towing

[xxjanaleexx]

Been towing various combinations for 35 years,but I now have rheumatoid arthritis and can't lift the distributing bars. Can anyone suggest a vehicle that can handle my 20' TT,dry wt 3400#,with 425# of that being tongue weight ( that is accounting for the propane and battery) without using wt dist bars..I would like an SUV type vehicle not a pickup as a truck is too difficult for me to get in and out..Not looking for something new, just serviceable.My husband has passed and I am not ready to give up camping!.Ty in advance for your help..Janalee

[beemerphile1]

An Anderson hitch may solve the issue allowing you to keep your current tow vehicle.

I'm considering it myself, that Equal-i-zer just keeps getting heavier and heavier.

[CharlesinGA]

Consider a B+ or C motorhome. On my Blackhills trip last August, I stopped at the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs IA for the night and the tiny, wiry woman next to me in Sprinter 3500 Road Trek was having trouble getting the power cord plugged into the twist lock on the vehicle end. (bent blade, I straightened it with needle nose pliers) Anyhow, she told me her husband had died and she had no desire to drive their 40 ft motorhome, but wanted to travel, so she sold the motorhome and bought the Road Trek. She was headed off to see relatives in Missouri when I saw her.

I tell this story to offer options. A Road Trek, an Airstream (yes I know, $$$) or a Phoenix Cruiser or similar would be a great touring vehicle, and much easier than depending on a relative or having to park a trailer yourself.

Charles

[camp-n-family]

An Anderson hitch might be the thing for you then, no bars to handle, or a Hensley where everything stays attached to the trailer. The Hensley can be a little difficult to hook up solo though, unless you have a backup cam and then you still have the stinger to deal with.

I think going back to a small moho would be best. Avoid the hitch problems altogether.

[Hondavalk]

I can only speak for myself but if you could get someone to hitch up your rig at home I gotta believe if you asked for help disconnecting your rig at a campground you wouldn't have any trouble finding a follow camper willing to assist.

[xxjanaleexx]

Thanks guys for all responses..bars are out because physically unable to lift/carry them...no strength or grip in my hands/arms.Also my age,77, is a big factor. I may have to be content to have my brother tow me somewhere local and then sit there..:-( he tows it with his '02 Dakota no problem,no bars..
I have 35 years of travel memories, 14 TT and 6 mohos, and hate to give up--I will take your suggestions and give it more thought..Ty again..Janalee

[Dadoffourgirls]

Not sure whether you can get into a full-size van. With running boards, you can step on that, then into the foot step, and then into the seat.

I carry 1400lbs tongue weight without bars.

You can also take a lot of friends sight-seeing in it. Some off-rental already have the steps.

[Hondavalk]

If you don't have running boards on your tow vehicle maybe installing them would make it easier for you to get in and out of the truck. I believe an Andersen WD hitch would be much easier for you to handle also.

[guidry]

camp-n-family wrote:
Most SUVs big enough will be built on truck frames and sit just as high. Do you raise the tongue once the ball is locked on? You should be able to set the wd bars without there being any tension on them with this method. If you’re not familiar, here is the procedure;
1) drop the coupler on the ball and lock it on
2) raise the tongue of the trailer back up. This will raise the back of your tow vehicle too.
3) snap up the bars. If still difficult, raise the tongue higher and try again.
I could snap up the brackets on my old hitch with my fingers using this method, no tools required.

Do the same to unhitch. Raise the tongue to remove the tension, then undo the bars. Lower the the tongue to release the coupler then raise it again off the ball. You’ll want a power tongue jack as it’s a lot of raising and lowering but the bars should be easy.

This! Unless you mean you’re not physically able to put them on or take them off your hitch. Let your jack do the work for you,

[ScottG]

Trackrig wrote:

ScottG wrote:
A 2500 Suburban would do it fine without bars. A 1500 Sub is just too soft and often sag with just a little age. (Probably get flamed for that because the truth sometimes hurts)

X2

Bill

Come on now Bill, I had my flame suit on and everything! :B

[Trackrig]

ScottG wrote:
A 2500 Suburban would do it fine without bars. A 1500 Sub is just too soft and often sag with just a little age. (Probably get flamed for that because the truth sometimes hurts)

X2

Bill

[camp-n-family]

Most SUVs big enough will be built on truck frames and sit just as high. Do you raise the tongue once the ball is locked on? You should be able to set the wd bars without there being any tension on them with this method. If you’re not familiar, here is the procedure;
1) drop the coupler on the ball and lock it on
2) raise the tongue of the trailer back up. This will raise the back of your tow vehicle too.
3) snap up the bars. If still difficult, raise the tongue higher and try again.
I could snap up the brackets on my old hitch with my fingers using this method, no tools required.

Do the same to unhitch. Raise the tongue to remove the tension, then undo the bars. Lower the the tongue to release the coupler then raise it again off the ball. You’ll want a power tongue jack as it’s a lot of raising and lowering but the bars should be easy.

[ScottG]

A 2500 Suburban would do it fine without bars. A 1500 Sub is just too soft and often sag with just a little age. (Probably get flamed for that because the truth sometimes hurts)

[xxjanaleexx]

Ty all...anything in a GM? And the ones you suggested won't need the bars?

[Edd505]

Ford Expedition rated @ 6K towing