Too Big???? - Page 4

Badlands · 01-09-2012, 10:23 PM

As several have pointed out, the most important consideration is being certain the size/weight of the TT is well within the limits of your TV. In my experiences, the TT dealer will discount the legitimate abilities of your TV, offering that it can pull just about anything on their lot. And, on their lot, that may be true! Obviously, that's not the real world. You are wise to consider your overall abilities, whether the TV, your personal trailering abilities, or size of unit.

Given a family of four and large 5th companion, unless you plan on camping a couple weekends a year, a larger unit is what most would prefer. I have a 29' (that's actually 30' -- 36' hitch to spare) and for wife, myself, and our black lab, it's a good size. Any smaller and we would not have been happy. But that's us! What's important is what works for your family.

Remember, in the end, what's important is your safety and the safety of all of those around you -- family and otherwise. Better to purchase a unit your are comfortable with now, and trade up in time, than to buy one so large it takes the fun out of the experience.

Wishing you great success!

09grizzly1 · 01-09-2012, 11:30 PM

Don't let people scare you about the 28' trailer behind an Expedition.Don't get a trailer that is near the tow capacity of the Expy.I would go for a trailer that has a max dry weight of 5500 LBS(with a 5.4L).The Expy has has a standard wheel base of 119" and the extended wheelbase model has a wheelbase of 131".The tow capacity is between 7000 and 9000 LBS depending on year and whether it has a tow package or not.The good thing with the Expy is that the rear axle is located fairly close to the rear bumper which gives you good stability for towing.Yes,the longer the wheelbase the more stable the tow vehicle.I use to tow a 24' trailer with a 1981 Blazer that had a wheelbase of 106" with no problems.If it's very windy -slow down to where you are more comfertable,pull over if nec to let faster vehicles pass.Also,if you get to a place and have problems backing into a site,the will be people that will either back the trailer in or work with you with instruction on bacing in the trailer.

09grizzly1

Chicken Legs · 01-10-2012, 12:46 PM

The shorter the trailer the harder it is to backup. I remember learning how to backup a jeep trailer when I was in the service it was hard to do. Just try backing up a garden tractor with one of those little short trailers. You have to learn to do it. My 28' TT was pretty easy. The big surprise was backing up a my new fifth wheel camper, different. But you learn.

bmcgee · 02-07-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevengb

I went from a popup to a 33 footer and havent had any issues to speak of. Personally I would go for the one you will be happiest with for the longest and adapt. You can always practice backing and turning in empty lots. No one wants to realize two outings later that they scared themselves in to something that wont accommadate them comfortably after spending all that money....anyway that is how it has worked out for us. We were originally looking at 23 to 28 footers when we bought our 33.

I currently have a 2008 fleetwood Avalon popup and I'm looking at moving up to a 35 ft travel trailer. Question about your TV, did you upgrade your TV to pull your TT? Also, was it a big transition to pull the TT from the popup?

stevengb · 02-07-2012, 02:31 PM

I towed our pop-up with a Mitsubishi montero so yes I bought a Chevy Freeman silvered half Tonto pull the tt. I drive large trucks where I work so that may have helped in moving up to the tt. It really doesn't take long to get the feel of towing the larger and heavier tt tho...just go a little slower, watch and plan the turns a little more and have a good spotter when backing. Uphill on the highway is a little slower too. Just make sure the tt doesn't consume more than sixty to seventy percent of your Max towing capacity so you have room for contents and passengers. Good luck it'll be worth it!

stevengb · 02-07-2012, 02:39 PM

Sorry for above garbled text....it's the predictive text on my phone and I didnt proofread. That is a Chevy silverado crew cab half ton truck

Malco · 02-07-2012, 02:42 PM

Also if you are going from a small single axle trailer to a long trailer with tandem axle,you will find it definitely will tow alot straighter,without all the wander of a single axle and back up straighter without wanting to swing sideways on you.It also won't bounce around as much behind you.

trudinator · 02-07-2012, 04:11 PM

Our first TT (last year) is a 32 footer. Went from a tent to this. Skipped the progression of the pop up, hybrid, etc. and went right to this. My husband and I have both towed our 16' fishing boat, but neither of us had any experience with a unit this big. He barely needed practice. As for myself, I haven't worked myself up to getting behind the wheel.....yet.