How big of a camper is too big to pull around?

[E38Driver]

Here is mine. It is a 33 foot long toy hauler. Tows no problem. This was taken at Newport Dunes, that is why the spots are so small.

Dave

[944Larry]

I pulled a 34' Airstream around with a 3/4 ton Suburban, never had a problem.

[rusnak]

what is the GVW on some of these rigs? Do you guys need special permits?

I was told that I need a special permit, but the Cali DMV told me no.

[cstreit]

I think mine is like 25000 or so. No permit required although I have a CDL from driving a truck in college...

[911boost]

Here is my old set up:



My new setup (purchased in 2011):



A picture of the rear of it in my driveway:



The gross vehicle wieght of mine fully loaded with 80 gallons of water, 25 gallons of gas, four wheelers etc is 12,500 pounds. I no longer have the Excursion but have an F350. I have never camped in an actual camground as we always camp on either state or national park land, where we know about spots. Living in Colorado has its advantages...

Bill

[rusnak]

ok this is making some sense now. My trailer is around 24K GVW loaded, and the thing that I haul is around 12K of that, so half. I have brakes on all 4 of the trailer wheels. What kind of braking systems are on the camper trailers? Does anyone use air brakes or is an electronic braking system with a controller the most common?

[911boost]

Electronic with a controller.

[rusnak]

That makes sense from a consumer standpoint. I could easily tow one of those then.

You guys with bumper hitches use a 2 5/8" ball? Anyone use a NATO style pintile hitch?

[911boost]

Yes, I believe mine is a 2 5/8" ball...

[fastfredracing]

I get to play now. I bought a little smaller than I was originally thinking. It needs a little work as well, but like some of you, I love projects. I had to lift the floor, some soft spots, and lots of rot. Needs a good clean up, but should do us nicely.
We thought that we would buy a little cheaper, and kind of "break ourselves in" to the whole travel trailer thing.
Really easy to tow, I was able to back it into my driveway, and make a 90 degree turn into its temporary parking spot, until the ground dries up a little bit.


Looking forward to camping season with the family .

[ckelly78z]

I had to fix spongy floors also, I ripped up the carpet, layed down 3/8" underlayment, and then layed down linoleum that looks like oak hardwood floors. Finished it off with some gold annodized transition strips and it looks great for very little money.

[72doug2,2S]

Insert obligatory top gear video below.

[ASD]

I have had 4 Airstreams. First a 28 foot motorhome then 3 trailers. Two were 31'. My current one is a 26' 1966 Model, they were lighter then, It weighs only 4500. Easy to tow with my V10 Excursion.

[911boost]

I replaced parts of the floor and the rear corner framing in the '78 Mallard I posted a picture of. That was a fun job since i had to take part of the aluminum siding off, rebuild the door and frame around it, replaced the heater.... I was always working on something it seemed like, tweaking things to make them better, etc.

That looks like a nice little 5th wheel, what kind of camping are you planning on doing?

Bill

[vash]

beauty fastfred!!

[fred cook]

We have a 27 foot tow behind that is pulled by a 2003 Ford Diesel Excursion. The best thing about this rig is the 44 gallon fuel tank. I can go 600+ miles, drop the camper at the campground and then go fill up the fuel tank. I normally won't stop anywhere except at a truck stop with acres of manuvering room. One thing to consider is that some camp grounds won't allow trailers over a certain length. Also, some have lots of trees which can make getting in and out a challenge. The 27 footer has a large slide out and is plenty big enough for me and the wife.