|
|
Post by threepoundstokes on Apr 4, 2016 16:08:33 GMT -8
I am presently scouring the internet for my first vintage camper. I've never towed a camper trailer, however, and have a few questions.
1) My 2005 Mercury Monterey van manual says I can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Does this mean I can safely tow most of the smaller vintage campers that weight less than 2,000 pounds? On another thread, someone suggested a rule of thumb for safety is your vehicle should in fact only be used to tow HALF the weight suggested in your manual.
2) Assuming I can tow in my Monterey (I already have a 2" ball hitch for simple trailer towing), do I need a 6-point electrical hookup for the camper? My Monterey only has a 4 point electrical hookup -- by a 4 round to 4 flat adapter. Is there a way to expand my hookup to 6 points if necessary? I gather the extra 2 points my Monterey doesn't have are for the camper brakes.
Thankis.
|
|
trotwood56
Member
Posts: 41 
Likes: 4
Currently Offline
|
Post by trotwood56 on Apr 4, 2016 16:48:43 GMT -8
There are several factors to consider besides weight of the trailer. The amount of surface air of the front of the trailer is important to consider, if you check you cars user manual it should give some specs on tow capacity and front surface area of the trailer, air resistance at highway speeds can be an issue. If the trailer is close to the tow capacity of your suv then trailer brakes are a must for safe towing, especially on hills or at highway speeds. I have run into towing issues with my Trotwood, it isn't heavy but it right at the max weight my jeep can tow. Without using our anti-sway bar, and trailer brakes it is dangerous to tow with the jeep.
|
|
|
|
Post by vintagebruce on Apr 5, 2016 6:52:38 GMT -8
Don't worry about buying an adapter yet for whatever camper you find to buy, because depending on the year there are a number of configurations that might be on it. Many older campers that are "project" candidates do not have working lights anyway, and you would be best served by buying a set of magnetic towing lights with a connection end that will work with your connection on the Monterey to get it home, and then you can work out the final configuration based on what you have to do to get the camper towing lights and brakes in working condition.. I believe that with the weight capacity you mentioned, that depending on how many people will be enjoying the camper, that your choices will be realistically limited to the "compact" campers, like the Shasta Compact, Zipper, smallest Nomad, Field and Stream, Arrow, Little Gem and of course a crowd favorite...Aristocrat Lil Loafer. IMHO I might suggest checking around and seeing what is rated for towing a higher weight capacity camper that is still economical, has the towing package and you can trade the Monterey in on. Nothing spoils the fun of camping more than getting less than 10 miles per gallon while towing a camper that is more like the tail wagging the dog than the other way around, because the tow vehicle is a bit of a lightweight.
|
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Apr 5, 2016 11:44:28 GMT -8
There are several articles on tow vehicles and hitches on here, take the time to research before you buy anything. It could save you a lot of pain, time, and money in the long run.
|
|
|
|
Post by threepoundstokes on Apr 6, 2016 3:56:58 GMT -8
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. Towing, hitches, engine sizes, etc, are all new stuff to me. I think old dogs can learn new tricks, though. Thanks again.
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Apr 6, 2016 8:43:43 GMT -8
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. Towing, hitches, engine sizes, etc, are all new stuff to me. I think old dogs can learn new tricks, though. Thanks again. Here are 4 important threads that address towing that I have participated in. I'm not saying they're important because I participated in them (  )… but I do know something about towing safely, so take that for what it's worth. Manufacturer's towing capacities as you have already discovered no doubt are wildly overstated and ignore the other 80% of the towing "equation". Many vehicles can technically pull many trailers of a given weight. But ask yourself, do I want to bend my unibody frame?… Do I want my transmission to overheat?… Do I tow in mostly flat or mountainous terrain?… Is the weight of my trailer balanced?… Are my loads in both the tow vehicle and trailer as evenly spread over my 3 axles as possible?… Do I want my towing experience to be pleasant and in control… or stressful and rife with problems? My VTT handle is "Chametzoo"… Let us know if you have any further questions. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/6168/tow-campervintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/6035/sway-bar-noisevintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/2218/causes-wagging?page=1&scrollTo=22374vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/6363/rav4-big-tow-camper |
|
)… but I do know something about towing safely, so take that for what it's worth. Manufacturer's towing capacities as you have already discovered no doubt are wildly overstated and ignore the other 80% of the towing "equation". Many vehicles can technically pull many trailers of a given weight. But ask yourself, do I want to bend my unibody frame?… Do I want my transmission to overheat?… Do I tow in mostly flat or mountainous terrain?… Is the weight of my trailer balanced?… Are my loads in both the tow vehicle and trailer as evenly spread over my 3 axles as possible?… Do I want my towing experience to be pleasant and in control… or stressful and rife with problems?