RV towing

[johns94cruiser]

My wife and I want to spend some time exploring with an RV. What are the biggest trailers you have been comfortable with your GX? My current ‘limits’ for looking are under 4 k dry and max 5k loaded. Am I asking for trouble? I’m in Wyoming so we do get some wind occasionally….

 

[llm]

i towed an airstream base camp 16 from las vegas to moab, and back. it’s 3500 dry and gx towed it no problem in wind, hills, snow. even forest roads, with snow— although i did put chains on for insurance. it was such a great experience but it’s very expensive.

 

[Rednexus]

I have a 470 and tow a 4,000# loaded camper, but it's a low-profile TrailManor. We towed it from MO all though WY and up to Glacier in MT last summer and had zero problems, and we had some terrible crosswinds in MT. Since it's low-profile, the wind resistance is much less than a "tall" RV, and it's towable at 70-75 mph (albeit MPG drops to about 11).

For a GX that is kind of low-power, it's best to get something a short/aero as possible. If you are doing to do "local" trips, I'd definitely not exceed 5,000# loaded. If you are wanting to do bigger cross-country trips, you'll have a more pleasant experience if you stay under 4,000# loaded and have a very short/aero camper. I've towed up to 5,800# with my GX (compact tractor), and it's doable, but it would not be enjoyable for long distances (relative to my TrailManor setup - shown below - which we've routinely pulled for up to 700 miles in a single day with all 4 of us in the rig).

Lastly, for towing you a GX you should definitely plan on 1) using a weight distribution hitch with sway control, 2) upgrading the radiator, and 3) upgrading the transmission cooler. If you find yourself towing a lot a 4.56 regear is worth the money.....it nothing else because it makes cruise control usable when towing (pulling a camper for 10+ hours with no cruise is brutal), and has the benefit of greatly improves acceleration/grade braking.

 

[rav8]

All these posts speak truth! 4-5K loaded is about what you want for comfort. WDH with sway control is recommended. Airbags also help comfort level for people in back seats while towing. Improper load distribution can screw up a trip quick. Wind in WY and MT is a real thing.

Rockwood GeoPro 19BH away from home about 5 years ago. Learned a little from that run.

 

[r2m]

My wife and I want to spend some time exploring with an RV. What are the biggest trailers you have been comfortable with your GX? My current ‘limits’ for looking are under 4 k dry and max 5k loaded. Am I asking for trouble? I’m in Wyoming so we do get some wind occasionally….

Question may be: how much room do you and your wife need?
For my wife and I, we love our roof top tent, cooking outdoors, etc. but I know that's not for everyone. Albeit, some folks need a lot less space than others. Put a list together of must haves, like:

1. full size and thickness mattress?
2. Closet?
3. Cooking inside?
4. Microwave inside?
5. How large of a fridge?
6. Pantry?
7. Extra storage for whatever?
8. Do you need a TV?
9. Do you need a hitch on the rear of the trailer for a bike rack?
10. Shower inside or outside?
11. Potty (toilet) inside or outside?
12. And???

Once you figure these out, it'll be a lot easier deciding what size trailer you want.

 

[ScoMey]

We're pulling this (picked it up late last fall)... 3600# dry, probably around 4100# with all our stuff. Pulls pretty well, but I need to find a set of mirrors extenders that don't flap in the breeze going down the highway! It's difficult to see around the trailer - the GX seems big until you hook up a camper to it...

By the way... get used to this scene - fuel stops!!

 

[rav8]

We're pulling this (picked it up late last fall)... 3600# dry, probably around 4100# with all our stuff. Pulls pretty well, but I need to find a set of mirrors extenders that don't flap in the breeze going down the highway! It's difficult to see around the trailer - the GX seems big until you hook up a camper to it...

By the way... get used to this scene - fuel stops!!

View attachment 4138282

Just a suggestion...I am hesitant because I may keep defrost but lose auto-dimming (luxury first-world problems). I may dive anyway because other options are horrible: Shop - Clearview - https://www.clearviewaccessories.com.au/shop/?wpce_search=1086381&post_type=product

 

[Timujin]

We have a 2326MBBH 6K lbs GVWR that’s 26.7’ x 7’. With all the camping stuff and 30 gallons of water it weighs 5500lbs. Due to payload we can only carry 3 adults and a dog inside of the GX while towing. Using a Blue Ox Sway Pro WDH and Rearc Tow Pro Elite. Dual axle was a must for my anxiety.

Good luck.

 

[r2m]

We have a 2326MBBH 6K lbs GVWR that’s 26.7’ x 7’. With all the camping stuff and 30 gallons of water it weighs 5500lbs. Due to payload we can only carry 3 adults and a dog inside of the GX while towing. Using a Blue Ox Sway Pro WDH and Rearc Tow Pro Elite. Dual axle was a must for my anxiety.

Good luck.

View attachment 4143987

View attachment 4143995

That's a LOT of trailer! I think that's the most I've ever seen a GX tow.

 

[varok]

We towed this bad boy last year during our PNW trip for almost 4K miles. Not very gas effecient but got the job done.