Another question about TV...

[revco32]

Hi, New to the forums.

I apologize in advance because I'm certain that this subject has been beaten to death.

My wife and I are completely new to the camping thing and are very excited to get started. I have a 2008 Toyota tundra double cab with a 4.7 liter v-8, the specs tell me that it is capable of towing up to 8100 lbs, we recently purchased a used 2007 Skyline Aljo 192lt to pull around. I intend to use a Husky centerline weight distribution/anti sway system, and I have a question that hopefully you fine people can break down to basics for me.

***Link Removed***

1. The dealer has assured me (naturally) that I should have no issues towing this, Is this true in your estimation?

2. Are there any tips or tricks you folks might have with regards to taking this out for the first time? I intend to take it to the high desert area where I live and there is one incline a few miles in length.
Again I apologize in advance for the possible ignorance in what I'm asking but I've read and researched this all to the point that I believe I've made myself more confused than when I started.

EDIT: I guess my real concern is this, the specs show the trailer as weighing 3250 lbs yet the label on the trailer shows a GVWR of 6150 lbs. what does this mean?

EDIT2: I see the link to the specs was removed so I've copy pasted them below.

Measurements(see Note)
Exterior Length
20'-5"
Exterior Width
96"
Exterior Height
9'-6"
Interior Height
76"
Unloaded Vehicle Weight
3250
Capacities
Fresh Water System (gallons)
36
Gray Water Tank (gallons)
25
Black Water Tank (gallons)
31
Convertor Size (amps)
32
Furnace Rating (BTU)
17,000
LP Gas Capacity (pounds)
40
Water Heater (gallons)
6
Radial Tires
ST175/80R-13B
Awning Size
12'
Accommodations
Sleeping (standard/optional)
4/5
Bed Size(standard)
28" X 76"
Dinette Size
54" X 90"

[krobbe]

Nice! Happy Camping!

[revco32]

Just want to thank you all for your advice and suggestions. Our maiden voyage has been an absolute success!! 😄

[2112]

If you haven't already, check and repack the bearings and inspect the brakes.

Enjoy your new toy!

[nomad_297]

Welcome!

I can't believe somebody actually joined here to post looking for advice and then actually took the advice without trying to justify that what they are doing right now should be just fine.

Bruce

[revco32]

fitznj wrote:
I did not see it anywhere (I could have missed it) but you don't mention a brake controller. I assume you have one fitted and that it is working. I always check the trailer brakes before each trip (listen for a humming from the brake drums).

Then for the first mile, touch the brakes and see if they are in deed slowing down the unit and that the controller is adjusted properly.

Best of luck and have fun

Oh yeah! Sorry bout that, I have the prodigy P2 installed. I've read pretty good reviews about it and so far it seems very easy to adjust.

I did the tire check as was suggested earlier and I just want to THANK YOU for that! 🙂 turns out one of the tires was stamped 2006, changed it out with a 11/2015 with the remaining 3 at 11/2014.

Thanks to all of you for your awesome advice and making a n00b feel welcome. I'm really looking forward to our first outing this weekend and hopefully I'll have some good stories to share.

[Jayco254]

I believe fitznj means to try the trailer brakes too see if they can slow you down by themselves If they don't they need to be readjusted so they do. Don't expect them to be your main means of stopping but you might want to apply them manually for short distances on long hills to save you truck brakes.

[fitznj]

I did not see it anywhere (I could have missed it) but you don't mention a brake controller. I assume you have one fitted and that it is working. I always check the trailer brakes before each trip (listen for a humming from the brake drums).

Then for the first mile, touch the brakes and see if they are in deed slowing down the unit and that the controller is adjusted properly.

Best of luck and have fun

[Need-A-Vacation]

Welcome, and congrats on the new rig!!!

It all depends on if your Tundra was equipped with the tow package or not to start. If you have all the needed hd cooling, proper axle gearing, etc, you probably will be ok with the ft.

Most mid size and 150/1500 trucks are limited on what they can tow due to the available payload of the truck. Look for a yellow sticker in the drivers door jamb stating "All passengers and cargo not to exceed XXX(X) lbs". That is the stated max weight your truck can "carry", which includes all passengers, all accessories added: truck topper/ tonneau cover/ mud flaps/ push bar/ step bars/ etc, all cargo: coolers/ firewood/ bikes/ etc, the wdh, AND the tt tw (travel trailer tongue weight)!!!

Make sure to buy the proper rated wd bars for your loaded tw.

I have read some very good things about the Husky CL!!! Only minor issues I have read are the earlier version had a few issues with the "piston", and needing to be in almost a straight line to hook up/ unhook the wd bars.... Very good performance reviews though!!!

Good luck!!

[edbehnke]

great responses but i want to say something. NEVER trust a dealer on what something can pull..they don't know anything. and he probably said exactly what you said, '...it SHOULD be okay...' should is the key word to watch out for.

[BB_TX]

FYI, due to problems with spammers, links are removed from first time posters. After getting a few posts established, you should be able to put links in your future posts.

[hohenwald48]

I think you might be the first person ever to ask that question on this site who is actually looking at a trailer that is within the specs of the proposed tow vehicle. Congrats and tow safe. 🙂

[bobndot]

I think you'll be ok with maybe one or two minor adjustments.
Rolling down the road expect to near the GVWR of the trailer (6150#, that's what the mfg says the max wt. is rated and that's where most of roll). Always try to empty the tanks when rolling. I have enough water to flush the toilet, maybe carry 10 gals. That way, you will not stress the straps that hold the tanks in place as well as, save weight.
IMO, your truck will do the job but expect it to be a slower ride up hills because of the lower torque rating of a larger motor. Make sure the truck has a tow package and not simply a class 3 hitch receiver. Your vin# submitted to a dealership will tell you.
If you don't have one, a tranny temp gauge is not a bad idea.
Due to the trailers frontal profile, your truck reacts to headwind as well as trailer weight. A headwind going up a steep climb can make the tranny run hot.

Be careful of the trailer tires as mentioned, good point.
Also, take the rig to a scale once you get it. The truck tires have a weight rating too, be careful to not overload the trucks tires. We tend to haul stuff in the trucks bed plus the trailer tongue weight. The truck axle rating should be fine but the weak link because of the 'P' rating , may be the truck tires.
LT truck tires might be a better improvement having a more stiff sidewall, you'll know better once you go to a scale and actually tow it and feel it.
You might feel like it feels "a wee bit squishy" . First place to look is the 'P' tires.
Google the proper method to weigh travel trailers . (hitched-unhitched-axle by axle etc)

Congrats and have many safe miles ,
Bob

[handye9]

revco32 wrote:
I guess my real concern is this, the specs show the trailer as weighing 3250 lbs yet the label on the trailer shows a GVWR of 6150 lbs. what does this mean?

Based of the trailer's frame, axles, tires, and suspension, it's maximum weight rating is 6150 lbs. If the unloaded weight is correct, that would mean the trailer has the capacity to carry 2900 lbs of stuff.

The average camping load (dishes, pots and pans, bedding, groceries, and water, etc) weighs 800 - 1000 lbs. Again, if the unloaded weight is correct, you're looking at a loaded weight that is still under 5000 lbs.

Your Tundra should handle that just fine.

[RedRocket204]

revco32 wrote:
2. Are there any tips or tricks you folks might have with regards to taking this out for the first time? I intend to take it to the high desert area where I live and there is one incline a few miles in length.
Again I apologize in advance for the possible ignorance in what I'm asking but I've read and researched this all to the point that I believe I've made myself more confused than when I started.

EDIT: I guess my real concern is this, the specs show the trailer as weighing 3250 lbs yet the label on the trailer shows a GVWR of 6150 lbs. what does this mean?

When descending, gear down your vehicle and let the engine help moderate the combined speed. You will not need to ride the brakes if you are geared low enough. You do not receive a trophy for arriving first... safety should be priority number 1.

Unloaded weight (in your specific case 3250) is the weight the manufacturer has listed as the bare bones designed weight. Generally, that is before options, propane, batteries etc. The GVWR is the absolute most that trailer should weigh by itself when loaded up including propane, batteries, camping supplies, full fresh water and gray/black holding tanks. Obviously there is a transfer of fresh into gray/black when camping but you get the idea. Best thing to do is load up your trailer ready to camp and get it weighed so you understand if you are overloaded or close to it.