Considering getting a travel trailer in the future

[Karfae69]

We have a class C right now but might want to switch to a trailer down the road. I have a 2000 GMC Jimmy 4WD that has tow haul mode and was wondering if it could safely pull a 25 foot trailer without risking issues. Most trailers I've seen run around 4,000 not including all the stuff we put in it, thanks.

[APT]

Towing any High walled RV is a lot of work due to the aerodynamic drag. Combine that with about double the weight your truck is used to pulling. I would stick to low walled RVs for a Blazer/Jimmy.

Add 1000 pounds and 200 pounds of tongue weight to any travel trailer you consider. Get a 3/4 ton gasser, either big block or Ford's V10. Tow nearly any TT you want.

[CincyGus]

Look at livinlite camplite TT trailers if your wanting to keep that as your tow vehicle. If your looking for a 25' Camper, your going to want a longer wheelbase vehicle with better towing specs.

[spike99]

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If you call any local GM dealer and provide them your vehicle's VIN number, they will provide the vehicle's pulling power (built at factory).

Subtract all Tow Vehicle internal passenger and rear cargo weight items. Subtract this total weight number from your provided Towing Weight "empty vehicle" MAX towing power weight number. Thus, giving you the real MAX towing weight number - for your "average loaded" vehicle. Then, subtract 10% of this weight number for towing against strong head wind and up steep hills. Thus, creating the "most comfortable" MAX towing weight number. Especially for an older 2000 age vehicle (being used as a Tow Vehicle). Remember... A vehicle consistently towed at this max numbers has a high risk of blowing a transmission or having some other high stress problem.

Being a pickup, one can then decide if you want a TT or a 5er. A 5er is a friendlier towing shape (due to position of its pin weight) but one looses the rear space of their pickup. The same floor level TT shape is great for someone with bad legs. re: No stairs into the master bedroom area.

Then, one must decide if they want a slide or NO slide. Some folks love slides and some folks hate slides. If wondering, slides do add extra weight (of same length of TT). Which may also mean shorter length in TT or 5er design.

For any Trailer (TT or 5er design), one then decides on floor plan. Some trailer's have better layout for watching TV (like on rainy / bad weather days) and others have better bathroom location. For me, I like bathroom near the main door and bedrooms at both ends of the TT. And, middle area of kitchen and living room area. For others, they like living room in rear with large sofa chairs - looking out large rear windows.

After good floor plan is finalized, decide if brand new or pre-owned. If wondering, I buy 1.5-3 years pre-owned. I get great financial deal and do NOT get extended warranty. I've yet to encounter a problem that I couldn't fix myself. And when I do fix it myself, I make better than factory (so it won't break again). Remember that brand new doesn't mean problem free. Being 1.5 - 2 years old means the 1st owner mostly likely got the little warranty repair items fixed (under their hassle and time).

The above might work for you as well...

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[Gdetrailer]

First of all instead of guessing perhaps you should take a look at the data plate for your vehicle.

On many vehicles it is located on the drivers side door plate, some it has been in the glove box.

This plate will tell you your GVW and combination weights.

My first thought though is a 25ft 4K empty trailer is going to be out of the question.

Back years ago I was selling a 20ft TT which weighed 3600 lbs empty, had many people look at it but everyone was wanting to tow it with Jimmys, Jeeps, Explorers and such. The one that actually ended up buying it was the one that pulled in with a 1/2 ton truck.

Those small vehicles are fine and nothing wrong with them but I really didn't want to see them get into a dangerous spot. Heck it even was a challenge at times with my 3/4 ton truck at times...

[Dick_B]

Right off the top I would say the TV is too small and, possibly, too small a wheelbase, for that weight. You may need to go to a Hensley Hitch to totally eliminate sway.