|
Post by delawaredave on Jan 3, 2014 11:20:36 GMT -8
Newbie without trailer. Have a Toyota RAV4 and possibly a Ford Escape. Both look rated around 2,000 lbs.
Trying to understand what is longest trailer / heaviest vintage trailer I can practically tow.
I live in midatlantic, fairly level, won't be towing more than 200 miles or so, not very frequently.
Appreciate any thoughts !
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jan 3, 2014 13:54:28 GMT -8
probably would pull a 15 foot or less. they are short wheel base so they are not the best tow vehicles but with proper care they will pull a 15' or less unit safely. I would consider electric brakes to assist in stopping.
|
|
timeout1
Member
Posts: 48
Likes: 14
"Vintage" White Water RETRO 150
Currently Offline
|
Post by timeout1 on Jan 3, 2014 17:58:28 GMT -8
Hi delawaredave and welcome. My wife and I had no thoughts of pulling trailers when we purchased our 2007 RAV4 V6 with towing package. It is rated at 3,500 lbs. We recently purchased a 16' overall Riverside White Water Retro 150 camp trailer that weighs around 2,000 lbs when ready for camping. We had the RAV4 outfitted with an electric brake controller and Firestone Airbags inside the rear coil springs to handle the 280 lb tongue weight. The disadvantage with the RAV is it's front wheel drive. You tend to loose traction occasionally, when you need it the most.
I our opinion, the RAV4 is OK if you are just going to pull on the level. It tends to struggle a bit pulling through hills and mountain passes. We have to pull into most of the turnout lanes and let motorists pass. I am also not sure the RAV's transmission is up to a steady diet of pulling that much weight. We are looking into stepping up to a RAM 1500 V6 when finances allow.
Hope that answers some of your concerns with the RAV4 anyway. All the best wishes for you and hope you find the trailer of your dreams!
Happy New Year,
Clyde and Linda
|
|
|
Post by delawaredave on Jan 3, 2014 18:18:41 GMT -8
Great input - thanks !
|
|
Hamlet
2K Member
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 923
Currently Offline
|
Post by Hamlet on Jan 3, 2014 18:29:42 GMT -8
timeout1 has it just about right. It would depend on how often, how far, and how long you'd be towing. Beefed up brakes, as well as trailer brakes would be a must, and make sure your cooling system can handle it. We tow our Shasta Compact with an X3 (6 cylinder) and it does very well, but the Compact comes in at a little under 1500 pounds fully loaded (including a full propane tank). If you're not totally opposed to expanding your search and really aren't interested in a new tow vehicle, there are some really awesome teardrops out there that weigh in at around 900-1000 pounds (loaded), have wonderful (covered) kitchens, comfortable beds, storage, etc. Some even have a/c - which would be nice for an east coast summer.
Good luck!
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,817
Likes: 3,740
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Jan 3, 2014 18:58:35 GMT -8
Howdy and welcome to our version of The Twilight Zone. We're all kinda stuck in the past.
The basic rule of thumb is to tow about half of what your vehicle is rated for. And that's wet which means with all the stuff that goes with the trip. Liquids, propane, bedding and anything else you are going to throw in there. So right about now you are in the Teardrop range up to maybe a Compact.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jan 4, 2014 18:06:30 GMT -8
If I read your original post right you talking about 200 miles or less in fairly flat country as stated above Stick to a 1500 lb limit loaded and electric brakes and you will probably be fine but don't plan on towing 70 miles an hour, figure right lane 55 mph. Adding a transmission cooler and an engine oil cooler will help. This is assuming your vehicles are in reasonably good condition. I wouldn't try to pull any trailer in the mountains or you can expect to spend a lot of time at very low speeds holding up traffic. Years ago people pulled trailers with low horse power vehicles but speeds were a lot slower and they didn't have much choice. The biggest advantage to a Tear Drop is they are not only lighter but they catch less wind. Also there is a difference between what you can do and what you can do comfortably. Each person has to know their limits and also your spouses if married. Good Luck and welcome aboard.
|
|
Hamlet
2K Member
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 923
Currently Offline
|
Post by Hamlet on Jan 5, 2014 6:06:53 GMT -8
bigbill is wise!
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,817
Likes: 3,740
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Jan 5, 2014 7:59:34 GMT -8
I was going to say that we have a whole section on Towing and Tow Vehicles but that must have been in the old forum because I looked here and we don't have one. That would be a good section to add...
Choice of a tow vehicle is very important. The reasons vary also. The question, "will my vehicle tow this trailer?" is a very good one. But the answer varies according to the size AND weight of the trailer to be towed and the capabilities of the tow vehicle. There are many things to look at when asking yourself this question, so how about a Towing and Tow Vehicle topic?
I keep threatening to make a video on the subject. I just need a volunteer to help me make it. Preferably someone with a nice vintage trailer with a nice paint job! LOL I have nothing ready to go at the moment.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jan 5, 2014 12:54:15 GMT -8
Larry I thought we also had one here.I thought that I had wrote a fairly long post about towing safety that was to stay at the top, but I can't find it. I guess C.R.S. is sitting in.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jan 5, 2014 13:02:15 GMT -8
Well Larry I knew that I was suffering from C.R.S. I found what I was talking about under vintage owner talk. I guess I may have some hope left after all. Maybe
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,817
Likes: 3,740
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Jan 5, 2014 14:19:10 GMT -8
OK then Bill we have more work for our lovable Admin to do. We need a Towing and Tow Vehicle section in the forum. And your story can start it off at the top.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jan 5, 2014 16:31:22 GMT -8
Or the index we were talking about.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,817
Likes: 3,740
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Jan 5, 2014 16:48:55 GMT -8
Or the index we were talking about. well ya...
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jan 5, 2014 17:23:07 GMT -8
Either would be just fine.
|
|