We have had Class B and C motorhomes for thirty years and would like to try a small trailer. We mostly boondock and so the larger tanks and more room would be ideal for us.
I have been looking online and at RV shows and dealers for a couple of years, studying trailer issues, towing weights, etc and just educating myself in general on the subject ot travel trailers.
We have come down to one of two trailers: a Skyline Koala 21CS or 23 CS. Or, a Skyline Walkabout, same models and virtually identical except for decals.
The 21 is 24 feet and one inch long. The 23 is 26 feet and six inches, 29 inches longer.
The 21 weighs 3725 and the 23 weighs 3950, 225 pounds more. Of course, the tongue weight is a little more on the 23CS as well.
Both have identical tanks (42-40-40) and the 23CS has a seperate dinette and couch, as well as an extra window.
I will be pulling this with a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the towing package that includes the Hemi engine, Class 4 hitch, blower, big alternator, sway control, etc. Stated towing capacity: 7200 pounds.
I have talked to campers using this same setup and pulling heavier trailers and they report it works just fine, including a gal towing about 5200 pounds with the same Jeep and she was camped in the NF campground at 10,000 feet in Colorado when we had the detailed discussion about her rig.
All my research says the same thing. I know about not maxing out the tow capapcity, and I am leaving a 30% safety factor in the 7200 pound stated capacity. I have been "lurking" on the Travel Trailer forum for about a year or so reading and learning the calculations and following the various discussions.
HERE IS THE BIG QUESTION: I have never towed anything before (except a ten foot utility trailer I have owned for years) so I am new at towing. Will I notice any significant difference in that extra 29 inches of length towing the larger unit?
Now, I am assuming I will of course be getting a good weight distribution and sway control system in either instance.
Any comments or advice will be appreciated.
PSW
2013 Phoenix Cruiser 2350
2014 Jeep Cherokee behind it
and a 2007 Roadtrek 210P for touring