What can our Kia Sorento tow?

[MargaretB]

We are thinking about getting a small, lightweight trailer, either a hard-side or a hybrid. Pop-ups are not an option. We have a Kia Sorento SUV with a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. From what we can tell, Coachmen Clippers up to 17' fall within that rating but we aren't sure what it would actually be like on the road, especially in the foothills and mountains. I know there are other models similar to that but we don't know much about them. Does anyone have experience with this car or this weight rating? Any recommendations? We really prefer not to have to sell the car and get a truck, but will consider that if necessary. Thanks!

[MargaretB]

We are holding off on a decision until after we camp with the pop-up in mid-October. Right now, we're inclined toward a hard-sided unit, but are feeling overwhelmed by all the ramifications of that - selling the much-loved Kia, buying a (used) 4WD truck - do we really want a truck as our second car? - figuring out all the math, finding the right small towable for us... A pop-up would certainly be easier all around, and a lot less expensive. A friend tows a 25' Airstream with his new MB SUV that's rated to tow 6000#, and before that, he towed with a Tahoe. But those are even more $$$ than a truck. Too many factors, too many decisions. We just wanna get out of our tent!

[PAThwacker]

Glad to offer the help. Go with whatever you want once you get the f150 egoboost max payload package.

We are in different dynamic: I'm 40, wife 34, kids 2 and 6. We camp 3 weekends/month April through October to get out of the lunacy of the house. I backpack tent, and do backcountry bow hunting. Drag boats, bikes, canoes, and generators. Sometimes even a 12vt john deere gator toy.

The unlimited jeep above only has a 350lb max tongue weight. If you overload that rating it leads to loss of control of the vehicle. Gross towing, max tongue weights, gross axle rates, GVW, GCWR, and tire ratings all come into play when matching up a tow vehicle.

[MargaretB]

RobbF67 wrote:

MargaretB wrote:
We are thinking about getting a small, lightweight trailer, either a hard-side or a hybrid. Pop-ups are not an option. We have a Kia Sorento SUV with a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. From what we can tell, Coachmen Clippers up to 17' fall within that rating but we aren't sure what it would actually be like on the road, especially in the foothills and mountains. I know there are other models similar to that but we don't know much about them. Does anyone have experience with this car or this weight rating? Any recommendations? We really prefer not to have to sell the car and get a truck, but will consider that if necessary. Thanks!

I forgot to share this link, tell me what you think?

http://www.golittleguy.com/model?id=36&model=MyPod-Basic

I think it's cute enough to put on my fireplace mantel, but it's not what we need. Were I 40 years younger and single, I'd go for it, though!

[MargaretB]

Dream Girl wrote:
It is VERY HARD to admit that a 3500lb towing capacity is just not enough for any Hybrid Travel Trailer.

I was (and still am) in the same situation as you are, I drive a 4dr Wrangler (3500lb towing capacity) and asked the same question here, on this forum.
Everyone told me to forget it and just get a pop-up as the air resistance of a Hybrid Travel Trailer will be to much for my V6.

only after I got my current pop-up I discover how much they where right!!! my pop-up is only 2300lb (when loaded and ready to go) and after towing it 4 time this summer I know that it will not be wise to get any higher/heavier model.

I wish I had a Hybrid Travel Trailer, I really do!
but there is no way I will sell/trade my Jeep for a V8 just for towing a hybrid Travel Trailer 3-4 time a year... no way.

So for now, I rather have a Pop-up then nothing.

Find someone that have a pop-up and try to tow it for 50 mile round trip HWY and city (on hills as well), and you will see what I am talking about.

That's good information. We are going on a short camping trip in October with friends who have an Airstream, and we have rented a pop-up for four days, just to see what it's like. My husband is 73 and not looking forward to fiddling with the set-up and break-down, though, and neither am I. It will be pretty crisp where we're going, so warmth at night is a big factor for us. We shall see - this will be a fun adventure for us!

[MargaretB]

dadmomh wrote:
I always feel so bad when folks want to enjoy camping and the great outdoors, but have a tow vehicle that's just not enough. And then the bad news just rolls right in. Darn! OP, remember that towing is not the only part of the equation, stopping is a big part, safety is the top priority. One of the members of Hybrid Explorer/PUX has a saying "because I CAN tow my 23SS with my garden tractor, doesn't mean I SHOULD". More truth than fiction. And then auto and RV magazines aren't helpful when they show a great looking trailer/tow vehicle combination when, in reality, the tow vehicle is sadly marginal....wish they wouldn't do that. Just one of the problems you'll run into with your Kia, if you chose to really push your limits, is that before you know it you'll be replacing the transmission and who knows what else that is going to run into $$$$. Better to put that money into the new tow vehicle when the time comes or into the new trailer that fits your needs.

If now is not the right time to replace your Kia, a suggestion would be to look for a gently used pop-up for the time being. It'll at least get you out the doors and enjoying camping. No, it's not your first choice, but if you know it's only a temporary move, it might be tolerable for you. Fall is a dandy time to get some really great deals and a small pop-up can be had for a good price. If it's been cared for and you continue to maintain it, you'll get most or maybe all of your money back in short order. There always seems to be a market for a nice entry-size pop up. Hope you can work something out.

This is all such useful information. In the short time since I posted my original question, we've come to the realization that there's a truck in our future. We've been looking at small trailers and have come to realize that 17', instead of being our max, is probably our minimum length, with the max at around 21'. So now I'm looking at all of your posts to see what you're towing with, and I'm seeing a lot of F150s. We are older, so what we buy now will be our last rig; we won't be trading up. So I'm starting to read up on trucks and thinking about selling the Kia. I really appreciate all the help everyone has given - reading is fine but experience is much more valuable.

[PAThwacker]

The little guy thingy is the furthest opposite of what a popup can give. The op will either have you to upgrade the tow vehicle or get a glamper 10ft popup??. I hate these threads!

[RobbF67]

MargaretB wrote:
We are thinking about getting a small, lightweight trailer, either a hard-side or a hybrid. Pop-ups are not an option. We have a Kia Sorento SUV with a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. From what we can tell, Coachmen Clippers up to 17' fall within that rating but we aren't sure what it would actually be like on the road, especially in the foothills and mountains. I know there are other models similar to that but we don't know much about them. Does anyone have experience with this car or this weight rating? Any recommendations? We really prefer not to have to sell the car and get a truck, but will consider that if necessary. Thanks!

I forgot to share this link, tell me what you think?

http://www.golittleguy.com/model?id=36&model=MyPod-Basic

[RobbF67]

MargaretB wrote:
We are thinking about getting a small, lightweight trailer, either a hard-side or a hybrid. Pop-ups are not an option. We have a Kia Sorento SUV with a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. From what we can tell, Coachmen Clippers up to 17' fall within that rating but we aren't sure what it would actually be like on the road, especially in the foothills and mountains. I know there are other models similar to that but we don't know much about them. Does anyone have experience with this car or this weight rating? Any recommendations? We really prefer not to have to sell the car and get a truck, but will consider that if necessary. Thanks!

If you are looking for a small compact trailer look no further than www.golittleguy.com I am a recent owner and could not be happier with my Little Guy MyPod!

[PAThwacker]

Dream Girl wrote:
It is VERY HARD to admit that a 3500lb towing capacity is just not enough for any Hybrid Travel Trailer.

I was (and still am) in the same situation as you are, I drive a 4dr Wrangler (3500lb towing capacity) and asked the same question here, on this forum.
Everyone told me to forget it and just get a pop-up as the air resistance of a Hybrid Travel Trailer will be to much for my V6.

only after I got my current pop-up I discover how much they where right!!! my pop-up is only 2300lb (when loaded and ready to go) and after towing it 4 time this summer I know that it will not be wise to get any higher/heavier model.

I wish I had a Hybrid Travel Trailer, I really do!
but there is no way I will sell/trade my Jeep for a V8 just for towing a hybrid Travel Trailer 3-4 time a year... no way.

So for now, I rather have a Pop-up then nothing.

Find someone that have a pop-up and try to tow it for 50 mile round trip HWY and city (on hills as well), and you will see what I am talking about.

X2

Wise post and proper 10ft pup for a 3500 rated tow vehicle.

[Dream_Girl]

It is VERY HARD to admit that a 3500lb towing capacity is just not enough for any Hybrid Travel Trailer.

I was (and still am) in the same situation as you are, I drive a 4dr Wrangler (3500lb towing capacity) and asked the same question here, on this forum.
Everyone told me to forget it and just get a pop-up as the air resistance of a Hybrid Travel Trailer will be to much for my V6.

only after I got my current pop-up I discover how much they where right!!! my pop-up is only 2300lb (when loaded and ready to go) and after towing it 4 time this summer I know that it will not be wise to get any higher/heavier model.

I wish I had a Hybrid Travel Trailer, I really do!
but there is no way I will sell/trade my Jeep for a V8 just for towing a hybrid Travel Trailer 3-4 time a year... no way.

So for now, I rather have a Pop-up then nothing.

Find someone that have a pop-up and try to tow it for 50 mile round trip HWY and city (on hills as well), and you will see what I am talking about.



After adding Air bags to the rear springs, and proper loading the Pop up, the Camper become level with the Jeep and was a breeze to tow!

[rexlion]

Your friend with the Casita is leading you in the right direction. A boxy stick-built TT will have a lot of wind resistance due to its large frontal area. A 13' to 16' Casita or Scamp (or similar) will be shorter, narrower, and have rounded edges & corners for good aerodynamics. Your Sorento, if properly equipped, should do well with one of these provided you take it easy going up long grades (figure 35-45 mph on some climbs).

Fuel economy is an indicator of TT aerodynamics. I towed a boxy KZ Escape TT for 3 years with my Highlander, and got 11-12 mpg. I towed a Burro for one season before that (my Burro was similar to but a bit wider than Scamp or Casita) and got 14 mpg. Now I have a folding Aliner (hardside popup) and so far on my one little camping trip I got 17 mpg. With no trailer the HL gets 22-23 mpg. So you can see how much easier the round, molded fiberglass trailers are on the drive train versus a boxy TT. And a popup is even easier to tow; I could tow the Aliner in overdrive most of the time, whereas I have to lock out OD to tow the others.

The 16' Scamp or Casita will probably weigh 2500-2800 lb loaded for camping, and they will be under your hitch weight limit of 350 lb too. (Avoid the 17' Casita with front bath, it's too heavy up front for you.)

I would not encourage you to get a boxy TT for your Sorento. Even the lightest ones are going to push a lot of air, and that is a huge factor in what you can or can't tow happily.

[mayo30]

Single axle or dual axle has nothing to do with hitch weight,due to the fact you need a certain percentage of the trailer weight on the hitch to tow,just as you need the hitch somewhat lower then the rear of the trailer.Generally if the fulcrum is single or double more affects the weight carrying ability of the trailer and the ride.

[3ontheGo]

This calculator will help you take important things into consideration.

[kvangil]

OP, look into Scamp trailers. They are smaller and lighter than a regular TT.

[dadmomh]

I always feel so bad when folks want to enjoy camping and the great outdoors, but have a tow vehicle that's just not enough. And then the bad news just rolls right in. Darn! OP, remember that towing is not the only part of the equation, stopping is a big part, safety is the top priority. One of the members of Hybrid Explorer/PUX has a saying "because I CAN tow my 23SS with my garden tractor, doesn't mean I SHOULD". More truth than fiction. And then auto and RV magazines aren't helpful when they show a great looking trailer/tow vehicle combination when, in reality, the tow vehicle is sadly marginal....wish they wouldn't do that. Just one of the problems you'll run into with your Kia, if you chose to really push your limits, is that before you know it you'll be replacing the transmission and who knows what else that is going to run into $$$$. Better to put that money into the new tow vehicle when the time comes or into the new trailer that fits your needs.

If now is not the right time to replace your Kia, a suggestion would be to look for a gently used pop-up for the time being. It'll at least get you out the doors and enjoying camping. No, it's not your first choice, but if you know it's only a temporary move, it might be tolerable for you. Fall is a dandy time to get some really great deals and a small pop-up can be had for a good price. If it's been cared for and you continue to maintain it, you'll get most or maybe all of your money back in short order. There always seems to be a market for a nice entry-size pop up. Hope you can work something out.