New and need Trailer options advice

[Jeff_R1]

Morning RV.netters

Over the past couple of days the wife and I have finally came to a decision and have started shopping for our first new trailer. In conjunction with the trailer we also have to upgrade our vehicle as well (lucky me 🙂

We viewed a few trailers on some lots and figure we are looking for something around the 28ft size, with a slide, and bunks for the kids. We are a family of 4 and have a dog so the bunks are needed and floor space would be beneficial.

Here's an example of a trailer we viewed and like very much.

www.keystonerv.com/share?brand=COUGAR-XLITE&model=28RBS

This should give you an idea of what we are looking for or "think" we need. Ultimately the goal is to have something for the next 5-10 years that our family can enjoy and grow into.

As for the new vehicle, with kids and the very likelihood of having more, we are limiting ourselves to large SUV's with a 3rd row seat. This is good and bad as there aren't many but unfortunately they are expensive.

We viewed the Ford Expedition and found an extremely good deal on a new 2015 Nissan Armada. I'm just concerned about the tow and whether or not an SUV like this could handle it.

Nissan says the Armada will tow 9000lbs but that seems high to me.

So I guess after all that my questions to you, the community are as follows:

1. What are some good trailers that offer our needs that are lightweight?

2. Does anyone out there have an Armada and what size (weight) trailer do you tow with it?

3. Are the Cougar Trailers recommended?

4. Any other tips or advice when shopping for both a Trailer and vehicle?


Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Cheers

[APT]

Don't get a hybrid unless you enjoy sleeping under canvas.

[gmw_photos]

If my mind were set on a SUV for towing a long bumper pull, I'd buy a duraburb 2500

[IdaD]

Acdii wrote:
Or go the other route. Just starting out, do you really NEED an SUV? How often will it be used? If you plan to use it as a daily driver, do you really need a massive vehicle? Start out small. A really good small TV would be the Ford Flex with Ecoboost. And get a popup trailer. You would have a nice car that seats 6 or 7 depending on the second row, with a lot of room to move around in. It also makes for a really good daily driver. I had one, sadly lost is in a 7 car pileup which we walked away from, but you should have seen the car we hit at 45 MPH. I have a 7500# gross, 3500# empty horse trailer that i towed a few times with the Flex, and it handled it very well. I wouldn't pull anything more than 4000# gross with the Flex though, even though it is rated at 4500#.

It may not sound ideal, ew, a pop up? but think about it, if you go out and buy a massive SUV, which nets you about 13 MPG not towing, and you drive it every day, you will soon tire of it, but will be stuck with it. If you buy this large trailer, and find you don't enjoy camping like you thought you would, you are stuck with it. Buy a smaller SUV that has decent towing, and gets decent MPG, and a small starter trailer, and give it a go. You can upgrade from there. For the record a Ford Flex EB can get about 21+ MPG in daily driving, provided you don't have happy feet all the time. They are fun, roomy, and unique.

Or, instead of buying a large TV and TT, look for a decent Class C, they make good starters for a family of 4.

We started in a pop up and I would really advise OP not to go that route since he's able to get a suitable tow vehicle at the same time. Every trip involved three setups and tear downs - once to get it loaded, once at camp and once after we got back home. For a while we were able to get everything cleaned and addressed to avoid that third setup/tear down, but once you add multiple kids to the equation it's survival of the fittest on breaking camp day. Plus they're only suitable for camping - you're not going to want to overnight at a walmart or wide spot in a pop up on a longer vacation.

The reason many of us are advising to think big right now is so OP can avoid all the costly in-between steps that lots of us went through. Basically, buy your last trailer first.

[Acdii]

Or go the other route. Just starting out, do you really NEED an SUV? How often will it be used? If you plan to use it as a daily driver, do you really need a massive vehicle? Start out small. A really good small TV would be the Ford Flex with Ecoboost. And get a popup trailer. You would have a nice car that seats 6 or 7 depending on the second row, with a lot of room to move around in. It also makes for a really good daily driver. I had one, sadly lost is in a 7 car pileup which we walked away from, but you should have seen the car we hit at 45 MPH. I have a 7500# gross, 3500# empty horse trailer that i towed a few times with the Flex, and it handled it very well. I wouldn't pull anything more than 4000# gross with the Flex though, even though it is rated at 4500#.

It may not sound ideal, ew, a pop up? but think about it, if you go out and buy a massive SUV, which nets you about 13 MPG not towing, and you drive it every day, you will soon tire of it, but will be stuck with it. If you buy this large trailer, and find you don't enjoy camping like you thought you would, you are stuck with it. Buy a smaller SUV that has decent towing, and gets decent MPG, and a small starter trailer, and give it a go. You can upgrade from there. For the record a Ford Flex EB can get about 21+ MPG in daily driving, provided you don't have happy feet all the time. They are fun, roomy, and unique.

Or, instead of buying a large TV and TT, look for a decent Class C, they make good starters for a family of 4.

[JoeTampa]

I had a Keystone Cougar as my first trailer - 26', towed with a Jeep Commander, it was a living hell towing it, and I arrived every time with frayed nerves and often in a horribly surly mood. Every semi that passed me made me think I was going to die - the truck would get sucked over towards the semi and then pushed hard away as it passed. Trust me, now that I have a 3/4 ton pickup, it makes ALL the difference. I now have a 34' TT and barely notice it back there. My 3 kids have no complaints riding in the Silverado.

On that note, our floor plan has 3 bunks and a table that can be converted to a 4th bed in the bunkhouse - which has a door. To us, that is important as some or all of the kids can be sleeping and we can still use the rest of the TT without disturbing them. They have a reasonable amount of storage there for toys and games and what-not, plus an entertainment center (in which I need to mount a TV still...)

[camp-n-family]

I was also going to suggest looking at hybrid trailers. Shorter tow length, lighter weight, but the size of a much larger trailer when open. Most can be handled easily with a 1/2 ton SUV.

Something like this

4200lbs dry with 455lbs tongue weight, probably 5500lbs loaded with 650lbs tongue weight.

[rbpru]

I suppose you have checked out the hybrids. More room less weight.

A lot depends on what you want to do with your family camping wise. We started with a tent and pop-up. When the grandkids came along we were in canoes and tents.

It was not until I retired that we switched from camping to RVing.

Unless you are absolutely sure you want to commitment to a new TT and TV, it is a large cash and time obligation; I would rent a motor coach or TT and try the RV style.

The last thing you want is a hobby your family does not like.

[IdaD]

I would also at least look at the big three HD trucks. If you want to upgrade the trailer later, one of the most expensive parts of that process is often dealing with upgrading the tow vehicle and going big from the start would eliminate that constraint. And frankly I think you're better off in a regular trailer versus an ultralight, which are light for a reason.

[SouthpawHD]

I agree with Keymastr with the above post ^^^^ Buy once, cry once.

Look seriously at any of the big 3 crew cab trucks (a 3/4 ton is a very good option, ask me how I know.... With 4 kids, my payload needs got big in a real hurry during camping trips). 3 kids EASILY fit in the backseat.

Unless you only plan on camping once or twice a year, I don't think you'd regret that decision in the long run.

[keymastr]

My advice is simple, start with an American crew cab truck from the big three. They sell 100 times as many vehicles each so there is just plain more parts available, more aftermarket accessories and millions more miles of on the road experience with those vehicles. You could possibly find a Suburban or Excursion that has the capability but they will be older and good ones are getting pretty rare. They command pretty stiff prices because of that as well. If you really need more passengers then a second vehicle is going to be the best option.

You also should plan on getting a 2500 series truck with as high a payload as you can find. The cost difference is usually less than $2000, they are the same size and will haul a much bigger trailer which you will want in a few years with a growing family and their friends.Buy your second tow vehicle first and save a ton of money.

[Jeff_R1]

First of all, thanks to everyone in the community for their suggestions, advice and great tips. I'm very happy I decided to post here before committing to anything. Apparently I have allot to consider 🙂

Based on all I read it would appear my possible TV (Nissan ARMADA) won't fair well with the current trailer I'm looking at. My wife is really hung up on a large SUV with a 3rd row seat, so a truck won't be an option for us. So I will have to start looking at different lighter or smaller trailers to accommodate current Expeditions, Suburban's, Armada's etc.

My kids are 4 and 1 at the moment so sticking them in a Toy trailer garage won't work, although I wish it would 😛 We plan on having another within the year and thus we will be carting 3 car seats simultaneously, thus the need for excess seating that a large SUV can provide.

I will have a look at all the trailer suggestions given here and see what we can find locally to look at. I'm thinking I want a total weight of no more then 7000lbs which means a trailer under 5k if I'm understanding correctly.

I'll keep all posted on how my search goes and will continue to consider and appreciate all advice given.

Thanks again to everyone 🙂

[RavensFan24]

If you absolutely have to have the SUV, you'll need a Suburban 2500 or an old Excursion. Those are the only ones that'll have the payload and towing ability you'd need. May consider a van with high towing capabilities. My Tahoe does the trick for our needs with a trailer that is about 7400lbs loaded, but we're basically maxed out on payload and axle ratings with 2 adults and 3 dogs in the truck and nothing else. I'm looking to upgrade to a bigger truck, but can't fit 3 dogs in a crew cab pick up and I don't want them in the bed of the truck (even with a cap and cages), so I've been searching for a Suburban 2500. They aren't made anymore, but used options are out there, just depends on your location. Most that come up are gov't fleet vehicles, so you can score a good deal on one with low miles if you search enough.

As for the trailer, with 2 kids, you can get away with having them sleep on the pull out sofa and fold down dinette while they are young. The problem with that is that you can't really enjoy the trailer while they are sleeping. You may consider a toy hauler with the bed in the garage for the kids to be separate and then you also have the option to bring along toys when they get older or when they don't travel with you. Some of the new toy haulers have the back gate turn into a patio/deck area, which I believe is an awesome feature to have. I have no toys, but have considered a toy hauler simply for the options it offers.

[Murphsmom]

We have a Cougar and love it. However, we are a retired couple who travel with only our Labrador Retriever as a passenger. It does sound like you will be getting into a situation where your TV will not be able to do what it needs to do. Good luck with your search.

[braindead0]

Have you thought about tents for the kids? When I was growing up my parents slept in a TT... we kids had tents, and quite frankly loved it. Just thinking that a smaller trailer may make picking a tow vehicle suitable for a large family much easier.

Don't mean to second guess your plan, but you were looking for advice 😉