Is This Too Much Camper?

[Bramic71]

I trust you guys with all the info I have received in the past so I thought I would give it another try. We are good on our camper with our 2500 (actually its overkill and makes the towing a breeze). This is a camper my daughter is looking at. Personally I think it's too much camper for her truck but really like other opinions. I know she will be needing a brake controller and WDH with any camper of decent size. Here it goes. I'll list truck specs as well post pics of door jamb stickers and camper specs. Unfortunately this is not a Forest River, but you guys arewho i trust. Thanks ahead of time for any advice. Mike

2021 Nissan Frontier SV Crew Cab 4x2
3.8 V-6
3.69 Axle Ratio
18" Wheels

[Sammici]

IMO it's probably pushing the limits on the Frontier. If both are loaded to maximum payloads it might be over the GCVWR.
The trailer is very long and the Frontier has a very short wheel base. Most likely there will be sway issues. I'd find a smaller trailer. Good luck.

[Capacitor]

Did the Frontier come with a receiver?

[Bramic71]

Yes, it did.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Bramic71

Yes, it did.

But does it have the full factory tow package? A receiver is just one part of the package.
I tow my 26ft TT with a F150. I would never tow it with a 1/4 ton truck.

[Qwkynuf]

I don't think I would do that.

As mentioned, it's a very long trailer compared to the wheelbase of the truck. But beyond that, it's a ~4600lb truck (GVW-payload) pulling a trailer that at minimum (nobody is ever at minimum) 86% of the truck weight, and at maximum (most are close to maximum) is 1,400lbs heavier than the truck.

That 440lb tongue weight is 11.4% of the dry weight - which is both light and probably inaccurate in real life. For estimation, I would want to use 13% of the gross weight - which is more along the lines of 780 pounds.

It would probably be just barely within limits, but I would bet that it wouldn't be fun. Is it a dual axle trailer?

[Bramic71]

It is dual axle.

[Bramic71]

I'll have to find out. I know it has a Trans cooler and the factory reciever hitch. I am starting to lean towards too big. You guy give me info to show her so an educated decision can be made.

[Flybob]

What class is the hitch. Max weight ( posted on hitch rcvr)

[Bramic71]

It is a Class IV hitch.

[Backcountryboondocker]

Too much camper for truck I believe, but just to play devils advocate, it is doable depending on camping style.

Camping within 100 miles on nothing but back roads and state highways (So 40-55mph) on relatively flat roads with semi-minimal camping gear…. Probably doable with not much white knuckle driving.

Interstates, hills, long distances, truck cargo filled to the gills, everything plus an extra kitchen sink in the trailer…. They’ll start looking for a new truck pretty soon.

[moose074]

Originally Posted by Qwkynuf

I don't think I would do that.

As mentioned, it's a very long trailer compared to the wheelbase of the truck. But beyond that, it's a ~4600lb truck (GVW-payload) pulling a trailer that at minimum (nobody is ever at minimum) 86% of the truck weight, and at maximum (most are close to maximum) is 1,400lbs heavier than the truck.

That 440lb tongue weight is 11.4% of the dry weight - which is both light and probably inaccurate in real life. For estimation, I would want to use 13% of the gross weight - which is more along the lines of 780 pounds.

It would probably be just barely within limits, but I would bet that it wouldn't be fun. Is it a dual axle trailer?

So every travel trailer and 5th wheel I have ever owned has weighed more than the truck pulling it. Most 5th wheels weigh more than most 550 so are we supposed to get a semi to tow with. I would think maybe going to the frontier forum would provide the op with a better assessment or maybe a Tacoma or Colorado or Ranger forum. I’m always amazed how we blow off the smaller trucks it has a payload of a 1/2 ton. It has more horsepower and torque than most 3/4 and 1 ton pre 1990 and even then would probably compete well. I don’t know what it’s tow rating is but I know power and payload it compares well with older trucks we would say could do the job done I mean it makes 75 less horsepower than my 3/4 ton with the 6.2 but makes up for it by being probably 1500 lighter. Torque around 281 isn’t bad not great but not bad. Finally and yes this is my pet peeve. IF not saying you are but IF you believe that payload is the holy grail of towing ( it’s fine to believe it) then you have to believe in the number regardless of 1/4 1/2 or 3/4 ton. Every time you disagree because you think the trailer is too big for the truck. You give all those who tow over the weight validation that the numbers that come from the manufacturer are meaningless.

[ependydad]

The only way to know for sure is to load the truck up like she would travel for calling trips and weigh it. Take the actual weights and subtract them from the ratings. Then compare the loaded camper’s estimated weights and compare them to the remaining capacities that you found as a result from the weighing.

Here is an article that walks you through those steps:
https://learntorv.com/can-i-tow-this/

[Qwkynuf]

Originally Posted by moose074

So every travel trailer and 5th wheel I have ever owned has weighed more than the truck pulling it. Most 5th wheels weigh more than most 550 so are we supposed to get a semi to tow with. I would think maybe going to the frontier forum would provide the op with a better assessment or maybe a Tacoma or Colorado or Ranger forum. I’m always amazed how we blow off the smaller trucks it has a payload of a 1/2 ton. It has more horsepower and torque than most 3/4 and 1 ton pre 1990 and even then would probably compete well. I don’t know what it’s tow rating is but I know power and payload it compares well with older trucks we would say could do the job done I mean it makes 75 less horsepower than my 3/4 ton with the 6.2 but makes up for it by being probably 1500 lighter. Torque around 281 isn’t bad not great but not bad. Finally and yes this is my pet peeve. IF not saying you are but IF you believe that payload is the holy grail of towing ( it’s fine to believe it) then you have to believe in the number regardless of 1/4 1/2 or 3/4 ton. Every time you disagree because you think the trailer is too big for the truck. You give all those who tow over the weight validation that the numbers that come from the manufacturer are meaningless.

That is a *lot* of words to put in my mouth without even a paragraph break.

I pointed out that it was probably within published limits, I simply said that I didn't think that *I* would do it.

A 9,000 lb F550 with 6 tires on the ground is going to be more stable than a 4,600 lb truck with 4 tires. Especially with 2,000+ pounds of pin weight pushing straight down on the rears. Apples and oranges to compare to a bumper pull.

I'm the last thing from a truck snob - heck, I tow my little 21 foot trailer with a 19 year old F150. But I'm not going to set out to put myself in an unpleasant situation

[Bramic71]

My daughter is new to towing and would be traveling 800 to 1000 miles at a time for work. Once there, she would be staying for a month or two at a time.

I want something pleasant for her to tow and don't want the trailer controlling the truck, especially on the highway with semis passing. Seems like a lot of trailer for a small truck.

Safety and within weight limits are my big deal, as I have a cdl. If something was to happen, I want to keep her out of legal trouble due to being overweight.

[moose074]

Originally Posted by Qwkynuf

That is a *lot* of words to put in my mouth without even a paragraph break.



I pointed out that it was probably within published limits, I simply said that I didn't think that *I* would do it.



A 9,000 lb F550 with 6 tires on the ground is going to be more stable than a 4,600 lb truck with 4 tires. Especially with 2,000+ pounds of pin weight pushing straight down on the rears. Apples and oranges to compare to a bumper pull.



I'm the last thing from a truck snob - heck, I tow my little 21 foot trailer with a 19 year old F150. But I'm not going to set out to put myself in an unpleasant situation

My apologies, yes I quoted you , because I still believe that the majority of all travel trailers weigh more than the truck towing them . I used the 550 because it is probably the heaviest of all pick ups but the one least sold. Most likely there are way more SWD 3/4 and 1 ton trucks towing than dual rear trucks. Again I apologize

[BikeFlagAZ]

Unlike the rest of the folks commenting, I actually own that same truck. I think you will be disappointed in its performance pulling that trailer, especially if you encounter mountain grades or strong headwinds.

[Cost4133]

this is a tow i would do without hesitation. Pack accordingly and carefully with distribution. A good weight/sway setup etc.

That being said, For a newbie to towing and going long distances, id recommend a slightly smaller trailer, or a bigger truck

[moose074]

Originally Posted by Bramic71

My daughter is new to towing and would be traveling 800 to 1000 miles at a time for work. Once there, she would be staying for a month or two at a time.

I want something pleasant for her to tow and don't want the trailer controlling the truck, especially on the highway with semis passing. Seems like a lot of trailer for a small truck.

Safety and within weight limits are my big deal, as I have a cdl. If something was to happen, I want to keep her out of legal trouble due to being overweight.

It appears she will be within in her numbers, I can’t say what the experience would be like. That’s why I suggest the small truck forum. I would also say that expectation of vehicle performance is part of the towing experience. I looked at the big 3 and most start around 4100 in curb weight but those are most likely single cab base model with the exception of Ram none of them topped 6k in curb weight and those were probably high end crew cabs with reduced payload.
A great example is my daughter drives a 2018 Ram tradesmen she has 5 less horsepower 305 20 pounds in torque. It has a 3:42 rear ratio it only weighs 200 pounds more at 4877 . It has basically a 1900 pound payload but less than 5 k in towing capacity.
So on paper the frontier should tow hands down better than her truck.

[itat]

Originally Posted by ependydad

The only way to know for sure is to load the truck up like she would travel for calling trips and weigh it. Take the actual weights and subtract them from the ratings. Then compare the loaded camper’s estimated weights and compare them to the remaining capacities that you found as a result from the weighing.

Here is an article that walks you through those steps:
https://learntorv.com/can-i-tow-this/

I agree with Ependydad. Get the Frontier weighed so you know what she's working with. The payload number is impressive (1433#) but the GVWR and GRAWR are not so its an interesting combination of specs on the Frontier. Get it weighed to see the real number. The 3.8L V6 engine will definitely not have ample power.

The trailer specs don't include a GVWR but the fictional dry weight is over 3800# so fully loaded it'll be close to 5000# and probably 600# on the tongue.