Good Morning to all you good people. My name is Bob and I am retired but wife is not yet. However, we have thought about purchasing a TT to go south or wherever in the winter months as it's colder than you know what in WNY for 3-4 months out of the year. We also have 2 boys, one living in Charlottesville, VA and another right now in MD but he's a Air Force man and hopes to land in OH next year with future moves possible every 3 years. So we thought a TT is our best option to get away in the winter and visit our grandchildren in the near future.So with that background we are wondering how big of a TT to get as we hope to travel just about anywhere in the lower 48 with it and spend 3-4 months in it with our dog, a chocolate lab named Tundra.I have a well maintained 2007 Toyota Tundra 4X4 Double Cab truck (57,000 miles) with a 4.7L engine that's bolted on to a 5 speed tranny. If I remember correctly it has a 7500lb towing cap. It has 4.11 rear end and complete towing package on it.I have over 35 years experience towing my boat, a popup trailer and a small 13 ft TT but that was many many moons ago.So I am hoping to pick your experience brains on how big of a trailer can/should I tow. I was thinking a 25-27 footer with a dry weight of no more than 6000lbs. I don't even know what a 25-27 footer weights be be honest with you. I know there are other variables that should be considered that I probably haven't even thought of. So any help on how and why you would pick this trailer over another is deeply appreciated.Thanks for your time,Bob

Some people full time in a pickup camper and some would be cramped in a 45 ft just after a weekend. It's all up to you. We have been a few months in a pop-up but that was years ago, we like a little more room now.

Are you planning on buying new or used? That can make a difference in the weight of the camper. Older ones are heavier (generally). Only you can decide what size of camper is right for you. And what works this year might not work next year. We've been through three travel trailers now, each one as different as an apple to a watermellon. They are all travel trailers, but the floor plans and size changed.Your best bet is to visit as many RV dealerships as you can where you live and physically go inside the campers and what appeals to you and what does not.There's much more to a good choice than just size. Someone may take a smaller camper because the floor plan and interior design is good for them. Someone else, the exact same camper would be a nightmare or a divorce waiting to happen! Just because they are longer or bigger does not make them more comfortable or easier to live in. That's why is so critically important that you actually visit dealerships, RV shows, and if you have friends with campers, look at them with a critical eye. We started with an 24 foot (18 foot floor) for our first camper (no slides). Second was 31 feet long from bumper to bumper (no slides). Third is 35 feet long, bumper to bumper and 3 slides. Which camper was the "right" camper for us? Answer: The one we had at the time we had it! Until circumstances started changing the way we live, and then the existing camper became inadequate.All three campers 24, 31, and 35 foot worked well for us at specific times. That's why, your question is so difficult to answer. You really need to go and start looking. Very quickly, you'll eliminate stuff. Knowing what you do NOT like is sometimes MORE important thank knowing what you DO like! As you expand your list of what you do not like, you are also narrowing the list of what you do like. Then, one day! You'll have the Ah-HA! "This is it!" moment.Sorry I can't be more specific. It' like trying to figure out for you if I think you should live in a town-house, an apartment, a high rise tower, a house trailer, a duplex, a tri-level house, bi-level house, single floor house, basement or a loft? My opinions are not yours. That's why is so important to go and see for yourself. But if you're really asking my opinion, my current Outback Travel Trailer is by far the best we've had. 35 feet and would be great for short term or long term camping. It can do it all. (But not everyone wants to drag 35 feet behind them either!)Good luck. Sorry I can't be more helpful, but hopeful I gave you something to think about.

Start up advice; make sure you can get to the fridge and bathroom while traveling (if it has a slideout), if buying used, inspect it well for hidden leaks or damage, do your research (weigh your truck and trailer) for what your Tundra can tow, and don't go cheap on towing equipment. Lastly, find the floor plan that Momma likes. You might want to reconsider a new truck as a retirement present so you can really get the trailer you will enjoy. Good luck

6000lb dry is going to be way too much for your TV. you need to look in the minis 5000lb dry range. And there are plenty of them. I agree with needing to be able to use the TT with the slide in. Never know when you may want something , or need the bathroom. What ever you get. Take your time and pick your TT wisely.

Bob,I'd try to keep whatever you buy to around 5000 lbs loaded. The ratings for trucks are kinda mythical at best, as some may chime in. A 1/2 ton gas truck does best up until 5000 lbs and should give you some flexibility.There are many, many trailers in the 25 foot range that can give you enough room, yet are easy to tow and park.I'd recommend that you give aerodynamics alot of weight when you choose a trailer. Look for one with a curved front cap, or a pointed nose front cap. Some trailers also have shaped rear ends as well. A trailer is essentially a big sail behind your truck - a more aerodynamic heavy trailer can be easier to tow that a lighter one with a flat front.Another thing to consider - you are not buying this trailer to be a permanent home, but to travel for a few months a year. It doesn't have to be ginormous to be comfortable and practical. Good luck!

Need Advice on TT size for 3-4 months | Good Sam Community

goducks10
Explorer
Oct 12, 2014
What About Bob wrote:
Thank You everyone for taking the time to respond. Looks like a 5K TT dry limit might be the best target species to aim for.

Tatest, you said try one on.........that brought up a interesting thought. Has anyone here had the chance to "try one on" before purchasing. Do dealers allow you to take a trailer new or used for the weekend before buying ? ? ? I have never purchased a vehicle or boat without test driving it first but what about a TT ? ? ?

One other question.......several folks here have mentioned light weight or ultra light trailers.....are there pit falls in buying a light weight TT over a non light weight TT ? ? ?

99.9% sure you can't 'try one on'. But you could rent one to find out.
krobbe
Explorer
Oct 12, 2014
I typically spend 1 month every summer in my 34' bunkhouse with my family traveling around. When we get to spend 3 - 4 months in a TT with just the 2 of us, I'll get something with an open floor plan with 2 slides on opposing sides. I'm leaning towards a 1ton diesel towing a fiver. That will be something I can live in for more than a few weeks.
What_About_Bob
Explorer
Oct 12, 2014
Thank You everyone for taking the time to respond. Looks like a 5K TT dry limit might be the best target species to aim for.

Tatest, you said try one on.........that brought up a interesting thought. Has anyone here had the chance to "try one on" before purchasing. Do dealers allow you to take a trailer new or used for the weekend before buying ? ? ? I have never purchased a vehicle or boat without test driving it first but what about a TT ? ? ?

One other question.......several folks here have mentioned light weight or ultra light trailers.....are there pit falls in buying a light weight TT over a non light weight TT ? ? ?
tatest
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2014
How much space you need is up to you. Some couples do fine full time in a truck camper or 13-foot lightweight trailer. My wife and I settled on a 30-foot C, which is equivalent in space to a 25 foot TT, if you don't count the overhead bunk in the C.

How much you can tow is up to your tow vehicle. If you need more space than the tow vehicle can haul, then you need more tow vehicle.

These are two separate issues. Friends who have failed to separate the two have gone through a succession of TT upgrades for room, and TV upgrades for towing, before sorting it out.

My experience, a 25-28 foot TT could work for a couple and a dog, but not everyone does that well. There are lightweights and ultralights in that size range, but I don't know if they get down to the tow capacity of your vehicle. I've been looking in the 19-22 foot range for a 5000 pound target.

You need to find some RV shows, or dealers with broad inventories, to find out just what is available, and 'try it on' for the livability part.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2014
What About Bob wrote:
Terryallan wrote:
6000lb dry is going to be way too much for your TV. you need to look in the minis 5000lb dry range. And there are plenty of them.
I agree with needing to be able to use the TT with the slide in. Never know when you may want something , or need the bathroom.
What ever you get. Take your time and pick your TT wisely.

I am really surprised you mentioned a 5000lb dry range max. I thought dry range at 6k would leave me a lot of weight for this and that. Don't plan on traveling with water being 8.3lbs per gallon but I can see it adding up fast.

In 2006 we towed 3K popup trailer with a Ford Escape over the continental divide twice without problems....it was SLOW reaching the top though. We learned on that trip how to skimp on space and weight for 30 days, 6500 miles.

Reason I say that. Once you load the TV with you, your wife, your dog, and what ever else you carry in the truck. You will NOT have 7500lbs of towing capacity. You will be lucky to have 7000lbs left. Every pound you put into the truck other that a 150lb driver, and 1/2 tank of gas, comes OFF your towing capacity. So you need to start with a lighter than 6000lb TT, That is why minis 5000lb dry would be best.

If you start with a 6000lb dry weight. there is a very good chance that by the time you load the TT, you will be over your towing capacity, and GVWR of the truck
jaycocreek
Explorer II
Oct 11, 2014
So what is your TV rated for....what engine and HP and rear
end does this truck have. How far do you tow with it. You
must see some steep grades where you are ?
Can I borrow that 3 cord wood trailer.....would you mind
bringing it to WNY...LOL

Bob

I don't pay any attention to this so called ratings game. It's just a number. I rely on the years and years of towing about everything there is to tow. My current F-150 has the same gvwr as my last 3/4 ton and it tows the same trailer much much better.

I have the 5.4 Triton with 3:73 gears and 10 ply tires with air bags. 300 hp/365 torque.. More than my old 454 Chevy 3/4 ton. I'm not a guy to want the fastest hard pulling around, if so, I'd go diesel.

Wood trailer loaded goes about 10k and I don't like filling it up anymore like I used too. (laughing) My son and his 2500 HD and I both pull that loaded without a wd hitch. That's the way things are done around here. Haven't seen a wood hauling wreck yet, knock on wood and there's some big loads coming out of the hill.

I'd bring you the wood trailer but according to the net, my truck won't pull it there empty. :B
wannavolunteerF
Explorer
Oct 11, 2014
Bob, I am towing with a 2010 F150 5.4 v8 with tow package. It is the supercab (extended cab) with LWB. It has a 8200lb tow capacity but I am limited with a 1600lb payload. It has P series tires, and because they are soft, I have discovered, I need to air them up a bit for a more comfortable ride when I am towing. When I replace in the next year, I will go to a stiffer side wall tire. If I don't air up tires, then the truck feels a bit squirmy sometimes. It isn't a sway, as my WD and sway bar manages/prevents that; it is just a seat of the pants feel that is a bit squirmy.
wincrasher65
Explorer
Oct 11, 2014
I would say a good rule of thumb for a 1/2 ton is 5000lbs of weight towing. That should equate to 500-750 lbs of tongue weight.

You generally want to be 10-15% of the total weight on the tongue to give you a stable setup. Too much or too little can cause sway and other problems.

Generally too much tongue weight is not a problem for a pickup because they are designed to carry payloads - usually around 1500 lbs in the bed. Often the tongue weight limit value is set because of the actual limit on the hitch equipment itself - most 1/2 ton trucks will have a tag at the hitch with that limit - usually it's 1000 lbs.

Engine power is going to be your limiting factor with a 1/2 ton truck for a travel trailer. The truck is already a heavy vehicle, so depending on what V8 you have in it - and I think your Toyota is the smaller one - you'll be pretty marginal over 5000 lbs for a trailer. In the flats it might not be too bad, but hills and mountains it will really show. You never want to set up a rig at the absolute limits - you want to have some reserve to account for weather, wind, hills, etc.

All that said, there are lots of choices out there for you without having to get a bigger truck. You just have to look over them carefully.
What_About_Bob
Explorer
Oct 11, 2014
jaycocreek wrote:
I've full timed in a number of rigs from 42 ft down to 18. The Floorplan is the key. Ours must have a couch and two chairs aka front room. 3 of us and a dog lived in a 24th Beaver class C without a slide for 3 years. Not that bad with a large bathroom/couch and two chairs.

All except my current,did not have a slide.Were full timing now in a 26.6 (30ft tongue to bumper) and pulling it with a F-150

without any issues. It pulls as good as any 3/4 ton I have every owned and I've owned and pulled with a bunch of them and still have one at my dispense anytime I want but don't need the 2500 HD with my current travel trailer or the wood trailer (3-cord).

Good luck on your trailer choice.

So what is your TV rated for....what engine and HP and rear end does this truck have. How far do you tow with it. You must see some steep grades where you are ?

Can I borrow that 3 cord wood trailer.....would you mind bringing it to WNY...LOL
What_About_Bob
Explorer
Oct 11, 2014
WayneAt63044 wrote:
Read the sticker on your truck's pillar to determine max tow weight and cargo carrying capacity. Shifting to another topic mentioned in your original post, I don't consider central VA, MD, or OH as places I'd want to winter for a few months. (We lived in Wash DC for 8 years,) Temps below 28 degrees forces decisions about winterizing. Most trailers are not comfortable in freezing temps even if you don't have water freeze issues. To my mind you need to get to the southern half of the FL peninsula or the desert SW for comfortable winter RVing. Some like TX. We have departed StL in January with the trailer still winterized and then unwinterized in OK, AR, or TX where/when temps are warmer.

Thanks for mentioning winter problems with a RV......when younger we would deer hunt out of my 13' TT and always used portable water. But as far as staying warm the furnace always kept us warm and sometime the mercury was dipping near zero.

I agree we wouldn't stay too long in VA.....probably just after Thanksgiving to deer hunt with my son and then hit the sunshine state. Come spring try to pass through my older son's state wherever that may be by then and landing back home no later then May 1st to go fishing on Lake Erie.

That sounds so good because I really HATE winter after working in it for over 30 years.

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