wpostma
Explorer
Joined 9 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: Hybrid Versus Non Hybrid Travel Trailer Across North America
Well not to hijack my own thread, but I ended up buying a 30 foot conventional travel trailer (Jayco 264 BHW) not a hybrid, it weighs in at a chunky 3400 lbs dry, and plan to tow it with a Suburban or similar truck-frame V8-engine style SUV.582Views0likes0CommentsRe: Hybrid Versus Non Hybrid Travel Trailer Across North America
Original thread guy here. I'm actually thinking I want to buy a Suburban (or similar 6 or 7 passenger SUV on a V8 truck frame) and haul a 24 foot ultralight travel trailer. My 2013 dodge caravan SE is gutless, and I don't want to spend money on adding electric trailer brake controls and wiring harnesses and anti-sway toying stuff on this gutless wonder. Warren406Views0likes0CommentsRe: Hybrid Versus Non Hybrid Travel Trailer Across North America
You are right. I have now asked three professionals who equip vehicles for towing, and they've told me not to do this. I think I could tow with my minivan to and from a house to a nearby campground over level ground, but for a cross country voyage, I've reconsidered and decided to go back to a Popup option. Thanks folks! I appreciate having a sounding board from people who aren't trying to also sell me anything. Warren376Views0likes0CommentsRe: Hybrid Versus Non Hybrid Travel Trailer Across North America
One example, is the KZ ESCAPE E160RBT, dry weight 2690, GVWR 3500. If my "tow rating" is 3600, that surely can't be for a van with no driver. All this class of trailers claims "minivan towable". I expect to see some disagreement about what that means, but the most sensible dealer advice I've heard is "you can't tow a 3600 pound trailer plus stuff plus people with a van rated for 3600 tow capacity". A 2690 lb trailer plus about 600 pounds of human being, and about 400 pounds of stuff should be within this van's capability. We are talking about a 3.2 litre V6 so it's got lots of juice, it's the transmission I would worry about and with extra preventative maintenance and frequent service, it's going to be fine, according to my brother. Going over the rockies will be something we'll probably be doing with the blinkers on, and we're probably going to stop for a transmission fluid cooldown here and there. My brother tells me that when he tows he checks his transmission fluid regularly and adds something to it that replenishes its magic powers. Anyone else do that? Here's my math, take tow capacity, subtract dry weight, leaving difference (margin) of 910 pounds below, take passenger weight (say 480 lb, not including driver as an average driver weight is assumed). That leaves 430 pounds for stuff/luggage. Tow Capacity 3600 Dry Weight 2690 Difference 910 Passengers 480 Luggage 430 Warren153Views0likes0CommentsRe: light travel trailers
Under 3000 pound, minivan towable, almost every major vendor has lots of options. Forest River which seems to own about 200 brands in the RV market, has a tonne. So does JayCo, the JayFeather line is really nice. Just saw the KZ Escape at an RV show in Toronto today and it's super super nice. Also from KZ, the Sportsmen Classic, with or without the "hybrid" part (tip out tent end on one or both sides). There are also a PILE of pod/teardrop style trailers, like the RPod and the Winnebago "Drop" (teardrop). W423Views0likes0CommentsHybrid Versus Non Hybrid Travel Trailer Across North America
I am planning to buy a Hybrid Travel Trailer and travel clear across North America, in my case, Canada, with a minivan (3.6l v6). I'm aiming at a unit with a weight under 3000 pounds dry, and will be camping at campgrounds with service hookups. We're a family of six. We are moving from Ontario to British Columbia and I am in my late 40s, and I want to see the country in between those two points, so I'm driving. If I was younger, I'd be tenting, that's how I rolled in my 20s. Nowadays my back wants a nice bed at the end of the day. Anyone wanting to put your oar in, or has done anything similar, I'd love to hear about it. There seem to be several varieties of units I can purchase. My big question is Hybrid or Not Hybrid? Hybrid disadvantages that I can think of: 1. Emergency walmart camping is out of the question, unless you have a LOT of nerve. 2. I imagine that it's easier to heat a non-hybrid but with electric beds in hybrids, a spring/fall camp out is no problem, right? Um. That's about all I can think of. Anyone got any more? Hybrid advantages that I can think of: 1. I can probably tow a 2800 pound hybrid plus equipment, and six people in my minivan that has a towing max GVWR of 3600. 2. I can sleep 6 people (2 adults, 2 teens, 2 young kids) in a hybrid. 3. The tent material is pretty far away from the cooking area, so I'm hopeful the cooking smells won't get into the tent bed ends. The salespeople tell me that the hybrids don't leak on you when it rains, and that the materials they make the ends out of are amazing materials. Anyone done a long haul with four to six people, and an SUV or minivan, and a hybrid trailer? Stories? Ideas? Advice? Thanks! Warren Postma Toronto Canada10KViews0likes38Comments
Groups
Travel Trailer Group
Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Mar 06, 202544,027 Posts
