Feedback on possible tow setup.

[Phil-NV]

Thanks guys...much appreciated. found more info on the numbers...

Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 5000
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 500
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 6500
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 975
Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs): 12000

So..IF the numbers are within limits and that's an IF, what problems am I looking at with this 27ft'r? Is it the possibility or sway? If so wouldn't a WD/sway bar hitch somewhat combat that? It's not that I'm second guessing anyones advice, I'm trying to see what the risk/issues are that I might encounter. Also I won't be travelling too far from home camping. Probably down to Lake Havasu (250m) and some places in mid east Nevada. Again I thank you all for your comments.

Phil

[donn]

First off, your Tahoe will probably weigh ready to camp very close to 6500-7000 pounds. So with a GCWR of only 12K that leaves you at maximum a 5000 pound trailer. Less than the one you are looking at long before you add personal stuff.
Now as to the sway issue. Yes, you will encounter sway, every time there is a cross wind, every time a truck passes you. Basically all the time. The only hitch that will help in that category is something like a Hensley Arrow. And they are expensive. IMHO you would be far better looking for a tent trailer or get more tow vehicle. Based on your posts so far I do not believe that is what you wanted to hear, but that are the facts. Believe them or not, I really don't care how much money you throw at the situation it will still be too much trailer for your current tow vehicle. Too short of a wheel base, too little motor, too small of a towing rating, not enough available capacity after the actual ready to camp scaled weight of your TV.

[BigRed]

Equalizer Hitch ($600)will take care of most of the sway (you'll need WD Hitch)-without having to purchase a Hensley Arrow($2300). If you have $2300 they are great hitches, then by all means buy one!!

[Triguy]

Donn - I think you are mistaken. Why would the Tahoe weigh up to 7000lbs loaded?

The 2007 Tahoe has a curb weight of 5300lbs. Even if he adds a family weighing a total of, as an example, 600lbs, he would not even be close to the 6500-7000 TV you state.

Phil - Take the GCWR of 12000lbs less the TV weight of 5300 less the weight of your family. That's the loaded trailer you can tow. Keep it under 6200lbs and keep the tongue at 13-15% of the trailer weight and you will be fine. Reese DC or Equal-i-zer WD hitch is all you need.

By the way - none of this addresses if you will like the towing experience or will feel that your TV is underpowered. It probably will feel that way at first but you get used to it. Not everyone needs to upgrade their TV to a 3/4 or 1-ton vehicle with a Hensley hitch if you are already in spec. In your case, upgrade if you want, but its not a necessity for the TT you are considering.

[Phil-NV]

Some time has passed since I first started looking for a trailer. After much thought reading everyones comments I came to the conclusion the Tahoe was just way to small to tow a 25+ft trailer. So this past Memorial day weekend I took the plunge and bought a much better tow vehicle. Our new vehicle is a 2011 F-150 Supercrew, Ecoboost, tow package with the 3.55 rear end. Initially searched for one with the 3.73 gears but couldn't find one with all the options i wanted. So now I can tow up to 9800lbs and not so limited on length. I figure a 28ft trailer should be long enough. This truck is absolutely incredible!

So I just want to thank everyone for their comments both positive and negative. I look forward to finding the perfect trailer for my family and being much safer on the roads.

Cheers,
Phil

[dretired]

Phil, I have a 2010 F150,5.4 ,3.55 gear , Supercab 4x2, also rated for 9,800 lbs, And a equalizer brand hitch,, i love it. hope yours works for you .. Just try and keep your weight under the max .. Remember you still have to stop !!! Dave