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Old 03-09-2015, 10:55 AM   #1
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Rockwood Roo and Towing Capacity

I grew up tent camping, but with grandchildren on the way am looking to upgrade to a trailer. I own a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6, 3.6L with a towing capacity of 6,200 lbs. Did not get the tow package installed when I bought it (looking back that was probably not a smart idea), but will be getting it done. Also bought a lifetime warranty for the Jeep and want to ensure I don't do anything to void it. Been doing a lot of research but still a bit concerned which way to go.

Been looking for a trailer that can sleep 6-8 and the Rockwood Roo seems to fit the bill. Overall the reviews seem good. I'd be mostly doing weekend camping within 100 miles or so of my house. Have a couple of questions and would greatly appreciate any and all feedback.

1) Can I safely pull the Roo with my Jeep? Right now looking at the 233S that has a base weight of 4,512 lbs.

2) Can you share any experiences with the Roo?

3) If the Roo is too heavy for my vehicle are there other options? Really not interested in a pop-up.

Again, any advice would be helpful. I'd much rather find out now that this isn't going to work than realize it stranded on the side of the road with a blown transmission.

Thank you!
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Old 03-09-2015, 11:03 AM   #2
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When looking at a new trailer, a good rule of thumb would be to stay below your tow rating for the gross loaded number NOT the dry weight. You also need to remember to subtract from your tow rating the weight of people and gear in the tow vehicle. Many tow rating are based on a 150lb driver and 1/2 tank of gas.

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Old 03-09-2015, 02:59 PM   #3
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Just my opinion- I think it would be a better towing situation if you purchased the 183. Lighter weight by nearly 1000 lbs and lighter tongue would make for possibly an easier tow- less gear hunting and white knuckling trips. Usually, manufactures post towing limits both with and without tow package- but I cannot find a "without" number.


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Old 03-09-2015, 08:01 PM   #4
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We have a roo 21ss and pulled it from Dallas to Kansas City with a trailblazer 4.3l. The salesman said we would not have a problem, 12 hours later (normally an 8 hour trip) we arrived home. On flat land we had plenty of power. On the slight hills, we pushed 4000rpm and slowed to 45mph. Each time a semi passed us, we were sucked hard to the middle lane. Thankfully we drove at night. Bottom lime, I would not pull a trailer that is close to,the weight of the tow vehicle. We now pull it with a 1/2 ton v8 truck with no problems.


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Old 03-09-2015, 08:15 PM   #5
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I have the Shamrock 21dk which comes in at about 4000 dry. We drive a Tahoe with a tow rating of 7200 with a equalizer. It does ok. I would be very hesitant if I were you . In fact I would not do it.. Sorry I know you wanted to hear more positive but it is really scarey to be pulling something that is way over weight out on the hwy when a semi blasts by..
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Old 03-10-2015, 07:45 AM   #6
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The GVWR of the Roo you are looking at is over the tow capacity of your truck. I think you would be better off with a different trailer or truck. My sister purchased a Roo that was at the max tow of the Explorer they had, I warned them it was not a good idea and after 2 short white knuckle trips they went out and purchased a 1/2 ton PU.
Sorry it's not what you want to hear, but safety first.
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Old 03-10-2015, 08:23 AM   #7
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One thing I find interesting about the Roo 233s weight from the forest river web is the GVWR and the base weight + max cargo are not the same: GVWR=6602lbs vs 4512+1527=6039 lbs?
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Old 03-10-2015, 09:29 AM   #8
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I appreciate all of the replies. It isn't what I was hoping to hear but much better to find this out now. I would like to have a truck to tow but right now that isn't an option. If I dropped down to a trailer like the Jayco Feather Ultra Lite model X18D, do you think my Jeep would be sufficient? Trailer has a dry weight of 3,410 and GVWR of 4,600. I've visited a few trailer dealers and one trailer show and am concerned they're trying to oversell me. One tried talking me into a 31 foot trailer saying I could easily pull it. There's a trailer show in a couple of weekends in NH which I plan on attending. Looking to possibly purchase there.
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Old 03-10-2015, 10:23 AM   #9
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The 233S is a great camper for large families. We have 8, a large dog, plus we often bring grandma along. She handles all of us with ease! If you regularly have 6-8, the three queen bunks are the way to go.

As others have said, it's a big rig to tow. It's not just the weight, but the aerodynamic drag as well. You'll need a capable tow vehicle. Hope you can make it happen! You won't regret it.
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Old 03-10-2015, 11:55 AM   #10
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You are getting closer. The length is good at 21' ft and max weight is 4600. Two things- a full load of water will bring down your cargo capacity to 850lbs and pots, pans, food and gear add up fast. Second, you will be wringing out your engine most of the time when pulling a grade (high altitudes will be worse). Ask your self if where you will be going to is flat land or mountain climbs.


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Old 03-10-2015, 09:33 PM   #11
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I have a 2010 nissan xterra pulling a 21dk. Yeah its not ideal, but it's safe and works well. I have a WDH and good brake controller. I know that I have to push the engine hard 4k for hours on end through WV many times each year, but it all works out for us. The trailer pulls and rides well, we can drive 55 - 70 mph with no Ill effects.

Sure you can feel a pressure differential passing a slower car or a faster one passing you, but with a good WDH setup it will be minimal. Gotta stay within the law limits and your own personal limits. Your engine will be strained, but if you can live with that ... then you should be ok. The towing capacity of the frame can handle the trailer but the engine might be a bit strained. (Oh and I would never travel with a full load of water with out reinforcing the tank brackets)
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Old 03-11-2015, 11:00 AM   #12
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I believe you posted on another forum. I would look for a smaller and without slides. The 183 is a good option.
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Old 03-11-2015, 06:48 PM   #13
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mogli64- what model Roo did your sister try to tow with the explorer. We are going to try to tow a183 with an Explorer.


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Old 03-13-2015, 08:39 AM   #14
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Appreciate all feedback given. I have posted similar questions to a few other sites. We really wanted a somewhat larger trailer than what it appears the Jeep can safely tow. So it seems the best solution is to look into getting another tow vehicle. Found a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4X4 with 122K miles for just over $4K. I'd just use that for towing and wouldn't be putting many more miles on it. Tow rating is 8,700 lbs.

Always wanted a truck and this seems the best solution. I assume the GMC should be able to tow a Roo very easily. If I'm off base please let me know.

Thanks.
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Old 03-13-2015, 09:50 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick2594 View Post
Appreciate all feedback given. I have posted similar questions to a few other sites. We really wanted a somewhat larger trailer than what it appears the Jeep can safely tow. So it seems the best solution is to look into getting another tow vehicle. Found a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4X4 with 122K miles for just over $4K. I'd just use that for towing and wouldn't be putting many more miles on it. Tow rating is 8,700 lbs.

Always wanted a truck and this seems the best solution. I assume the GMC should be able to tow a Roo very easily. If I'm off base please let me know.

Thanks.
Finding this information before you purchase... you're already way ahead of more than a few of us that purchased the camper after hearing "You can tow that no problem." Excellent choice upgrading your TV. I started out towing with a Trailbazer and a 3000# camper. That lasted all but a couple months. I've upgraded the camper and tow vehicle twice each since then.
My opinion... with an 8700lb tow on the Sierra, i think you'll be good to go. Just make sure you start with a good weight distribution hitch with sway control (i recommend the Equalizer 4-point) and a reliable brake control (i recommend the Prodigy P2 or P3).
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Old 03-13-2015, 02:15 PM   #16
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Personally, we towed our Roo 21RS (4062 dry) with a 2005 V8 Grand Cherokee. While we were under on weight, the V8 Jeep struggled in the Rocky mountain passes here in Alberta. But for me, power wasn't the biggest issue, it was the short wheel base of the Jeep. After a few white-knuckle drives with crosswinds, we pulled the plug and bought a GMC Sierra 1500. Much safer for the family, easier on both the truck and my nerves. Tows the Roo with ease and I no longer fear crosswinds.

Good luck with your decision and happy camping!
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Old 05-10-2015, 09:37 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by Summer2Go View Post
mogli64- what model Roo did your sister try to tow with the explorer. We are going to try to tow a183 with an Explorer.


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Joining the conversation a couple of months late...

We just purchased a Roo 183 and pull it just fine with a 2014 Ford Explorer Sport (twin turbo-charged model). Towing mileage sucks (8-10 mpg), but power is not an issue.
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Old 05-10-2015, 10:15 PM   #18
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Thanks so much for the late post. I also have a 2014, but my dealership dropped the ball when I asked for towing pkg. items. I have to pick up the camper 8 hrs away, so I will allow plenty of time to travel slow if I have to. I've been thinking about stopping in at the GMC dealership across the street from my Ford dealership and complain about the lease deal to see if they can help me get into something else. But I will try to tow with it first. Plan on dumping all my tanks at the campground, to lighten the load.


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Old 05-11-2015, 08:14 AM   #19
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Mine has the complete towing package from the factory and I'm also using a weight distribution hitch.
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