to determine if my vehicle could tow a 32 foot camper and if not, how big would be the maximum I could pull? Thanks in advance.

[Crusher_33]

Well, thanks to every ones help and input we went and purchased our first camper. We just purchased a new 2013 Spree 240 BHS. It has everything we need and my Durango should pull it nicely.

[Mr_Beebo]

Our Rockwood is 23' closed up and 30' once the beds are out. 23' sounded better to me going down the road.

[Crusher_33]

Thanks for all the info everyone. Going out on Saturday to start looking.

[Jayco25E]

bikendan wrote:
Crusher, suggest you go over to the Hybrid Forum if you have questions about them.
since i have one, let me give you a warning.

most hybrid owners, were former popup owners and want to continue the "tent" feel that a hybrid gives you but with more amenities and less setup hassle.
we know the few negatives that come with the canvas ends but are willing to put up with them, in order keep sleeping under canvas. we love the experience.

but many buy a hybrid just because it offers a lot of sleeping space in a small and lighter package. but they don't take into consideration the extra work/care/maintenance that's required. they end up selling the hybrid because of failing to think about that.

those of us in the hybrid community often state: "If you don't love the idea of sleeping under canvas, DON'T buy a hybrid".

if this idea appeals to you and your family, you might be a good candidate for owning a hybrid travel trailer.:B
after over 7 years, we still love ours.

X's 2 on what he said. We too love our HTT. And you could tow any HTT with a Durango like yours. I think the longest of the HTT's is about 26' Still would need the WDH and brake controller.

[ependydad]

bikendan wrote:
Crusher, suggest you go over to the Hybrid Forum if you have questions about them.
since i have one, let me give you a warning.

most hybrid owners, were former popup owners and want to continue the "tent" feel that a hybrid gives you but with more amenities and less setup hassle.
we know the few negatives that come with the canvas ends but are willing to put up with them, in order keep sleeping under canvas. we love the experience.

but many buy a hybrid just because it offers a lot of sleeping space in a small and lighter package. but they don't take into consideration the extra work/care/maintenance that's required. they end up selling the hybrid because of failing to think about that.

those of us in the hybrid community often state: "If you don't love the idea of sleeping under canvas, DON'T buy a hybrid".

if this idea appeals to you and your family, you might be a good candidate for owning a hybrid travel trailer.:B
after over 7 years, we still love ours.

Good info- I create a pros/cons blog entry on hybrids:

http://www.learntorv.com/2014/02/hybridexpandable-camper-pros-and-cons.html

[APT]

Buy a hybrid because you want to sleep under canvas like a tent. There are some TT options at the same 3500-4500 pound dry weights as well.

[Crusher_33]

Good information guys, thank you. Keep it coming.

[bikendan]

Crusher, suggest you go over to the Hybrid Forum if you have questions about them.
since i have one, let me give you a warning.

most hybrid owners, were former popup owners and want to continue the "tent" feel that a hybrid gives you but with more amenities and less setup hassle.
we know the few negatives that come with the canvas ends but are willing to put up with them, in order keep sleeping under canvas. we love the experience.

but many buy a hybrid just because it offers a lot of sleeping space in a small and lighter package. but they don't take into consideration the extra work/care/maintenance that's required. they end up selling the hybrid because of failing to think about that.

those of us in the hybrid community often state: "If you don't love the idea of sleeping under canvas, DON'T buy a hybrid".

if this idea appeals to you and your family, you might be a good candidate for owning a hybrid travel trailer.:B
after over 7 years, we still love ours.

[pitch]

Most HTT,s would be perfect for that truck. You will still have to watch payload. I have a 1500 with 1472# of payload. Between my wife, myself, the tongue load, and what ever various road trip******is in the truck we eat up a bit more than half of that.
HTT is not the same as a hardside. You do have a bit more set up time,and it will be noisier inside. There was a rainy period last summer when I had to leave mine open for almost three weeks to dry enough to store.
The biggest advantage to me is having a 28' in camp and 23 on the road.

[Crusher_33]

Ok, you all have convinced me to fore go the 32 footer. What is every ones thoughts on the Hybrid travel trailers?

[bikendan]

Crusher 33 wrote:
I spoke to 2 different trailer dealers and they both told me as long as I get a weight distribution hitch and electric brake controller I would have no problem.

:S
how many times has a statement like this been made here?

to the OP, as was said, dealers will tell a newbie customer anything to make the sale. they don't care about your safety or how bad your towing experience will be.
the only thing they said that was true, was that you'll need a WDH and a brake controller.

as was said, you need to read the towing section of your owner's manual. there'll be more truth in that, than out of the mouths of the dealers.

[carringb]

Crusher 33 wrote:
I spoke to 2 different trailer dealers and they both told me as long as I get a weight distribution hitch and electric brake controller I would have no problem. Can anyone elaborate on this?

You owner's manual has the real information you need, which happens to be the same that everyone here has been telling you. Unless you plan on driving the Durango by yourself and sticking the rest of the family in another car, you have no chance of staying within Chrysler's ratings.

[ChooChooMan74]

Crusher 33 wrote:
I spoke to 2 different trailer dealers and they both told me as long as I get a weight distribution hitch and electric brake controller I would have no problem. Can anyone elaborate on this?

Dealers will tell you anything to sell a trailer. They don't care if your family is safe. They don't care if you make a payment to the bank. They got their commission.

Dude, do what you want. We gave you our opinion. If something happens, then it is your conscience that you have to live with.

[Crusher_33]

I spoke to 2 different trailer dealers and they both told me as long as I get a weight distribution hitch and electric brake controller I would have no problem. Can anyone elaborate on this?