Too Much For My Armada?

zackrvwv wrote:
Ok so it’s clear that RV.net has some really experienced and educated folks. I have searched far and wide and found a ton of info but I still need some help closing in on an exact answer. My family is really itching to purchase our first TT. We are a family of 5 (3 kids under 9) and we drive a 2008 Nissan Armada (4WD with tow package).

The book shows a max trailer weight of 9000# and every RV sales guy I call (and I’ve called a bunch) say stay 1000# under that and you’re fine. I know it’s more complicated than that, but I can’t figure out if we would cross the line if we get a 7800# trailer. My guess is I’m going to get mixed opinions… Total tongue to bumper length of 32-36'

So, if 7800 is too much, where is the cap? We really want to get a TT but I'm not sure upgrading our vehicle is an option...

Family = 500 lbs
Firewood, bikes, etc = 100 lbs

Thanks for the help

Zach,

You and I are in the same boat man. I'm in NC and we have two small kids and a german shepherd. Buying Airstream and will use it primarily in Smoky Mountains of NC and Tenn. That alone puts stress on tow vehicle. We have Tahoe, last three cars were SUV's, two Hos and an Escalade. But for the 27-28' Airstream we want to buy, we were forced into a 3/4 ton truck.

As others suggest, it's the payload, not towing ability, that limits most 1/2 tons. We were trying very hard to make a 2016 Suburban or Expedition EL work as our new tow vehicle. But payload sucks, called all over getting numbers off driver door jambs, seeking models with tow package but not a lot of payload robbing (heavy) options.

About the best we could find was 1500-1550 lbs. The majority were actually around 1400 lbs, same we found with Toyota Tundra, which we really liked aside from its low payload. Ironically, the best advice you got was the short one liner in your first reply. 6000 lb trailer, 600 lb tongue/hitch weight, etc.

I see two very clear paths for you, based on thousands of post and talking to various folks with lots of towing experience. Point being, I don't know jack. I'm in same situation as you buying first camper.

One, search around and find a lighter weight camper, emphasis on finding lightest tongue/hitch weight as possible. Their are tons of choices and some companies offer lightweight series campers. Compare the specs and see if you find something your family would like that won't be too crowded. We have two small kids, I get it. Big camper sounds good at first. But the more folks I talked to, the more we scaled back our desired camper size. Wanted 30', but reached conclusion that 27' was better. Easier to tow, less expensive, will fit into more spots at campgrounds, etc.

Second option, step up to a 3/4 ton truck which may have 2500-3000 lb payload. Like SUV's, these vary also so checking door stickers is a good move. You open up the options for sizes of campers you can safely tow, hitch weight is less of an issue as you have doubled your Armadas payload most likely. You have much more power to tow in mountains and such. End result, you have a truck that will more safely tow a heavy camper and in years to come will not wear out prematurely as you are not overworking it like you may do with large camper being pulled by your SUV.

We went with door number two after a month of deliberation, hunting door payload stickers, driving out of town to large volume dealers, taking test drives, etc. We found for our needs, the Dodge Mega Cab 2500 with 6.4 Hemi is perfect solution. It has HUGE backseat and our dog can lay in backseat center floorboard. All other trucks, we would have to put cap on and keep dog in bed. This would reduce utility of the bed for other stuff.

Have fun and be patient. The safety of your family greatly outweighs the cost of upgrading your tow vehicle. Or selecting a smaller, lighter, camper. Think of a camper as something that is replacing a tent, not replacing your house. It's all about the activities and family time. You don't need a huge camper to hide out in all weekend playing house. That was the best advice I got anyway.


Good luck.


Dan
NC