Hi Everyone,I'm sure this gets asked all the time and I've done some searching (though not sure I'm searching for the right terms). Hopefully I can get some input from you guys on what models of TT I should be looking for.Here are some basics:TV - 2006 Chevy Express 1500 AWD 8 Passenger (5.3 V8), Max Trailer Weight 6,100lb, GCWR 12,000lb, Payload 1,537lbUsage - Weekend to Multi-week family vacation travel, starting in San Francisco Bay Area, out to points along California Coast, East to Sierras and beyond, various national parks, etc.Max Passengers - 5 Adults 2 Kids (3 and 6), total people weight ~800lb (kids will grow, of course)Target Amenities - Full Hardside (Hi-Lo type ok), Sleep 6-8 (ideal, bunk beds ok, cozy ok), self contained, slides nice to have but can drop if add significant weight.We are hoping to buy used, but there are lots of different models out there it seems and I'm a bit lost. The Keystone Outbacks look nice with lots of available sleeping space but I haven't figured out how much it weighs. I'm thinking I should target "dry" weight around 4,000lb? What size trailers should I be looking at? What other models provide good sleeping arrangements for larger families?We are also still debating TT vs Class C. More family members are comfortable driving a Class C than towing, though I feel having a van when we arrive at our destination is more versatile than driving around w/ an RV.

Well the 800 lbs people weight really kills you. And if you factor in that your kids will grow hat only leaves you about 650 - 700 lbs tongue weight fully loaded and ready to go. That's about a 5,000 lbs trailer dry weight if you load lightly, but with 5 adults I don't see loading lightly. So realistically, you are probably looking at something in the 4500 - 4800 lbs. range dry weight.

unless the Adults are small, 5 adults will take up a lot of sleeping room.my opinion .. except for master Bed.. all others are more for kids or small adults.but then I am 6f-3in .. and 250..my old 2006 Ameri-lite, 21 foot, 3,500 pounds (empty).. 2 adults and 2 kids..

wing_zealot wrote:Well the 800 lbs people weight really kills you. And if you factor in that your kids will grow hat only leaves you about 650 - 700 lbs tongue weight fully loaded and ready to go. That's about a 5,000 lbs trailer dry weight if you load lightly, but with 5 adults I don't see loading lightly. So realistically, you are probably looking at something in the 4500 - 4800 lbs. range dry weight.Thanks, what size trailer can I get in the 4,500 lb range? I'm hoping 23-25 ft. If I'm down to 21-22ft it might be too tight and I have to rethink the whole strategy.

Chuck_thehammer wrote:unless the Adults are small, 5 adults will take up a lot of sleeping room.my opinion .. except for master Bed.. all others are more for kids or small adults.but then I am 6f-3in .. and 250..my old 2006 Ameri-lite, 21 foot, 3,500 pounds (empty).. 2 adults and 2 kids..Thanks for the advice, thankfully our family isn't that big and tall. I'm the biggest at 5'11", 175lb, I can't tell you what my wife weighs or I'd be posting in the "RV's for guys who got kicked out of the house" forum. But everyone else is under 5'7" and fairly slim. We once drove across country in a 25' Class C with 6 adults (no kids yet) of similar size, it was cozy, but we all fit.

My TT is about 4800 lbs dry and I hated the way it towed with a 2007 1500 Silverado. The gearing (3.42) and the 4 speed transmission were not a good combo in moderate inclines but it wasn't bad on flat, open road. A hybrid TT might save you some weight.

Please recommend TT for towing behind Chevy 1500 Van

Guoseph
Explorer
Oct 03, 2015
2012Coleman wrote:
OP wrote:
Full Hardside (Hi-Lo type ok)
If this is really an option, then I would suggest taking a look at Trailmanor Hard Sided Popups

Thanks, these look interesting.
Guoseph
Explorer
Oct 02, 2015
Unfortunately it's looking like we won't be able to find something that works. Our next step is to maybe look into a Class C. The van I have is useful for other family duties when not towing, plus AWD is useful for heading into the mountains during snow season. I used to have a Dodge 2500 Cummins, that would have towed a huge trailer, but nobody else in the family wanted to ride in it :p
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Oct 02, 2015
OP wrote:
Full Hardside (Hi-Lo type ok)
If this is really an option, then I would suggest taking a look at Trailmanor Hard Sided Popups
PenMan
Explorer
Oct 02, 2015
I've been there, done that. Had a 1996 Ford E-150 with the biggest V8 they had at the time. It had a much higher tow rating than your van. Two adults and two kids. We had a 23 foot hybrid and the van really struggled in any mountains. I would recommend a new tow vehicle or a pop-up which will obviously not meet your needs. Just being realistic.
Dadoffourgirls
Explorer
Oct 02, 2015
A reminder that your combined number you quoted was 12k. I believe that you will discover that reaching your max payload will leave less than 5000 total for trailer.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Oct 02, 2015
According to you, you have 1537 payload and 800 lbs of people. Subtract these two numbers and you get 737 lbs left. Now if your gross TT weight is 4500 as you stated, that's 540 lbs tongue weight - calculated at 12%, leaving just 197 lbs for everything else - including the WDH which easily goes over 100 lbs, and whatever else loaded in the TV.

Where did you get the payload figure? Door jamb sticker? Any added on options to the TV like running boards? Consider taking it to a CAT scale fully loaded for camping - Google CAT scale.

Pulling a high walled TT is a lot different than a flat trailer with weights on it typically used in determining tow capacity - I'm glad your not focused on this pie in the sky number.

It's too bad your van isn't a 2500. IMO, your not going to find a TT for a big family that your TV can safely tow. Good luck.
Guoseph
Explorer
Oct 02, 2015
Anmacc2 wrote:
I have the trailer and rig in my signature. I have the 4.6 engine. I've towed cross country several times. I don't have the kids though.

Nice trailer, unfortunately my TV will be a bit more loaded down so I wonder if I'll have trouble towing something this size. I notice the 2400BH is a pretty nice design, 4700lb "shipping weight", probably too heavy for me.
Beavis01350
Explorer
Oct 02, 2015
And a REALLY big extra trans cooler inline of stock eqp.
Guoseph
Explorer
Oct 02, 2015
I'm not so big on hybrids, as here in bear country I'd rather not have a soft squishy opening for them to enter. That and I would rather just pitch a tent next to the TT, rather than pop a tent out the side of the trailer.
All_I_could_aff
Explorer
Oct 01, 2015
I second the idea of a small hybrid. For me it was either that or a pop up behind my explorer with 3 kids. We have been very happy with it.