Post by: CoryTDF on April 05, 2016, 03:47:05 PM
What do you have?
What do you like about it?
What do you dislike?
Post by: predatorpro on April 05, 2016, 04:19:25 PM
Post by: huntandjeep on April 05, 2016, 07:20:47 PM
Post by: TVHunts on April 05, 2016, 07:26:06 PM
Post by: whacker1 on April 05, 2016, 07:30:08 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 05, 2016, 08:06:21 PM
4-6 people - wow you'ii wanta go as big as you can pull with a tundra. A 26-28 footer will be around 7500-8500 lbs if you can handle that with a large central slide out would be what I would look for.
Post by: Mark251 on April 05, 2016, 08:39:04 PM
The Nash is built by the same company that builds Arctic Fox...Northwood Manufacturing. The Arctic Fox has the top-of-the-line trim level but the frame and mechanics are the same on the Nash. The trim level on the Nash is still very good...great quality finishes with a price tag is substantially less than the Arctic Fox. The Nash 23D has a slide-out (highly recommended) and is solidly built. Nash also has two models with bunks - the 23B and 25C. The 25C also has a slide-out. And Magnum_Willys is right - spend the money to get a memory foam mattress topper. You can get one at Costco and cut it to size pretty easily.
We did a lot of research before we pulled the trigger on a new trailer and the Nash came out on top. It was the right fit for our family.
Good luck with your hunt for your new trailer, Cory!
Post by: JJB11B on April 05, 2016, 08:41:47 PM
Post by: DRobnsn on April 05, 2016, 09:00:37 PM
Post by: JKEEN33 on April 05, 2016, 09:20:08 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on April 05, 2016, 09:29:33 PM
Summers were great in it.
Post by: DRobnsn on April 05, 2016, 10:33:38 PM
We bought an 03 Komfort 27t last year. It has one big slide for the couch and dinette area. I wouldn't have one without a slide, or 2. Make sure the kitchen area, shower and toilet will work for your camping needs. Counter space and ample toilet/shower space is tough in the smaller models. Lots to think about, take your time and try to get the right one the first time.
Curious what you are all towing these trailers with? He has a half ton. My thought is he's going to have a tough time if he starts getting over 20'. I could be wrong as I know some of the newer trailers are lighter than the older models so I would be curious to also hear what you are towing with. I too may be in market for a newer model, but I also have a half ton truck.
I have a 2012 Ram 3500 Cummins, my trailer is around 7500lbs empty and close to 10k gross. I wouldn't want to pull it with a half ton. Mine is a bit older though, a friend of mine has a newer 27 foot bunkhouse with a slide that he says is around 5500lbs empty.
Post by: KFhunter on April 05, 2016, 10:56:12 PM
Post by: JDHasty on April 06, 2016, 01:53:05 AM
Post by: JDHasty on April 06, 2016, 02:01:48 AM
I'm looking at buying a new trailer. I have an 05 Tundra and so I am looking at around the 20-25 ft range. I would like to have the ability to sleep 4-6 people.
What do you have?
What do you like about it?
What do you dislike?
We have a 2216 Steath toy hauler and it sleeps 7 very comfortably. It lacks counter space and closet/cabinet space and no slide, but we cook and eat outside all summer and it is just two or three in it in hunting season. If you want to not be sized out of most State Park camp grounds you better stay w/in 27 feet overall, or so.
I tow it w/a 2011 ecoboost F 150 SCREW now, but it towed great with a 2003 F150 for a few years nad that is pretty close to what you have.
We like it.
Post by: C-Money on April 06, 2016, 08:49:33 AM
http://www.keystonervcenter.com/2016-forest-river-salem-cruise-lite-261bhxl-new-travel-trailer-pa-i1724773
Post by: 3boys on April 06, 2016, 09:01:52 AM
Post by: birddogdad on April 06, 2016, 09:17:49 AM
otherwise I love my trailer~!
when I go off the grid, I have a 3rd battery for over night draw of heating system, I find it necessary when temps drop to 20's as heater kicks on often and drains batteries, more than once had to jump the gen set in morning!
Post by: C-Money on April 06, 2016, 09:33:30 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on April 06, 2016, 10:35:11 AM
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 06, 2016, 11:25:52 AM
When we got the trailer I had a 2007 Ford F150 5.4 Trident. It pulled the trailer fine just didn't like the feel when pulling it. Max tow on my truck was 9600 and dry weight of the trailer was just under 7000lbs. Full recommeded load weight on the trailer was 9200lbs. So I was pushing the truck for sure.
Post by: baker5150 on April 06, 2016, 11:33:12 AM
Just one thing about slides. If your using them when it really cold outside, you're gonna have a hard time keeping it warm inside. I lived in one in Black Diamond and Moses Lake for 3 years working, so I know what I'm talking about. For a week, just bring lotsa propane.
Summers were great in it.
I had this issue with my last trailer.
My new trailer has more of a frame on the slides, not just a gasket, but a thick insulated frame.
I have 3 slides and have no issues keeping it warm. The only thing I notice is the floor of the slides are colder.
I didn't see any improvement in some of the entry level models.
Post by: JDHasty on April 06, 2016, 11:50:36 AM
We got a 25' Keystone Sprinter, big 10' slide out. It sleeps 4. Our thing was we like a good size bathroom. Some of these bathrooms in these trailers are made for kids not adults. Our bathroom is in the back of the trailer and the width of the trailer and about 5' out from back. We have a Ram 2500 with a hemi. Rule of thumb is you want to tow no more then 80% of your max tow capacity of your truck. That is max weight of the trailer too. Most trailers when you buy them will give you the dry weight and fully recommended load weight.
When we got the trailer I had a 2007 Ford F150 5.4 Trident. It pulled the trailer fine just didn't like the feel when pulling it. Max tow on my truck was 9600 and dry weight of the trailer was just under 7000lbs. Full recommeded load weight on the trailer was 9200lbs. So I was pushing the truck for sure.
We have a 2011 F150 Lariat SCREW 4x4 EcoBoost Max Tow and it has north of 11K in tow capacity. 3.73 gears, heavy duty everything coolers, brake controller, extendable mirrors and I believe additional braking. I ditched the six-plies right after we got it and replaced them w/ten plies because I didn't like the way it felt when towing. I always run ten plies had them on our '03 F150 FX4 Lariat SCREW 4x4 w/5.4 Triton & tow package (3.55 gears) and it towed the same toy hauler fine, but it didn't have near the tow rating the new truck does so I was particularly careful not to overheat the brakes on long descents. IIRC it had a tow rating of 7,400lbs.
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 06, 2016, 11:55:07 AM
Those EcoBoost Fords can tow that is for sure.We got a 25' Keystone Sprinter, big 10' slide out. It sleeps 4. Our thing was we like a good size bathroom. Some of these bathrooms in these trailers are made for kids not adults. Our bathroom is in the back of the trailer and the width of the trailer and about 5' out from back. We have a Ram 2500 with a hemi. Rule of thumb is you want to tow no more then 80% of your max tow capacity of your truck. That is max weight of the trailer too. Most trailers when you buy them will give you the dry weight and fully recommended load weight.
When we got the trailer I had a 2007 Ford F150 5.4 Trident. It pulled the trailer fine just didn't like the feel when pulling it. Max tow on my truck was 9600 and dry weight of the trailer was just under 7000lbs. Full recommeded load weight on the trailer was 9200lbs. So I was pushing the truck for sure.
We have a 2011 F150 Lariat SCREW 4x4 EcoBoost Max Tow and it has north of 11K in tow capacity. 3.73 gears, heavy duty everything coolers, brake controller, extendable mirrors and I believe additional braking. I ditched the six-plies right after we got it and replaced them w/ten plies because I didn't like the way it felt when towing. I always run ten plies had them on our '03 F150 FX4 Lariat SCREW 4x4 w/5.4 Triton & tow package (3.55 gears) and it towed the same toy hauler fine, but it didn't have near the tow rating the new truck does so I was particularly careful not to overheat the brakes on long descents. IIRC it had a tow rating of 7,400lbs.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on April 06, 2016, 11:59:30 AM
Post by: JJB11B on April 06, 2016, 01:08:50 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on April 06, 2016, 01:35:18 PM
Cory, you can tow a 20ft trailer, that trailer you have weighs as much as a modern 20ft trailer with slides. If you want to know for sure, go down to Stubblefield recycling with your old one and weigh that sucker
You want to come with me? They know you down there right?
Post by: JJB11B on April 06, 2016, 03:24:12 PM
Post by: kirkl on April 06, 2016, 03:37:21 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on April 07, 2016, 01:14:36 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 07, 2016, 01:17:33 PM
nope. :( it's the 4.7
Oh you are looking at 24 ft or less with that.
Post by: JDHasty on April 07, 2016, 01:19:10 PM
nope. :( it's the 4.7
That is a game changer. I just wouldn't know where to start, but I do know that the new ultra lightweight offerings are springing up like mushrooms. I am going to suggest that you be very careful to find out exactly what you have for brakes and be very cautious on long descents not to overheat the brakes on the tow vehicle regardless of what the trailer may have, many times the trucks that don't have power plants and gearing designed for towing.... well you can do the math.
Post by: JJB11B on April 07, 2016, 01:45:17 PM
Electric Brakes on trailer and a controller in the truck can be a God- Send....Ask Ol' Gregnope. :( it's the 4.7
That is a game changer. I just wouldn't know where to start, but I do know that the new ultra lightweight offerings are springing up like mushrooms. I am going to suggest that you be very careful to find out exactly what you have for brakes and be very cautious on long descents not to overheat the brakes on the tow vehicle regardless of what the trailer may have, many times the trucks that don't have power plants and gearing designed for towing.... well you can do the math.
Post by: Bofire on April 07, 2016, 03:32:26 PM
Carl
Post by: CoryTDF on April 08, 2016, 11:08:06 AM
Post by: Woodchuck on April 08, 2016, 11:20:16 AM
Looks like they are saying that my truck is only good to tow 5000 lbs. So, this just got a whole lot more challenging. I really don't want to have another truck payment and have no plans to buy a new truck. Any of you Toyota guys have any sweet mods that can be done to bump up the towing capacity of my truck. Air bags??I don't want to be the kill joy here but... Air bags may help the suspension some but so will a weight bar style hitch. It will not help the drivetrain. :twocents:
Post by: JDHasty on April 08, 2016, 11:42:35 AM
Looks like they are saying that my truck is only good to tow 5000 lbs. So, this just got a whole lot more challenging. I really don't want to have another truck payment and have no plans to buy a new truck. Any of you Toyota guys have any sweet mods that can be done to bump up the towing capacity of my truck. Air bags??I don't want to be the kill joy here but... Air bags may help the suspension some but so will a weight bar style hitch. It will not help the drivetrain. :twocents:
Three things usually are the "controlling factors" when they determine factory tow ratings.
1) final drive gearing
2) engine and transmission cooling
3) brakes
I would go onto the Toyota forums and see if you can determine if the 4.6 like you have came w/less braking capacity. Weight distribution system will go a long way toward overcoming suspension capacity issues - even w/tow package everyone should use this type of hitch.
If the brakes are the same as the larger engine version of the pickup then you have the same braking capacity as they do and that is a good thing because you only get to die once and a runaway truck/trailer on a long descent is not the way you want to go. If it has smaller brakes be extra conservative on long descents.
If it were me I would try to limit tow weight to 4,000 lbs or slightly more. Unfortunately, on a lot of these trucks with smaller engines they also up the final drive ratio in order to maximize fuel mileage and that makes the engine work harder and that feeds engine temperature. That is the reason they will use smaller brakes too, less rotating weight equals better fuel efficiency.
Post by: CoryTDF on April 08, 2016, 12:49:19 PM
Post by: JDHasty on April 08, 2016, 12:57:58 PM
Well it's looking more and more like I'll be searching for a trailer by Jayco or Forest River. They seem to make some great stuff that meets the weight requirements. Any other ideas?
We have a Forest River and like it just fine. Some of the Jaycos are really nice looking, but I have no personal experience w/them. We bought ours ~5 years ago in Junction City Oregon at Guarantee RV and the salesman's name is Vance Buford, I think he is still there. He was good to deal with - really refreshing experience after some of the jerking around we experienced other places.
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on April 08, 2016, 01:59:04 PM
Post by: DRobnsn on April 08, 2016, 02:43:54 PM
Looks like they are saying that my truck is only good to tow 5000 lbs. So, this just got a whole lot more challenging. I really don't want to have another truck payment and have no plans to buy a new truck. Any of you Toyota guys have any sweet mods that can be done to bump up the towing capacity of my truck. Air bags??I don't want to be the kill joy here but... Air bags may help the suspension some but so will a weight bar style hitch. It will not help the drivetrain. :twocents:
Yep, bags should be considered but the dist. hitch would be a must. Unfortunately the manufacturers capacity rating is essentially a done deal. You can add extras to better handle that rating but that's about it, to keep it legal.
I agree keeping the weight around 70-80% from the max GVWR will give you a much better towing experience.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is water. Depending on where you camp you may never need to haul water but if your going remote dry camping, you'll need some good capacity and water weight adds up fast.
Post by: bobcat on April 08, 2016, 02:48:28 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on April 10, 2016, 09:24:13 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on April 10, 2016, 09:44:41 AM
If the girl friends come. Put up a tent outside for them. They will enjoy it a lot better. :twocents:
Post by: hiway_99 on April 10, 2016, 01:39:51 PM
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Post by: JDHasty on April 10, 2016, 05:16:52 PM
I just don't know what it is about the Puget Sound area but they want to treat people like the customer is either stupid or is there to be entertained or they want to play games. I don't know why I even bother to give them a chance at our business any longer.
Post by: CoryTDF on April 11, 2016, 10:15:23 AM
Post by: JDHasty on April 11, 2016, 10:28:04 AM
So, I looked in my manual and it said that I can haul 6700lbs. I am getting really frustrated with the whole thing. Bottom line is I don't want to kill my family or myself by buying a trailer that is way to much for my truck. If the 6700 is accurate there are plenty of options that I could go with and stay under that weight even when fully loaded. I cannot find the combined GVWR in my manual however.
If that is the case you have a lot of options in the < ~ 5,500 lb or so weight class.
Post by: DRobnsn on April 11, 2016, 10:36:07 AM
So, I looked in my manual and it said that I can haul 6700lbs. I am getting really frustrated with the whole thing. Bottom line is I don't want to kill my family or myself by buying a trailer that is way to much for my truck. If the 6700 is accurate there are plenty of options that I could go with and stay under that weight even when fully loaded. I cannot find the combined GVWR in my manual however.
Manuals can be misleading, often they are just a general information not necessarily package specific on all the information they contain. It may be worth a try to call Toyota with your vin# to be sure.
Post by: HntnFsh on April 11, 2016, 07:05:47 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on April 11, 2016, 07:16:03 PM
Post by: JDHasty on April 11, 2016, 07:55:56 PM
I wouldn't condone it. But your jaw would probably drop if you realized how many trucks out there with campers or towing trailers or both. Are well over their legal limits! :yike:
It is common practice, and it is an incredibly irresponsible thing to do. A runaway truck & trailer is not one bit funny, I have been passed by two, one going south down White Bird Pass and the other going down Home Stake Pass east of Butte. I was the first person to pull in behind both after they made the runaway truck ramps and both were unable to communicate for a half hour. Both thought for sure they were going to die that day.
Post by: follow maggie on April 11, 2016, 09:27:15 PM
Post by: 724wd on April 11, 2016, 09:34:37 PM
Attached pics: Mallard camp and 2 Viking camp pics
Post by: CoryTDF on April 12, 2016, 08:07:56 AM
Might be a sticker in the glove box. What year and configuration is your truck?
2005 DBLCab/4 Door Tundra with the 4.7 V8.
Post by: CoryTDF on April 12, 2016, 08:14:57 AM
I wouldn't condone it. But your jaw would probably drop if you realized how many trucks out there with campers or towing trailers or both. Are well over their legal limits! :yike:
It is common practice, and it is an incredibly irresponsible thing to do. A runaway truck & trailer is not one bit funny, I have been passed by two, one going south down White Bird Pass and the other going down Home Stake Pass east of Butte. I was the first person to pull in behind both after they made the runaway truck ramps and both were unable to communicate for a half hour. Both thought for sure they were going to die that day.
I once overloaded a 4 yard dump trailer. It was the last load and so I used to bucket on the Bobcat to pack it down and had a heap in the middle. I was towing it with a GMC 1 ton truck. Going down a hill the trailer started to overtake the truck and started pushing the back end out. All I could do was punch the gas and pray. I got to the other hill and got her slowed down but I was scared S__tless. I thought that I was going to spill it and get buried alive. I never want to feel that fear again.
Post by: JDHasty on April 12, 2016, 08:28:19 AM
That post by 724wd is really good advice in my opinion. We have a full kitchen in our toy hauler, but the only time we cook inside is during hunting season or if it is unseasonably cold and we need to entertain kids indoors during the summer. We use a Camp Chef tree burner stove w/griddle, a Webber Kettel and cook a lot of hot dogs etc over fires and the kids like it that way.
Post by: coachcw on April 12, 2016, 07:58:52 PM
Post by: JKEEN33 on April 12, 2016, 08:42:51 PM
Cory, I have an '05 Tundra double cab with the 4.7. My friend loaned me his 24' mallard a couple years ago. we took it up north of Cusick by the Colville NF. My truck drove ok, but I was VERY conscious of EVERY wiggle and squeak! I was using the weight distribution hitch and had a full load of water on. It was a heavy trailer with a slide, and it was nice, but when it came time for us to buy a trailer last year, we went small. 17' Viking bunkhouse. It's not a luxury trailer and some people have had significant issues with coachman/viking, but after dry camping with it 10 or so times last summer, we like it very much. It's my wife, 2 young kids, and myself (plus 40 pound dog). We don't spend a whole lot of time IN the camper, preferring to sit around the fire, play in the water, and cook/clean outside. I set up a kitchen outside under the awning that works great for us. If you're spending more time outside and using the trailer for sleeping and escaping weather, 20+ feet isn't really necessary, in my opinion. I would have probably looked at something right at 20', but my wife wanted no more than 17'. It's not a 4 season trailer, but it wouldn't take much to make it one.
Attached pics: Mallard camp and 2 Viking camp pics
Agree with above and this is why I originally asked what everyone was towing with. I have an older 18' that I tow easily with my half ton. I would love to go bigger, but I don't want a new truck payment now. I'm thinking a newer 20' is going to weigh what my older 18' weighs, but nervous about going bigger than that. Use to drive tankers with fuel and had a few pucker up moments.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on April 18, 2016, 05:15:16 PM