What are you guys towing?

[LaBalbe]

Unless your the poor fool they try to pass, total your vehicle and take you off the road as well
??????????

Agreed. I don't mind if some fool Darwin's themself, but while God may look out for fools, the same cannot always be said about the unfortunate souls who happen to be in the fool's vicinity at the wrong time.

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[jflogerzi]

getting closer to using my custom tent trailer built using a surplus military trailer

 

[dtech]

CEO Jim Farley preaching to the (Ranger) choir. Maybe he'll be patting that F-150 a bit less in 2025 or maybe switch to kicking it, Ford is predicting another EV loss of $5.5 billion this year, yikes.

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/c...alistic-about-ev-towing-capabilities-44511796

 

[Grumpaw]

At least he's being honest about the EV's lack of suitability to tow heavy trailers for any distance instead of trying to sucker prospective buyers into buying one for towing.
Even his 300 mile range is very optimistic when hauling heavy trailers for long distances at speed, thru mountains, or stop and go traffic.
Maybe they will come up with a Mr. Fusion option for us in the near future.....

 

[t4thfavor]

I would not be against RVs with slides having a slide closed switch added that has to be in closed position as part of the brake interlock to remove the RV from park. Or a tow behind, if the brake lights are activated and the slide is not closed sound a horn, and then use the 12V from the 7-pin to lock the trailer brakes until any open slide is closed.

Locking the brakes would just set the trailer on fire before it left the campground, that is one way to keep them off the road though.

 

[John_Kriner]

Love our "adventure trailer." Always finding new ways to use it (and upgrade it).

 

[Rhino]

figured id ask in here on what others are towing for travel trailers! as much as i love using a rtt (still plan to get another one) the gf has been wanting a travel trailer so we can take the dogs and the dirtbikes out and enjoy a weekend with everything. so what travel trailers does everyone have and which ones do you recommend to stay away from?

 

[Grumpaw]

figured id ask in here on what others are towing for travel trailers! as much as i love using a rtt (still plan to get another one) the gf has been wanting a travel trailer so we can take the dogs and the dirtbikes out and enjoy a weekend with everything. so what travel trailers does everyone have and which ones do you recommend to stay away from?

Very broad question, and it all depends on your needs.
How many occupants will be using it ? Size of dogs....important as their size will determine how much space they will take up, especially with the people inside. Do you want a toy hauler so dirt bikes will be inside while traveling or will they be in the truck bed ? How long are you planning on being "out" on the road....important as it may determine the amount of storage you need for clothing, food, "stuff".
We tow a 24 foot trailer that loaded out is at 7000 lbs. Our trailer is set up for just tow persons with a separate bedroom so we can each have some "private space" when needed. Our trips tend to be at least 10 days to 3 weeks, so the added space is necessary.
If your looking at a toy hauler to transport the bikes, you need to look at a lighter trailer as the weight of the bikes will add lots of weight to the overall weight limit.
Lot od members tow, everything from small teardrop trailers to 27-29 foot rigs....and I'm sure many will post up pics of their rigs....
Let me add, where you will be taking it will have a bearing on the type/quality of the rig....
If your looking to go off road with it (I guess you are due to dirt bikes) then a low priced hauler won't be what your looking for. A hauler that carries a Harley and never goes off road won't hold up to the rigors of constant off road traveling. There are some specialty trailers that are built for taking off road....better built, different suspensions for off roading, ect. But, cost $$$$$$$
But you must first determine your own needs......
Jayco 24RL.......

 

[Rhino]

Very broad question, and it all depends on your needs.
How many occupants will be using it ? Size of dogs....important as their size will determine how much space they will take up, especially with the people inside. Do you want a toy hauler so dirt bikes will be inside while traveling or will they be in the truck bed ? How long are you planning on being "out" on the road....important as it may determine the amount of storage you need for clothing, food, "stuff".
We tow a 24 foot trailer that loaded out is at 7000 lbs. Our trailer is set up for just tow persons with a separate bedroom so we can each have some "private space" when needed. Our trips tend to be at least 10 days to 3 weeks, so the added space is necessary.
If your looking at a toy hauler to transport the bikes, you need to look at a lighter trailer as the weight of the bikes will add lots of weight to the overall weight limit.
Lot od members tow, everything from small teardrop trailers to 27-29 foot rigs....and I'm sure many will post up pics of their rigs....
But you must first determine your own needs......
Jayco 24RL.......

ya i know i left it broad so i can everything that everyone has here to see what they like and dislike out of trailers they currently own or have owned kinda thing.

for the amount of people its just me and the gf and our two dogs one is a 40lb heeler and a 55lb uhhh mutt lol.
personally i would like a 16ft trailer that weighs 3k lbs since i dont see the need in a larger trailer but the gf really liked the couple coaches that were 20ft-30ft trailers in the 4-5k weight range.

i like the idea about the toy haulers but in the smaller trailer range im not sure if i like the idea of having the bikes technically in the room where you relax at even thou having them inside would be nice. most likely they will go in the truck bed.

how long we plan to be out will vary tbh but for the most part id say a weekend or a tad longer. she doesnt have as much vacation as i do.


good looking trailer thou what are some things you like and dislike about it?

 

[Grumpaw]

ya i know i left it broad so i can everything that everyone has here to see what they like and dislike out of trailers they currently own or have owned kinda thing.

for the amount of people its just me and the gf and our two dogs one is a 40lb heeler and a 55lb uhhh mutt lol.
personally i would like a 16ft trailer that weighs 3k lbs since i dont see the need in a larger trailer but the gf really liked the couple coaches that were 20ft-30ft trailers in the 4-5k weight range.

i like the idea about the toy haulers but in the smaller trailer range im not sure if i like the idea of having the bikes technically in the room where you relax at even thou having them inside would be nice. most likely they will go in the truck bed.

how long we plan to be out will vary tbh but for the most part id say a weekend or a tad longer. she doesnt have as much vacation as i do.


good looking trailer thou what are some things you like and dislike about it?

BIG BIG difference between a 20 and a 30 footer, and pretty much anything over 24 feet or so will be pushing the weight limit of the Ranger once you get it loaded up, and thats not taking into consideration the weight of the bikes (guess your carrying them in the bed)
Take a 20-22 footer that weighs around 4500 lbs empty. Now, add around 1500 lbs to it for everything you'll be carrying....all your personal stuff, food, water, any camping items like chairs, tables grills ect ect ect. Now, add the weight of what your carrying in the bed....bikes, extra parts, fuel, ect ect ect.....your pretty much at the limit....a few lbs over the Ranger's limit won't hurt anything, but you can see where I'm going....it's very easy to approach the limit.
No way you will ever find anything in the 25-30 foot range that will let you carry everything you need, plus the bikes and their equipment and be under the GVWR of the Ranger.
Our 24 footer loaded is right around 7000 lbs, and hitch weight is probably at the max, and that is still not including the chairs, table, grill, mats, ect, that I carry in the bed....and I do not have two dirt bikes.
Not saying what your looking for isn't available, but I think your going to have to limit yourself to around 20-22 feet.
Ordered our Jayco with custom extras...no dinette but free standing table and chairs, 50 amp power, has theater seating, separate bedroom, extra outlets.

 

[dtech]

We bought our 1st TT about 1.5 yrs back - I always research my purchases but there are so many choices that after a while I experienced mental fatigue looking at them, this even before the buying experience which was on a level worse than car buying. Eventually drove all the way to Ohio to buy one. Many people recommend renting before buying one, and a good number of people buy small and wish they bought something larger. We end up with a Forest River Nobo 19.5 , 23' but with an off road suspension and more ground clearance than most. Not surprised your GF likes the bigger ones, similar to home buying.

 

[Rhino]

BIG BIG difference between a 20 and a 30 footer, and pretty much anything over 24 feet or so will be pushing the weight limit of the Ranger once you get it loaded up, and thats not taking into consideration the weight of the bikes (guess your carrying them in the bed)
Take a 20-22 footer that weighs around 4500 lbs empty. Now, add around 1500 lbs to it for everything you'll be carrying....all your personal stuff, food, water, any camping items like chairs, tables grills ect ect ect. Now, add the weight of what your carrying in the bed....bikes, extra parts, fuel, ect ect ect.....your pretty much at the limit....a few lbs over the Ranger's limit won't hurt anything, but you can see where I'm going....it's very easy to approach the limit.
No way you will ever find anything in the 25-30 foot range that will let you carry everything you need, plus the bikes and their equipment and be under the GVWR of the Ranger.
Our 24 footer loaded is right around 7000 lbs, and hitch weight is probably at the max, and that is still not including the chairs, table, grill, mats, ect, that I carry in the bed....and I do not have two dirt bikes.
Not saying what your looking for isn't available, but I think your going to have to limit yourself to around 20-22 feet.
Ordered our Jayco with custom extras...no dinette but free standing table and chairs, 50 amp power, has theater seating, separate bedroom, extra outlets.

well thats the good thing lol i dont have a ranger anymore. i sold mine when i had the dreaded trans issues so i have a 17 f150 now.

all very good points thou! and trust me i know about the 20ft vs 30ft lol id prefer smaller so it takes up less space and easy to move about. the gf was the one that liked the 30 ft ones haha but id say ideally anything between 16-30ft we really need to look at and see if we can rent some for a weekend and try out and see what truly works.

id be fine with a 16-20ft i personally like how small they are and would rather have the camper as a base to eat and sleep but get out of the camper to do stuff and not stay inside...

sounds like a great camper! we had a jayco years ago when i was a kid it was a great one!

 

[Rhino]

We bought our 1st TT about 1.5 yrs back - I always research my purchases but there are so many choices that after a while I experienced mental fatigue looking at them, this even before the buying experience which was on a level worse than car buying. Eventually drove all the way to Ohio to buy one. Many people recommend renting before buying one, and a good number of people buy small and wish they bought something larger. We end up with a Forest River Nobo 19.5 , 23' but with an off road suspension and more ground clearance than most. Not surprised your GF likes the bigger ones, similar to home buying.

yuuup we have been doing a lot of reading and looking at some and we went to our local rv show to get an idea of what we liked. it is true thou the mental fatigue of looking through every single one and looking at gvw length amenities and blah blah bla blah!

ive seen the nobos a lot but man are they pricey! thats the other thing we have seen a few campers we liked and the prices are not bad at 20k or less but the ones that are above 20k are wild! idk if i could ever justify that price tbh!

ya very true lol she loved this 28footer? it was a couples couch with a large kitchen counter and island thing it even had hook ups for a washer and dryer... idk why i would need that in a camper!

 

[Grumpaw]

yuuup we have been doing a lot of reading and looking at some and we went to our local rv show to get an idea of what we liked. it is true thou the mental fatigue of looking through every single one and looking at gvw length amenities and blah blah bla blah!

ive seen the nobos a lot but man are they pricey! thats the other thing we have seen a few campers we liked and the prices are not bad at 20k or less but the ones that are above 20k are wild! idk if i could ever justify that price tbh!

ya very true lol she loved this 28footer? it was a couples couch with a large kitchen counter and island thing it even had hook ups for a washer and dryer... idk why i would need that in a camper!

Just be careful when looking at/considering a cheaper/low cost trailer, or a "light weight" rig.
Their cheap or light for a reason, usually in the construction. Their cheap or light cause they cut back on material quality/strength.
As an example. many cheaper rigs or light weight rigs will tell you NOT to walk on the roof simply because the roof materials/trusses are made from 2 inchx2 inch materials, and may be further apart than 12-16 inches. There may not even be a ladder attached to the back, and/or no provision for a ladder simply cause the manuf dosen't want you walking on the roof.. Roof material itself may just be a sheet of luan covered by the roof material and glued down.
Our Jayco uses marine grade plywood, on 16 inch solid roof trusses, screwed down, and 2, 3 people can easily walk on it without any problems.
Construction and materials are the big differences between trailers and their costs.
As far as washers/dryers....most regular trailers don't carry enough water to use a washer, and most campgrounds will charge you extra if you have/use a washer. Dryers usually need a 50 amp electric supply to power them and unless you order one with 50 amp (may not even be an available option....on our Jayco it was available) a dryer is useless. In almost 60 years of camping we only had one rig that had a w/d....class a motorhome, and in 6 years never used it once
In your position I would be looking at a newer used rig....thousands of them available now as many owners are looking to trade for newer models. If buying new, you will loose around 30% the minute you tow it off the dealers lot. At the same time, you can get deals on a used rig cause dealers want to unload them to make room for new stock....and you can make a real lowball offer on a used rig.....NEVER EVER pay their asking price...always offer at least a third less than their asking, cause they probably only paid half of what their asking.
Same for new....never pay retail....offer 25-30 % of retail and bargain from there. Our Jayco, a 2022, listed for $44.000 with the custom items we wanted, ended up paying $35,500.

 

[dtech]

Basically an expensive hobby - over and above the trailer cost you have license and reg fees, insurance, propane, WD hitch recommended, campground fees, then depending on your rig towing it will destroy your mpg, wear the tires faster, might need more maintenance.
But at age 72 tent camping got a bit difficult, and once inside the TT tunes out most of the noise people make in campgrounds - generators running, music blaring, dogs barking, children wailing and so on.
Sometimes you can snag a newer one on the used market that people bought and didn't use much and they want to unload it. Earlier today I saw my neighbor headed out with one of those really small teardrop rigs - basically room to crawl inside and sleep, kitchen on the outside, glad I could afford something more accommodating - but he does drive a Tacoma which has it's limitations.
good luck

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