Newbie if there ever was one

[rblackwell]

Hello out there,
I retired two weeks ago and my wife and I just bought a 2011 Palomino model 4127. I guess that's called a Mustang?
We need to buy a vehicle to pull it and I'm unsure about how powerful that needs to be. The "total dry weight" is 2404 lbs and the dealer said a vehicle with 3500 lb capacity should do it but others have said I should look for something in the 5000 lb range.
Can anyone offer first hand advice on what towing capacity is adequate and any suggestions for a suitable vehicle. I'd prefer an SUV over a truck.
Thanks
Bob

[Triguy]

Congratulations on your new camper!!

Although I can't give you firsthand experience with this trailer, I may be able to help as I had a pup in the past However, you may want to post in the Popup section for owners who have that exact model.

Your Palomino pup has a dry weight of 2404 but don't pay too much attention to it. Not knowing how much you load, you'll want to go by the GVWR, which is 3,000 lbs.

A TV with a 3,500lb limit will work, although I (personally) would prefer something with greater capacity. This prefernce is dependent on family size and where you tow (short trips, long trips, mountains, flats, etc). There are plenty of mid sized SUVs that will be great for this camper and no need to look at pickups.

[rblackwell]

Scott
Thanks for the advice and quick reply. It does seem like a 3500# tow vehicle might be marginal. I will look for other inputs in the popup section.
Bob

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by rblackwell

Scott
Thanks for the advice and quick reply. It does seem like a 3500# tow vehicle might be marginal. I will look for other inputs in the popup section.
Bob

Hi Bob,
That would be my preference, too. Besides, since you're looking to buy a new vehicle anyway...why not buy something a bit larger? 3,500 would tow that camper just fine, but 4000-5000 would be better and you aren't really giving up too much in terms of mpg.

[Glenn5995]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the new camper!

I would also recommend a tow vehicle with a 4000 to 5000 towing capacity. The towing capacities of vehicles is just the curb weight of a base model subtracted from its GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) which is the total weight the tow vehicle can be with all its contents and anything being towed. If you purchase a tow vehicle with a 3500 towing capacity, but you did not get a stripped down base model, but rather purchased one with a few creature comforts like floor mats, interior lights, a cup holder and some sharp lookin' wheels; you might have 300 pounds in optional equipment and the towing capacity is now down to 3200. The camper will use up 3000 of that and you will now only have 200 pounds for passenger and gear in the tow vehicle.

Just my .02

[jmswms]

I'd go with a truck . Who knows in a year or 2 you may decide to get a tt or even a 5er so why have to worry about having to get a larger tv. Not to mention the ability to haul bikes, grills, wood etc

[mhartzel]

I pulled a 1995 Fleetwood/Coleman Royale PUP (GVWR 1850) with my 99 Chevy Blazer which has a towing capacity of 5000#. Once the family, dog, clothes, food, bikes, and supplies were added I was wishing for a larger vehicle.

[dwaynerz]

jeep liberty crd is what i would look for. good mileage. good torque. 4wd and 5000 lb capacity.

[funkyJunk]

I would suggest a truck as well. A Toyota Tundra would be a great choice for a travel trailer/small fifth wheel.

I did a lot of research when I started and I never really paid enough attention to the forums. We are on a "new camper every year" schedule for some reason. I guess it's best to stay away from the RV shows.

We went from a Toyota FJ > Chevy Tahoe > Toyota Tundra > Ford F-350 SRW > F-350 DRW. And out campers have gone from 3000# to 15000#.

Just plan ahead... Once you start it's hard to stop.