Love all the available parks in TX (and elsewhere) so want to get one of these for our family of 4 (2 young kids, potential 3rd down the line) to get the kids some outdoors experience Leaning toward the travel trailer to avoid needing to deal with the additional cost (extra insurance, engine maintenance, etc.

Currently, have a Nissan Xterra reaching its end of life so prob moving to a larger SUV (Yukon XL or Expedition likely) so should have a towing capacity close to 8K towing capacity

• Any must-have features in the trailer or SUV?
• New or used?
• If used, anything to check especially well?
• Brand recommendations? (currently, looking at Jayco)
• 22 ft or so with a bunk bed and a queen going to be enough? Still deciding model, etc.
• How close to towing capacity can you get (I've been told 75% of vehicle capacity)?

Don't focus on towing capacity as much as the max payload of the tow vehicle. People tow over max payload and/or push the towing capabilities of their vehicles all the time but if you are carrying precious cargo and want to be as safe as possible, its better to have a capable vehicle that might be a tad overkill instead of pushing the boundaries. It will also make for easier driving and a better overall towing experience.

JesusQuintana said:

---

Don't focus on towing capacity as much as the max payload of the tow vehicle. People tow over max payload and/or push the towing capabilities of their vehicles all the time but if you are carrying precious cargo and want to be as safe as possible, its better to have a capable vehicle that might be a tad overkill instead of pushing the boundaries. It will also make for easier driving and a better overall towing experience.

---

Thanks! I was told to get no closer than 75% of the


Hypothetical setup, would this be reasonable?

• Jayco 20 ft trailer, 4,330 lbs
• 2020 GMC Yukon XL 4WD, standard without any towing package gets 6,000 trailer weight, 1,660 payload (page 24 of GMC guide)

Payload number has to equal weight of all people, cargo and trailer tongue weight(20% of trailer) don't forget to factor weight of things in the trailer.

TSW2012 said:

---

Payload number has to equal weight of all people, cargo and trailer tongue weight(20% of trailer) don't forget to factor weight of things in the trailer.

---

This is where my ignorance comes in. If things are stored in the trailer why would it not count toward the trailer capacity?

https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/towing-payload-gcvwr-what-s-it-all-mean-ar170318.html

This article mentions 10-15% for tongue


Per the GMC pdf the GVWR is 7,500

Quote:

---

1Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). When properly equipped; includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and equipment

---

I would think (4,500 trailer) + (675 tongue) + (175 * 2 adults) + (100 * 3 children) + 1675 for luggage, generator, other cargo, etc. would be enough?

You are correct cargo in trailer counts towards tongue weight, cargo in vehicle counts towards vehicle capacity. But trailer must stay under GVWR as well, so GVWR-dry weight=max potential cargo capacity. 10-15% tongue weight is fine 20% is a high number.

22' will be small for a family of 5. If I were you I would look at the style where the beds fold out of the wall to give more floor space without the beds taking up permanent space. We camp with a 30' trailer for 2 kids and it's plenty of space but we just had a third so we will see how it goes. My Tundra can handle it but the mileage is embarrassing. I know my wife's sequoia could have handled it but I'm not sure I would have liked it with the shorter wheel base.

I would rent a few styles before you buy. RVShare is great for trying out a camper even if it's just in your driveway for a night.

Selling my truck and 5th wheel. Just go all the way and get a diesel/5th wheel.

22' will be tight but many make it work. Depends on how long you will be in the trailer. Texas gets hot and unless you're in the water the trailer is the ha gout between the hours of 11&5. Here is a post from another thread.


90% of RV's out there are made from the same big 3 manufacturers. You'll notice when you go to look at them because they all use the same floor plans, hardware and appliances.

There's not a big difference in quality either. These are thrown together and every new one will have little issues that will need your attention. Most pre-owned rigs will have these worked out but then again most people buy, then realize they don't want to mess with everything that goes into camping and just sell it as is.

If you can I'd buy from an individual over a dealer. It's not a guarantee to get a better rig but it has been my experience that they're less likely to lie to and more likely to disclose issues. They're also way more accommodating when it comes to showing you the ropes and a lot of times you get all the accessories they already purchased which in the end is not cheap.

Biggest issues are the roof, base floor, axles and tires. It's common to have little cracks etc on the roof especially around the old caulk joints but you don't want big tears, big bubbles or the outer layer coming loose. You can caulk small cracks easily.

Make sure the floor doesn't have soft spots from water damage. Trailers aren't known for real sturdy floors so you'll have to use your judgement on that. There's a difference from walking on plywood and rotten plywood. Look underneath and see if the protective plastic layer has been cut open or if it's there at all. This can be proof something was done. Which isn't bad but you'll want to inspect.

Axles should have a slight bend to them but shouldn't be too crazy. Make sure the tires line up nicely with a straight edge. The tires can be off if it was parked with a sharp angle so make sure it's pulled straight before judging tire alignment.

Finally the tires themselves. They use the cheapest they can get which can be ok if properly maintained but I've always upgraded my tires immediately. My new fifth wheel came with generic Chinese tires that were barely within weight specs. I had two blowouts before I spent money on new wheels and larger Goodyear tires. This was around $1600 for me to do.

And it's a cheap house on wheels that gets tossed around while driving down the road. Stuff will break. Youtube and some tools can fix most of it.

And payload almost always comes into play before towing capacity. Easiest way .15*gvwr(trailer) + all cargo including passengers - payload.

The trailer you posted with a Tahoe should be more than fine.

Great write up and information above.

For four people that will be tight and it will get small on you quick when you are stuck in it while its raining or even at night. We had one similar to that one and it was not enough for 3 of us. If you can find one that fits you with a side slide that would be better. You may end up with a queen bed, but it will give you a little more room in the living area.

coolerguy12 said:

---

22' will be small for a family of 5. If I were you I would look at the style where the beds fold out of the wall to give more floor space without the beds taking up permanent space. We camp with a 30' trailer for 2 kids and it's plenty of space but we just had a third so we will see how it goes. My Tundra can handle it but the mileage is embarrassing. I know my wife's sequoia could have handled it but I'm not sure I would have liked it with the shorter wheel base.

I would rent a few styles before you buy. RVShare is great for trying out a camper even if it's just in your driveway for a night.

---

The Sequoia tows great. Just gotta get the weight distribution bars right to keep from squatting the rear too much.

Outdoorsy.com is another rental option.

We have a 22'er with 6 and 8 yr olds. Single slide on a big au dinette. Double over double bunks in the back. Murphy bed in the front. We mostly just sleep in there and hang out outside all day. Didn't go camping to sit around inside.

I would try to go used, but as lightly used as you can find. Let someone else take the big depreciation driving it off the lot and let then work out any little issues. 1-2 yrs would be great.

Quote:

---

I would try to go used, but as lightly used as you can find. Let someone else take the big depreciation driving it off the lot and let then work out any little issues. 1-2 yrs would be great.

---

This is what we did on our newest one. It is a 2018 and in amazing shape. The market is hot so people that weren't using their rigs "enough" are selling them. Just keep looking and be ready to pounce if you see one you like.

We've had a class A for 15 years and Rving requires a special set of knowledge. Having said that, I always think of hauling a TT up steep and curvy mountain roads with a smallish SUV and also coming down the same road would be scary. Also, windy interstate will beat the crap out your towing experience in addition to getting pushed every time a big rig passes you doing 75 mph.

Buddy pulled a TT with a F150 then ended up with a dually. He said he struggled with F150.

One of the most important Rving experience for us was for the family and kids to lounge around in the RV on a long drive... Even wife making a quick snack while I was driving. This is why we went with a class A and not TT.

I just remember as a grown kid sleeping in one of those bunks where you had a 1' opening to crawl into it because it shared the space with the bathroom door. I never felt so claustrophobic in my life until that. All I could think about was if this thing went up in flames, I'm dead. I vowed to sleep in a tent from that point vs the bed. Go big is my only advice.

Instead of towing capacity (more so in transmission), I'd look at Braking capacity and additional transmission cooling.

If you're spending a lot of time on the road riding in the motorhome is nice.

AgsMyDude said:

---

Love all the available parks in TX (and elsewhere) so want to get one of these for our family of 4 (2 young kids, potential 3rd down the line) to get the kids some outdoors experience

---

Really???????

I think you want the TT but using this as an excuse.
If you want the kids to have outdoor experience, get u some tents, sleeping bags and go camping.

coolerguy12 said:

---

22' will be small for a family of 5. If I were you I would look at the style where the beds fold out of the wall to give more floor space without the beds taking up permanent space. We camp with a 30' trailer for 2 kids and it's plenty of space but we just had a third so we will see how it goes. My Tundra can handle it but the mileage is embarrassing. I know my wife's sequoia could have handled it but I'm not sure I would have liked it with the shorter wheel base.

I would rent a few styles before you buy. RVShare is great for trying out a camper even if it's just in your driveway for a night.

---

Thanks! Great idea. We're definitely going to do this to try out a couple of sizes to see how things go.

Wow thanks for the write up, very much appreciated and some really good points to consider. Will definitely do all of these especially replacing the cheap tires right after purchase.

I was in your shoes 1.5 years ago, and I learned a lot in a short amount of time. Most lessons ended up costing me more money...

With 3 kids, I would recommend something with at least one slide out. I think the slide out is very important given you will have a walking toddler in 1-2 years. TT without slide outs are very tight.

I would also recommend something with bunk beds. Most TT have tables or couches that fold into beds, but it is a hassle to break down and make the beds every day and night. We have friends who bought one last year (2 kids) w/ the intent they would just break down the tables daily. They hate it and already looking for one w/ a bunk bed. It's much nicer to wake up and immediately give the kids breakfast at the table and not having to break it down.

I would also recommend a floor plan like this https://www.granddesignrv.com/app/floorplan/969. You do not have to get a Grand Design brand, but all makers will have a floor plan like this. It has bunk beds in the back, a decent restroom, and a slide out.

Like most people have said, your payload will be the biggest limiter. We bought a 33 ft trailer because the salesperson said my wife's Expedition (with max tow package) could tow it. He was right. The vehicle could tow it, but it was a white knuckle experience the entire time. We were also over our payload capacity. So I ended up buying a F250.

A TT like the one I recommend would be about 600-900 pounds tongue weight. Adding in weight of passengers (with growing kids) plus gear, you will be near payload max of most big SUVs which is usually around 1400-1600 pounds. You can probably make it work with a big SUV if you're trips are short, mostly flat land without hills, your WDH is dialed in, and you watch your speed. If you're done at 3 kids, though, I would recommend a 1/2 ton truck at a minimum. Some 1/2 ton trucks can have payloads greater than 1600 pounds. This gives you a little more wiggle room and it might have a longer wheelbase (which helps with towing).

I would personally go for a 3/4 to 1 ton truck, though. It is defintely not needed for a TT like the one I posted above, but it is a much better towing experience and you are prepared to upgrade to a bigger one. We are 1.5 years into this, and we are already looking to upgrade to a 5th wheel. We would already have a 5th wheel if we could find a decent bunkhouse model.

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3206520

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3212985

Here are two threads that were recently on the OB.

We have towed a 26 foot travel trailer all over North America. Even to Alaska and back with a sequoia. Thing is a beast. Key is getting the hitch setup right and proper loading. I would think what you proposed would be too small for your family.

Thx!

We were definitely looking at very similar layouts to these you are describing. Bunk beds for sure and preferably a bed longways like that so we don't have to roll over the other to get out.

What was your wife's Expedition payload capacity? This 30 ft Kingsport says hitch weight of 690 (and manufacturers brochure)

As mentioned above Yukon XL has a payload capacity of ~1,600 and ~8,000 trailer weight.

• Hitch weight - 690 lbs
• 2 adults - 350 lbs
• 3 kids - 450 lbs (extremely conservative number as ours are both < 50 lbs now, and only 2 atm)
• Leaves us with ~110 lbs for stuff we can't stow in the trailer

With an 8,000 lb weight capacity, 5,000lbs from the empty Kingsport we'd have ~2,000 lbs of capacity to store things and leave 1,000 free.

Maybe it's just my ignorance here so feel free to correct me but I would think that setup would work.

AgsMyDude said:

---

Thx!

We were definitely looking at very similar layouts to these you are describing. Bunk beds for sure and preferably a bed longways like that so we don't have to roll over the other to get out.

What was your wife's Expedition payload capacity? This 30 ft Kingsport says hitch weight of 690 (and manufacturers brochure)

As mentioned above Yukon XL has a payload capacity of ~1,600 and ~8,000 trailer weight.

• Hitch weight - 690 lbs
• 2 adults - 350 lbs
• 3 kids - 450 lbs (extremely conservative number as ours are both < 50 lbs now, and only 2 atm)
• Leaves us with ~110 lbs for stuff we can't stow in the trailer

With an 8,000 lb weight capacity, 5,000lbs from the empty Kingsport we'd have ~2,000 lbs of capacity to store things and leave 1,000 free.

Maybe it's just my ignorance here so feel free to correct me but I would think that setup would work.

---

Like the poster above said. You can get within payload but you're gonna be bouncing around and swaying. Throw a little west Texas wind or some mountain passes in there and you're gonna be really stressed. This is not to say you can't do it because I see overloaded tow vehicles all the time at campgrounds. All depends on what is good with you.

Can't really recommend any models, but I hear that state parks are nearly impossible to reserve cause everyone went out and got RVs.

I'd like one but the depreciation & storage cost kill it for me. I keep saying I'll rent one but I keep putting that off & taking family trips to hotels, will rent one once I coordinate a trip with some friends but I'll try to get the rental to set it up for me at the park.

AgsMyDude said:

---

Thx!

We were definitely looking at very similar layouts to these you are describing. Bunk beds for sure and preferably a bed longways like that so we don't have to roll over the other to get out.

What was your wife's Expedition payload capacity? This 30 ft Kingsport says hitch weight of 690 (and manufacturers brochure)

As mentioned above Yukon XL has a payload capacity of ~1,600 and ~8,000 trailer weight.

• Hitch weight - 690 lbs
• 2 adults - 350 lbs
• 3 kids - 450 lbs (extremely conservative number as ours are both < 50 lbs now, and only 2 atm)
• Leaves us with ~110 lbs for stuff we can't stow in the trailer

With an 8,000 lb weight capacity, 5,000lbs from the empty Kingsport we'd have ~2,000 lbs of capacity to store things and leave 1,000 free.

Maybe it's just my ignorance here so feel free to correct me but I would think that setup would work.

---

Our Expedition payload is a little over 1400 pounds. Our TT is about 1000 pounds hitch weight, though. So that eats most of the payload. The expedition is also a regular one, not EL. So has a shorter wheelbase, too.

I would add about 100-200 pounds of hitch weight to that number. That number is the dry hitch weight. Most TT have the battery (~40 pounds) and two propane tanks (~30-40 pounds) in the front. Plus, most storage compartments are in the front before the axles, so most of that weight will go toward the hitch weight and tow vehicle.

A Yukon with that payload, longer wheelbase, and that TT length would definitely drive much better than our
Expedition. That TT is shorter than ours and your tow vehicle has a longer wheelbase. Both of those help.

I think a Yukon XL could definitely pull this trailer, especially if you are not doing long trips or going up down mountains. Also, if you are only doing 2-4 trips a year, then I would definitely go with that.

We went with a bigger truck because we use our TT often. Last year we went on 8 trips, and this year we have done 6 so far. I also rent out my TT when it is not in use (with delivery). So, having a bigger truck to pull it all these trips was needed. I also enjoy towing the TT and not worrying about anything.

Another note, I would really recommend you go to an RV dealership and walk through RVs. I would take your kids too. We took our kids, and while they are running/jumping on everything, it gives you a good idea how much room there is in there with your kids. If you go with just you and/or wife, you do not get a good idea of the space. I would especially hang out in one without a slide for 15-30 minutes (since you're looking at one without a slide). I know the idea is to be outside most of the time so a slide isn't needed, but I can't imagine hanging out with my family in a TT without a slide. But then again, my wife was clear that she "glamps" rather than camps.

Also, props to you looking into this stuff before buying one. I did the opposite. I bought the TT first and then scrambled finding a truck to pull it with...

Get a 3/4 ton Diesel. No matter how many ways you do the math and calculations, towing a TT with a 1/2Ton/Tahoe/Expo/Sequoia is just miserable unless you're camping within about 75miles

2006, I was in OP's situation. 7 year old daughter and year old boy. I researched for 6 months before settling on a 5 year old 35ft diesel pusher. I lived on RV.net and read everything. Evaluated TT, fifth wheel, Class A, B and C.

I had decided if I was going to get a TT or a fifth wheel, I was getting a dually diesel to pull it. Then realized 10 hours a day in a dually was a no go. We would've been better off in a minivan.

Class C was very attractive but everything I read, get the largest RV you can afford. And they were right.

Few month after the purchase of our RV, I bought a used Honda Element to pull behind the RV.

Life long memories have been built Rving cross country.

Now at 54, for those of you thinking you will sell everything, retire and live out of an RV, get a prevost bus conversion but also have a house in AZ or FL to go home to. Or don't do it at all.

FIDO*98* said:

---

Get a 3/4 ton Diesel. No matter how many ways you do the math and calculations, towing a TT with a 1/2Ton/Tahoe/Expo/Sequoia is just miserable unless you're camping within about 75miles

---

Pulled my trailer with my Sequoia 600 miles round trip at spring break. Not one miserable minute. I wouldn't do a 38 foot 12,000 lb unit with it, but my 4800 lb 22' is no problem.

AggieDruggist89 said:

---

AgsMyDude said:

---

Love all the available parks in TX (and elsewhere) so want to get one of these for our family of 4 (2 young kids, potential 3rd down the line) to get the kids some outdoors experience

---

Really???????

I think you want the TT but using this as an excuse.
If you want the kids to have outdoor experience, get u some tents, sleeping bags and go camping.

---

Having somewhere to get out of the heat/cold/rain expands your camping season to year round. Nobody wants to tent camp in Texas in August.

I am an RV addict. I've had three different class A's and three different bumper pulls. I sold our bumper pull a few months back, so currently RVless and kind of an Airbnb addict now.

Plans matter - 2 week trips? Cross country or within a couple hours? Just weekend getaways? Tailgating in lots with no hookups? 2 people, 5 people, ?? All of these drive the type of RV that would work best, it's specifications, the floorplan needs, etc.

I've towed with a '99 three quarter ton suburban, half ton Titan, diesel Ford Excursion and a 100 series Land Cruiser - often at "limit". The class A's have been 25, 33, and 36 footers - all gas and towed vehicles (an Xterra, a minivan, a CRV, and an Accord) with those two longer class A's. Mostly Texas trips and no further than Colorado for us. I guess I have quite a bit of experience.

If towing underpowered or with a short wheelbase two vehicle, I agree the hitch and setup is very important. It can really change the towing experience, and you don't want to be on edge if going out on an 8 hour drive.

With the Class A's, make sure you have great tires. WIth any RV make sure you love the floorplan.

Quote:

---

WIth any RV make sure you love the floorplan.

---

This can not be said enough. Go walk lots and get in and out them. Looking at one online and being in it is totally different. Have the family there with you as well so that you imitate different movements between everyone. It took us months to find one that actually fit us. Many of the ones we saw online were a quick no when actually getting in the floorplan.

Will mirror the other comments here and have your family with you when you check out some of the RVs. It helps to see the space in person and how you and your kids will "interact" with it.

I pull a 35' Keystone Cougar with my 2020 F150 XLT SCREW EB with the 6.5' bed. Max Tow package. 8500lb trailer with about 1100 on the tongue. Tows great even heading out west and through the hill country. It's a bear at first because I leaned on the dealership to set the WDH right but after learning the ins/outs of the WDH and how to set them and how to load the trailer its been easy to pull 65-70 down the interstate. I've had my buddy pull my 35' TT with his 3/4 ton, using my WDH (resetting the ball too), and it still swayed a bit at highway speeds around big rigs. Its not going to be perfect but there are ways to mitigate alot of it by putting in the time to learn the techniques. My wife doesnt believe me but towing a trailer, especially ones of these sizes, is an art form in itself.

We love our TT. Bought it in April and have taken it out about 7 times this year including a weekend at a local cookoff. Heading to the Ozarks next year along with the hill country and a few other places. Make sure you book early! SPs are hard to get into.