Suggestions for RLS w/dry weight around 5,500#?

[dcf]

After more than a decade, looking to move up from our pop-up to a TT. We're looking for easier, quicker setup than the PUP. We have spend about 30 nights a year camping and want to keep that pace up or even pick up a few more.

We really, really like the idea of a rear-living floorplan.

Tow vehicle is a diesel jeep that has a max towing capacity of 7,300#, so figuring a good dry weight to look at is 5,500ish.

I've come across trailers from Coachmen (Apex) and a couple of Keystone brands that fit the bill.

Others folks would recommend, or feedback on these?

[fla-gypsy]

dcf wrote:

APT wrote:
You should verify your receiver rating. I believe that the limit is in the 750 pounds weight range, which is closer to a 6000 pound loaded TT. If so, then you'll want to shop TTs closer to 5k dry and under 600 pounds dry TW.

The Class IV Receiver is rated at 1,200 pounds, per Jeep, so the limit would be 10% to 15% of trailer weight.

That sounds too high for that vehicle. The receiver has the information on it if you will look. Never trust a car or RV dealer for anything. My next concern would be the payload rating. Any idea what it is for your vehicle?

[dcf]

APT wrote:
You should verify your receiver rating. I believe that the limit is in the 750 pounds weight range, which is closer to a 6000 pound loaded TT. If so, then you'll want to shop TTs closer to 5k dry and under 600 pounds dry TW.

The Class IV Receiver is rated at 1,200 pounds, per Jeep, so the limit would be 10% to 15% of trailer weight.

[Walaby]

I've got a Forest River (PrimeTime) Tracer 2640RLS. Mostly dry (had a few gallons of water in it) it weighed 5450 (if I recall), actual weight. It's 26 ft box, but 30.1 ft tongue to bumper. We really like it so far.

My GMC Sierra 1500 handles it nicely. I have a Jeep GC, but not the diesel. Not sure how well it will handle with your jeep, but it's kinda close to the weight you're looking for.

Mike

[APT]

You should verify your receiver rating. I believe that the limit is in the 750 pounds weight range, which is closer to a 6000 pound loaded TT. If so, then you'll want to shop TTs closer to 5k dry and under 600 pounds dry TW.

[jonmad]

We have the Coachmen Apex 279 RLS... It tows great with our F-150 ecoboost... Not sure if you would have the payload needed with the Jeep.... Good luck with your decision....

[SoundGuy]

dcf wrote:
It's a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 114.8" wheelbase

Thanks, hopefully others will chime in on this. In the meantime if you Google "tow vehicle wheelbase vs trailer length" you'll find endless discussions on the topic, this being just one and this being another. As you'll see it's a topic of discussion with varying opinions, my own being that 114" is just way too short for towing any 30' trailer.

[dcf]

It's a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 114.8" wheelbase

[SoundGuy]

dcf wrote:
We really, really like the idea of a rear-living floorplan.

Tow vehicle is a diesel jeep that has a max towing capacity of 7,300#, so figuring a good dry weight to look at is 5,500ish.

Most RLS trailers are in the 30' class so my concern would be not so much the weight of the trailer but it's length and whether your Jeep's wheelbase is sufficient to deal with it. Our previous mid size 24' Spree measured 26' 9" coupler to bumper and although it towed just fine behind our Avalanche which has a 130" wheelbase I certainly wouldn't have towed it with anything shorter. Some may disagree but IMO even a good weight distribution system such as an Equal-i-zer or Blue Ox Sway Pro still wouldn't be enough to overcome the effects of towing such a long trailer with any short wheelbase vehicle. Perhaps if you posted your Jeep's wheelbase others will offer comment on this.