If being ready to buy is a 10 we are at a 3. Meaning I am window shopping online and educating myself as much as possible about TT camping and travel. My wife and I are ready to camp with our two boys(8/11) and this is something that gets us excited. But here is the thing. We have never done this before. Our trips would include state parks, beach camping sites and tailgating at Clemson football games. So here is my questions:The hybrids intrigue me. With fold out beds it gives more living area in a smaller package. But are the beds subject to the sounds of the campground to the point of annoyance. What about during rain? Also I am 6'3 and 310lbs. Also what is the specific trailer called when the rear slide out is a bed? I have seen a couple if those but can't remember the name? Lastly due to finances we will be shopping used. I have seen people say something about 30% off of MSRP new prices at a dealer but would that also be the case with the used models? Thanks for any and all advice

Hybrid camper, cold weather camping it gets cold in the pop out. Noise you can hear everything which can be good and bad. Most cases its bad for me. Rain was never an issue. Rear slide bed, depending on how agile you are climbing in and out of bed can be a pain. I would find one and test it out.

First of all, welcome to the forum!I have owned 4 trailers, 2TTs & 2FWs, but never a hybrid or pop up. I have noticed quite a difference from one trailer to the next, as far as noise in the CG, due to insulation quality. I think you should get a regular type trailer, if you are concerned about noise, as the areas you mention, would likely be busy/noisy.If you don't have a trade, you should be in a good position, whether buying new or used. Most shoot for 30% off new, but don't always get it. You should get a great deal used too, if you are good at negotiating.Jerry

We had a hybrid for many years when our boys were the same ages as yours. We ran the a/c or just the fan to keep the campground noise inside to a minimum.

Hi there. We just started camping in January; we bought a Puma 21 Toy Hauler. Sleeps 6. At this point, we are about to upgrade. At 44 years old, I need a bedroom and a straight shot to the bathroom. :) I'd like a safer kitchen-- seems like when I'm cooking, everyone starts coming and going in and out of the TH and everything shakes, etc. I find it potentially dangerous. I have to crawl over the kids and the opposable sofa/makes into bed in order to get from my spot to the bathroom. My kids are 14/14/16. We under bought not knowing how we would like it and now we are in the process of getting ready to commit to a much larger Toy hauler. Just explaining things we noticed we needed to change in a year.... YMMV

Hi Jason:I believe to answer your question with the slide out bed in the back is a TT called the Outback, try clicking here to see if this is what you are talking about. Outback TT.Considering you are in SC it may get hot, I am not sure how hybrids do in hot and humid weather but then there may be someone one this board who lives in your neck of the woods that has one. For me I have a TT which would be quieter from outside noises as well as more secure. You will encounter noises, not all campgrounds are in isolated areas, there are some next to highways, quarries, commercial areas etc….Hope this helps.

Hello everyone. Newbie here with a questions for everyone

Redjk0769
Explorer
Dec 24, 2013
We just purchased on OPEN RANGE 308BHS TT. Haven't got to use it yet but this is our 4th camper as well. And this time I shopped and shopped and looked and looked to make sure we got one we where happy with, and it really seemed that OPEN RANGE has a lot more bang for you buck than the rest of the companies out there! Our second runner up was Jayco! But OPEN RANGE edged them out. And after getting it and really really looking it over after getting it home is WOW! So if you have a TV able to pull a TT that is they way I would go for several reasons!
xteacher
Explorer
Dec 24, 2013
I'd be careful pulling a TT or an HTT with your Explorer. Maybe look at a PUP (pop-up camper). They also have canvas and several of them are quite large. They have more set up time, but have a low towing profile, which would help out your Explorer. I'm not a fan of canvas, but each to his/her own.
usmc616
Explorer
Dec 24, 2013
Was real close on buying a HTT, but then decided to spend sometime with the family in one at the dealership. It was cold outside and you could feel the cold in the pop outs. The dealer told me we could purchase electric blankets as well as electric heating pads. We decided to go woth a hard sided TT.
napadan
Explorer
Dec 21, 2013
My experience with a hybrid is:
1. Noise. Any partying at night is loud and obnoxious.
2. Cold/hot. No insulation. We turtle a lot to keep warm in the winter.
3. Rain. Closing the bunk-end in the rain is horrible.
4. Two sleeping is hard for one person to crawl out.
5. A tree branch crashing down on the tent could ruin your day.
Don't get me wrong, our hybrid has been great; just some drawbacks.
krobbe
Explorer
Dec 20, 2013
For the actual max TT weight you could safely tow, use the lower of GVWR, payload, or hitch rating.
Check the Tire and Loading sticker on your door jamb for actual cargo carrying capacity(payload). Subtract the weight of all passengers, cargo, and hitch.
Adjust the numbers as needed:
1446# max payload - 600# passengers & cargo & hitch = 846# payload left for TT tongue weight.
846 / .13(13% tongue weight) = 6507 # max loaded trailer weight.
If the GVWR is 5800lb, then that would be the maximum TT weight.
Check the hitch receiver for it's capacity(3400 or 5400?). If it is less than the others, then the limiting factor is the hitch.
Also keep in mind the horsepower/torque and a longer wheelbase will determine how easy the towing experience is.
eb145
Explorer II
Dec 20, 2013
westend wrote:
Max payload of the Explorer--1446 lbs.
Max towing capacity with Class II hitch---3400 lbs., with Class III/IV hitch--5400 lbs.

Jason,

Max payload is how much weight you can safely put on the vehicle. This includes the weight of the passengers and luggage. It also includes the "tongue weight" of the trailer. This is because the trailer tongue weight (when hitched to the truck) is carried by the truck.

Max towing capacity is the total weight of the trailer that you can safely tow. The stronger hitches allow higher towing capacity for your truck.

You need to start reading about the tow weights until you get the most important concepts for safe travels. (hint - these two concepts are the ones for you to focus on at first).

Note that the max payload is usually the limiting factor.

Ed
westend
Explorer
Dec 19, 2013
JasoninSC wrote:
West end. What does that mean? The trailer should weigh less than 3400
I put the two most meaningful specifications out there so you would know the parameters of what your Explorer can handle. You posted the axle and gross vehicle weight limits but didn't seem to know what was important with regard to towing.
PenMan
Explorer
Dec 19, 2013
Hi Jason. My wife and I recently moved from a Rockwood Roo Hybrid to a TT. We plan to Snowbird at least and possibly full time in the next year or so. We really enjoyed our hybrid. It is like sleeping in a tent (which I loved) but you have a bathroom and kitchen inside. I'm a bigger guy than you (about 380 lbs. and 6'3") and I didn't have any problems with the pop out beds. I did get some extra foam rubber to put on top of the mattress. I enjoyed going to sleep with the sound of rain on the tent as well. We never had problems with leaks that many have talked about. BTW, welcome to the forum.
JasoninSC
Explorer
Dec 19, 2013
West end. What does that mean? The trailer should weigh less than 3400
westend
Explorer
Dec 19, 2013
Max payload of the Explorer--1446 lbs.
Max towing capacity with Class II hitch---3400 lbs., with Class III/IV hitch--5400 lbs.

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