Trailers I can see the writing on the wall

[rmomaha]

I'm like Dennis and feel this overwhelming need to prep and get ready for some catastophic event that I am sure is coming. My guess is economic collapse and I will probably lose my home. I'm thinking that selling my car and getting a small pickup with a travel trailer may be the way to go. That way I can park the trailer and unhook from it if I need to move around in the truck. What I would like is some ideas from those of you that are more experienced with travel trailers and such.

 

[ejagno]

Small truck and travel trailers do not belong in the same sentence. Weight considerations will be paramount to buying the truck, or the trailer. In other words your truck has to have the transmission capability to pull the trailer. Trailer weights vary greatly so if you get the truck first, be sure the trailer you select does not exceed the recommended towing weight for your truck. Otherwise, I think you are on the right track.

 

[Publius]

A full sized 1/2 ton Pickup truck has a limit of 4000 pounds towing and with a 3/4 or 1 ton you can pull allot more. Now most trucks are not setup for towing so you have to install things like Brake controller for the trailer brakes and wiring for the trailer lights and a proper hitch for the trailer you're wanting to tow, also many pick a truck that has an automatic transmission so it's going to need a cooler for the transmission and it's a must have on an automatic transmission no getting around it. Manuel transmissions do not require anything and are burnout proof.

 

[nomifyle]

check out the threads in the RVing subforum, there are several links that are informative. I agree that small trucks would not fit with a camper that you could put much in. But a half ton would be able to pull something you could put things in and have a camper that you could be comfortable in. One site is on converting vans and has some really good ideas on living the "RV" lifestyle.

Best of luck,

Judy

 

[BoatGuy]

If you go with a small pickup, your choices are going to be limited to Scamp and Casita, unless you go with a popup. I had a 6 cyl shortbed Dodge Ram, and that was about all it could tow. Scamp makes a 5th wheel model that can be pulled on my old truck.

 

[Dazed]

Be aware that the weight carrying capacity of small travel trailers is very low.

You can't generally put more than a few hundred pounds of cargo in one of these.

 

[Dennis Olson]

A few thoughts of my own...

I got a motorhome because of the all-inclusive capability to just jump in and GO. Additionally, there is generally a lot more space in a motorhome or a 5th wheel than in a TT. But for either a TT or a "fiver" (as I guess they're called), you will need a full-size tow vehicle. "Small" size vehicles WILL NOT WORK. If all you have is a small tow vehicle, consider a motorhome and tow dolly to carry the small vehicle. They call those tow-behind vehicles "dinghies". I suggest you at least consider this option.

 

[night driver]

Actually, dennis they're called "Toads".....

THe only trailer a SMALL pickup is gona tow is a T@B trailer....look them up. Teardrops, but for the 15KU$D you can do a LOT better with at least a 3/4 ton truck. Half ton truck like a Ford F150 has a towable limit of 5K pounds which aint much trailer and damn FEW preps.

5k pounds is well under 27 ft of trailer and not a lot of "stuff" in the trailer storage areas.

In ref standard vs auto tranny, the STD tranny has a LOWER TOW CAPACITY than does the auto. (learned to my surprise and chagrin from the Ford dealers)...

In this arena, go BIG or go home.....Go with as big a tuck as you can afford (SERIOUSLY consider what are called "Medium Duty" trucks like the Ford F550 - F650, etc) and get as much trailer as you can afford. Diesel SHOULD win out over gas for all the usual reasons...longevity for the engine, better repair cost history, etc., etc.

 

[Nuthatch]

Travel trailers and RVs are really limited in that you need certain height clearances and country roads are not user friendly for them. They can be costly to repair and maintain as well as to run.I would consider a van conversion or other similar vehicle, less obvious and easier to travel with.

You might like this SMALL lightweight option: http://www.tab-rv.com/


Are you in danger of losing your home now? What are your other options? Finding a safe place to park is an issue, as is finding a place you are wanted/can fit in. If you can stay in your home, that might be the better choice of investment of the cash you would spend on the RV.

 

[LONEWOLF]

I have a Terry Lite 19L (19.5 feet) that's about 2,700 dry and can travel with up to 5,600 GVW - that's almost 1 ton of gear. Just about maxes out my F150 4.6L auto 4x4 when fully laden and travelling up to Lassen National Park (mtns). Glad I invested a bunch$ into cooling accessories for the tranny and rear end!