New and need Trailer options advice
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 u...
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The Armada is a decent tow vehicle and could tow up to 9k but only if it were empty. Plenty of power, low on payload, and the tow ratings decrease pound for pound as you add weight to the tow vehicle.
When shopping, your biggest concern should be payload. Forget about the fictional tow ratings as you will run out of payload far before reaching it. Most 1/2 ton SUVs (and trucks) have payloads around 1500lbs. Some more, some less depending on options. A tt the size you are considering will have a tongue weight around 1k leaving only 500lbs for the family, dog, etc. That Cougar is heavy for its size, my 31' double slide bunkhouse weighs less. There are similar floor plans that are much lighter.
I'd be looking for a tt with a loaded weight under 6k to keep the tongue weight under 800lbs. That should leave enough payload for an average size family (if the tv has 1500lbs payload). If you plan on keeping the set up for 10 years, you'd really be better with a 3/4 ton truck or SUV (but they don't make them new anymore). The kids won't get any smaller.
When shopping, your biggest concern should be payload. Forget about the fictional tow ratings as you will run out of payload far before reaching it. Most 1/2 ton SUVs (and trucks) have payloads around 1500lbs. Some more, some less depending on options. A tt the size you are considering will have a tongue weight around 1k leaving only 500lbs for the family, dog, etc. That Cougar is heavy for its size, my 31' double slide bunkhouse weighs less. There are similar floor plans that are much lighter.
I'd be looking for a tt with a loaded weight under 6k to keep the tongue weight under 800lbs. That should leave enough payload for an average size family (if the tv has 1500lbs payload). If you plan on keeping the set up for 10 years, you'd really be better with a 3/4 ton truck or SUV (but they don't make them new anymore). The kids won't get any smaller.
