Forum Discussion

redfoxoline76's avatar
Aug 18, 2019

Tow vehicles

I have a 2015 jayco hybrid which I have been towing with a 2005 Chevy trailblazer. Although the trailblazer can handle the trailer and I have towed with it on various occasions I often borrow a larger tow vehicle from family. I’m considering a dodge Dakota with the V-8 which would more than handle my needs and be able to tow my hybrid. I’m wondering what people’s experiences have been with towing a lightweight trailer with mid size pickups.
  • We're on our third hybrid and don't find them that easy to tow as advertised by the manufacturer.
    Our latest, a Starcraft 21SSO is being towed by a Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi and we feel it back there.
  • redfoxoline76 wrote:
    I have a 2015 jayco hybrid which I have been towing with a 2005 Chevy trailblazer. Although the trailblazer can handle the trailer and I have towed with it on various occasions I often borrow a larger tow vehicle from family. I’m considering a dodge Dakota with the V-8 which would more than handle my needs and be able to tow my hybrid. I’m wondering what people’s experiences have been with towing a lightweight trailer with mid size pickups.


    My last 2 trailers we sized to my Tacoma so my experience has been good. Hope to tow a few more yrs with what I have before our next upgrade.

    Mike
  • I have been there. The Trailblazer was a great vehicle and it did a fair job towing my 2005 Jayco 21J. However in heavy winds it was a handful to control! If you have the extended version with the 5.3L I think it might be a pretty decent tow vehicle. I had the short wheelbase and 6cyl engine.

    I had the opportunity to pull my 21J with an extended cab Dodge Diesel. I did not even know it was back there.

    I did change to a Chevy Avalanche, which made all the difference in the world. With the Avalanche we pulled that little 21J all over the country and loved it!

    For me I like a longer wheel base vehicle, they don't rock forwards & back and the longer wheel base helps with sway! I know pull a 26" trailer with a 2015 Chevy Silverado 1/2 ton Crew Cab. Perfect for a 6000 lbs trailer!

    Happy Camping & travel safe!
  • Lots of missing information here. What model and GVWR of the Jayco? What configuration for the TB, I6 or V8? LWB or SWB? 2WD or 4WD? All of this would in understanding what's going on.

    I towed my current X20E with a Trailblazer for one year. Between the high miles and the fact that I was right at the TBs limits we got the Sierra. Very nice towing experience.
  • If the Trailblazer can easily handle your TT why are you borrowing another, larger vehicle? Depending on the Dakota’s payload and max tow weight, which you didn’t give, it will probably be better than the Chevy.