Buying Advice

Hello and welcome to the Forum.

If I am correct your Toyota has a towing capacity of 7100 lbs. (with one passenger and no gear). The trailer you are considering has a GVWR of 7400+ lbs...

I didn't check the payload of your Toyota but you could be looking at a loaded hitch weight of 1000 lbs or more so that may be a big problem also for you once you load up the family and your gear.

These are issues you should consider before you sign....and if you do sign do not let them snicker you into the $2000 paint protection package...It's a complete rip off.

Good luck with you choice. You are being wise by researching first. Don't give up on it. Camping/RVing is a great family activity and adventure.

You are correct. Towing capacity is 7100. I was assuming that the GVWR was merely a maximum, and not necessarily what a normal person would end up at. I take it you think that's cutting things too close?

The payload is 1230 lbs. How does the loaded hitch weight factor in, exactly, and how can that be remedied?

The floor plan on the 272BHSWE is very similar to a lot of other models, plus or minus some of the features you really like (tub). My daughter bought a similar model Jayco, a couple of years ago. It was a "last years" model and she paid less than $20K.

Maybe shop for a 2-3 year old model. That should be 50% or less off of the original list price.

“not necessarily what a normal person would end up at.“

A normal person, as in one, might not. But you have a four person family going on five. You will tell little Joe don’t bring your bike? Scholar daughter June no 25 pound book bag and laptop? No dog? No lawn chairs...four? You’ll end up at max.

Where to start?
1. That "Duratain" is a big waste of money. They merely spray (if they even do that)some Scotchguard on the woven fabrics and a spray wax on the outside. They probably have about $100 in the whole process. They make more money on those add ons than on the whole deal.
2. The electric brake controller is a must, but worth about $200 at the very most.
3. You will be pushing your Toyota to the very max with actual weights, but the dynamic forces of that trailer will be pushing that van around big time. You will not enjoy the towing experience and probably not use the RV because of it.
4. I am offended by the "if you buy tomorrow will add in the hitch." That is just putting undue pressure on you to buy and shows zero respect for you. Do you really think day after tomorrow they would not do the same deal?
5. A very quick Google search found that very same trailer for $2000 less.
6. DO NOT pay anything extra for a pre-delivery inspection.
7. Do not buy an extended warranty...another rip off.
8. You should be looking for a much smaller trailer or better yet a pop up. Your van will tow it much better and safer.
9. Consider buying used. Most RVs are used a few times and then are sold. If you buy that big a trailer to tow behind your van, that is what will happen to you. You will tow it two or three times, realize it is mistake, and sell your trailer.
10. RVs depreciate faster than a rock sinks in water. Again, buy used.
11. You need to do much more research before you buy. This forum has a wealth of information. Study the many different RVs. Study the many different brake controllers. Study the many different hitches. You are no near ready to make an informed decision in buying.
12. A RV show is a great place to start, but leave your check book at home. There will be relentless pressure to buy.

“How does the loaded hitch weight factor in, exactly, and how can that be remedied?“

Subtract TT tongue weight from payload...and the hitch weight. At 1230 payload, you don’t have enough truck for this TT.That’s really low. My Tahoe is 1,595 for instance.

Don't jump in, take your time and educate yourself. There will always always be a salesperson with a great deal just for you. Location/distance from Indiana and options effect cost greatly, only you can discern if its a great deal.

if your not handy you will be after only a few short years of RV-ing. Maintenance is a must, even on a new trailer with warranty. Season prep, loading, general maintenance and winter prep will equal the time you spend camping at best. Accept maintenance as your new hobby, camping is just a perk.

RV-ing is rewarding. Enjoy the ride.

Both of the previous posts are offering great advice.

OBX-GL wrote:
....snip....

Season prep, loading, general maintenance and winter prep will equal the time you spend camping at best. Accept maintenance as your new hobby, camping is just a perk.

Best post of the year ! :B Especially that last sentence.

Also ask your dealer what fees and others misc charges you will be dealing with. Many will add documentation, prep, pdi and transportation fees after the price has supposedly been agreed to. These fees can easily add $3000 to your "bargain". If they don't want to tell you up front then it says something for their integrity.
There are dealers that will deal with you straight up and honest and price their products "out the door". Mostly they will be family businesses where you can actually deal with a decision maker, and not go through the "let me see if I can get you this" game.
And yes, it sounds like the trailer is a bit much for the tow vehicle.
Good luck.