Towing travel trailer

[ga12r1]

Dang, I LOVE your rig! Can't wait to meet you and see it in person at HIH! Safe travels....you're coming from a LONG way away.

Yeah, it’s definitely going to be nice to be able to put a real face to some of these screen names. I actually wanted to meet you last year but it being my first time I was so overwhelmed I didn’t get around to seeking you out. I feel like this year will be a lot different. I’m super excited!!!!

 

[CBeckFJ]

Yeah, it’s definitely going to be nice to be able to put a real face to some of these screen names. I actually wanted to meet you last year but it being my first time I was so overwhelmed I didn’t get around to seeking you out. I feel like this year will be a lot different. I’m super excited!!!!

I'm hoping to go to HIH in 2022 when I graduate HS. Until then I get to build up my rig and pickup a trailer and remodel it!

 

[70 FJ40]

We pull a 17' Casita. Steep hills mean we slow down to 45 mph or so but can pretty easy do 65+ on normal roads in O/D. Way easier to pull then the Starcraft hybrid trailer we had. Mostly due to wind resistance I believe. Almost identical loaded weight of about 3300 lbs.

If you can find one they are great little trailers.

 

[gregnash]

We pull a 17' Casita. Steep hills mean we slow down to 45 mph or so but can pretty easy do 65+ on normal roads in O/D. Way easier to pull then the Starcraft hybrid trailer we had. Mostly due to wind resistance I believe. Almost identical loaded weight of about 3300 lbs. View attachment 2037018If you can find one they are great little trailers.

Are you talking the starcraft or the casita?

 

[gregnash]

So separate towing question... I noticed on Slee's info page that in 2003 is when toyota updated the drivetrain and moved from the 4spd automatic to the 5spd automatic. Does it really make that much of a difference for those of you that have towed with both?

Been looking around to see what is for sale and with what mileage to figure out what things are going to be like. Seems like I can find more LXs than 100s but that could just be how the search results are filtering.

 

[geanes]

So separate towing question... I noticed on Slee's info page that in 2003 is when toyota updated the drivetrain and moved from the 4spd automatic to the 5spd automatic. Does it really make that much of a difference for those of you that have towed with both?

Been looking around to see what is for sale and with what mileage to figure out what things are going to be like. Seems like I can find more LXs than 100s but that could just be how the search results are filtering.

Yes. The more horsepower (especially 06 & 07 models), torque and better gearing make towing much better. My 98 is a pig compared to a buddy of mine's 06....towed my 1300lb behind both. His was noticeably better than mine towing the same trailer. Mine did fine, but, his was certainly better.

 

[gregnash]

Yes. The more horsepower (especially 06 & 07 models), torque and better gearing make towing much better. My 98 is a pig compared to a buddy of mine's 06....towed my 1300lb behind both. His was noticeably better than mine towing the same trailer. Mine did fine, but, his was certainly better.

Awesome... thanks for the confirmation. Figured that was the answer but was hoping someone would confirm for me.

 

[mongoose2231]

So I'll chime in. I picked up a travel trailer (jayco BH174) to start taking on camping trips. We are planning a trip out west next year. The trailer weighs 3000 empty and the truck did fine. I think it could do better with factory size wheels. I roll on 33's. I was about to ask if any of you guys have invested in a weight distribution/ trailer sway system? I initially wanted a more minimalist approach but the wife wanted something bigger.

 

[mongoose2231]

A tear drop off sorts or an offroad trailer would have probably been better, but they run more money than this!!

 

[gregnash]

Seems like a lot of people like those Jayco Flights SLX7 version... looking at them they are anywhere from 600-1k lbs. lighter than a comparable sided NoBo trailer (looking specifically at 16.8 or 19.5). Main difference is the NoBo referenced have slide-outs, which we kinda like, but damn if that ain't a lot of extra weight. I know that the NoBo have a bit more ruggedized construction as they are meant to be more off-road friendly (can stand and walk on roof with rails for rack above).

 

[CBeckFJ]

A tear drop off sorts or an offroad trailer would have probably been better, but they run more money than this!!

I started considering using my M416 as a base for an off road trailer. Building a slide out kitchen and fridge slide, putting a lid and RTT on it and installing on board water, propane, and electrics for lights, WiFi hotspot, etc.

 

[mongoose2231]

Seems like a lot of people like those Jayco Flights SLX7 version... looking at them they are anywhere from 600-1k lbs. lighter than a comparable sided NoBo trailer (looking specifically at 16.8 or 19.5). Main difference is the NoBo referenced have slide-outs, which we kinda like, but damn if that ain't a lot of extra weight. I know that the NoBo have a bit more ruggedized construction as they are meant to be more off-road friendly (can stand and walk on roof with rails for rack above).

I really liked the layout inside. There is a queen bed in there and two bunks plus the usual stuff. I was also told that the roof is also a walk on but don't quote me on that just yet.

 

[mongoose2231]

I started considering using my M416 as a base for an off road trailer. Building a slide out kitchen and fridge slide, putting a lid and RTT on it and installing on board water, propane, and electrics for lights, WiFi hotspot, etc.

Sure as hell beats paying 30k for an imported one! I would do the same...

 

[Mauser]

So I'll chime in. I picked up a travel trailer (jayco BH174) to start taking on camping trips. We are planning a trip out west next year. The trailer weighs 3000 empty and the truck did fine. I think it could do better with factory size wheels. I roll on 33's. I was about to ask if any of you guys have invested in a weight distribution/ trailer sway system? I initially wanted a more minimalist approach but the wife wanted something bigger.

View attachment 2050112

My trailer is 4000 lb loaded and 24' long counting the tongue. I have airbags on my lx and still use a weight distributing hitch. It makes quite a bit of difference. I wouldnt pull a trailer longer than the vehicle without an anti sway system of some sort. Especially downhill. I saw a Tundra flip going down Raton Pass because the trailer started fishtailing. I use two friction type anti sway bars.

 

[mongoose2231]

I am in the process of researching and purchasing a trailer sway controller and weight distribution setup. A friend of mine has done this and said it makes a huge difference. Last thing I want is to get myself and my family in any sort of trouble. I too have airbags on the rear axle of my truck. It helps and sure, it doesnt feel like the truck is "overtrailered" , but i'd like peace of mind.

 

[Mauser]

I am in the process of researching and purchasing a trailer sway controller and weight distribution setup. A friend of mine has done this and said it makes a huge difference. Last thing I want is to get myself and my family in any sort of trouble. I too have airbags on the rear axle of my truck. It helps and sure, it doesnt feel like the truck is "overtrailered" , but i'd like peace of mind.

Just the peace of mind is well worth the couple of hundred dollars you will spend.

 

[oakback]

We built a travel trailer (or rebuilt, I dunno). It's 2,600 lbs., but we don't have onboard water or a bathroom (shore hookups only, and cassette toilet if needed). It's 16' bumper to ball, maybe 8' tall. I'm 6'3" and can stand up straight inside if I'm barefoot. Sleeps us 4 just fine. If/when my youngest gets too big for the hammock, I can upgrade to a solid platform, or someone can use a tent outside.

I just installed air bags, haven't used them yet. The rear would definitely squat, especially if we loaded some stuff the cargo area of the 100. I use the $45 friction sway control and have been happy with it, I don't plan on getting a WD hitch.

 

[gregnash]

Ok so that brings me to my next question, thoughts on the addition of the air bags? Kits out there that allow for disconnecting during wheeling relatively easily? Just starting this process and did not see anything in the FAQs but haven't really searched. Friends that have anti-sway systems on their trailers have convinced me that if can only afford one upgrade to the camper, that should be it. Outside of that I will look into doing an on-demand hot water heater conversion along with dual propane tanks and possibly larger cell battery.

@oakback that is an awesome build on that little trailer! Wife and I were thinking about doing the same thing but it would pretty much just be me doing the work (with some help here and there from her) and that is a bit past my skillset/comfort zone. Plus we are looking for something a bit bigger with a bathroom, shower, etc. Hence looking at the new/newer trailers.

 

[CBeckFJ]

We built a travel trailer (or rebuilt, I dunno). It's 2,600 lbs., but we don't have onboard water or a bathroom (shore hookups only, and cassette toilet if needed). It's 16' bumper to ball, maybe 8' tall. I'm 6'3" and can stand up straight inside if I'm barefoot. Sleeps us 4 just fine. If/when my youngest gets too big for the hammock, I can upgrade to a solid platform, or someone can use a tent outside.

I just installed air bags, haven't used them yet. The rear would definitely squat, especially if we loaded some stuff the cargo area of the 100. I use the $45 friction sway control and have been happy with it, I don't plan on getting a WD hitch.

That's really neat. I'm heavily considering doing that to an older camper

 

[70 FJ40]

Are you talking the starcraft or the casita?

I'm a little confused. I think you're asking which trailer I think is great. Right? We have really enjoyed the Casita. The Starcraft hybrid was pretty good as well but the Casita is waaaaay easier to tow. And it's pretty fun to go minimal with what we pack for camping. Makes packing a little easier and quicker. Starting to consider going even smaller though. Maybe an off-road teardrop with a roof top tent. No bathroom though so that is a hurdle we have to get past.