Pulling a mini lite 2509

[rKCtJc]

I also am new here and to pulling a trailer. We bought the trailer and had planned on pulling with our ford expedition because the specs say it is within range. The seller delivered the trailer to us and when we were able to finally pull it with our vehicle, found it was not a good match, too much sway and play in the trailer. We are now looking for an alternative vehicle to use on our long trip from KS up to Mi and down the east coast to FL. We had sold the house and need to move out in 3 weeks so finding a good vehicle is high priority. We have looked and driven a Toyota Tundra and like the ride, but question its power for our trip. We need something that is comfortable for the long ride and powerful enough to make the trip safe and easy. WE are also looking at a couple of diesels. The trailer weighs 5000 dry and probably around 6500 loaded. Any experience with a Tundra? We are trying to keep budget to around $20000. Staying away from Ford 250 due to so many recall and other pending lawsuits over engine issues. Like the Chevy/GMC 250 but haven't test driven yet for ride. We need something comfortable as we will be driving around without trailer much of time in DC area.
Thanks in advance for sharing.

[Blackrock]

What type if any of a weight distributing hitch (WDH) are you using and does it have a sway control on it?
Also your Expedition will have two different stickers on the drivers door frame with Payload rating and GVW figures.
I'm thinking that you are right at your payload limit but still with the proper hitch setup you should be allright.

[rKCtJc]

We are using a Husky hitch with sway. We are going to look at 2 tundras as 2 people have had positive experience with them pulling a heavier load than we have. Yes we at limit but want more comfortable range. Tundra will put us at about 65% towing capacity vs 80% for Expedition.

Thanks.

[hack522]

Might consider a used Nissan Armada for towing. Better than 8500# capacity and is comfortable.

[Guitar G]

IMHO, you can't go wrong with a Ford F-150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost and max towing package. I'm pulling our Flagstaff 26RBWS with an 2019 F-150 with the above specs and max towing of 12,700 lbs. The Flagstaff + cargo is about 8,000, and I've had no problems going up mountains (in the East) or in other types of towing situations. I also have a Fastway E-2 hitch rated at 12,000 lbs. The F-150 3.5 EcoBoost is a proven engine, and the 10-speed transmission in Tow Mode works great. Of course, everyone thinks that their vehicle is the best, so I'm sure others will differ. I assume you're looking for a used vehicle at the $20,000 price point, and I don't know what the market for used F-150s (or any other truck) is these days -- might be hard to find what you want. My overall advice is to get a vehicle with a towing capacity at least 20% above your 6,500 lb. load, which would be about 8,000. And get a good weight distribution/sway control hitch. Good luck with your search, and camping!

[randman132]

I pull this type of forest river trailer on a regular basis as a transporter using a ram 1500 5.7 hemi. Make sure your tire pressure is correct or they get a little “squirrelly” at highway speeds. The best thing you can do is add the weight distribution hitch with two anti-sway bars. Keep your load balanced in the trailer so the tongue weight is still 10-15% of the total load.

[AlaskaErik]

The problem with the Tundra is its extremely low payload capacity. Even a 6500 lb trailer can have you exceeding payload capacity quite easily. Same goes with Ram half tons. I pull a trailer that's just a little lighter and I have no problems with my Silverado 1500 with the max trailering package.

[JROtexas]

We pull a 2506S MiniLite (5800 pounds on the scale) with a 2014 Expedition with the tow package. Our towing experience and sway resistance was much improved with an Andersen hitch, and we were able to notice the difference when we replaced the OEM Castle Rock trailer tires with Goodyear Endurance, and again when we put Michelin LTX Defenders on the Expedition. (Perhaps stiffer sidewalls?) Just FYI. Your experience may differ.

[tegarre]

We pull a 2019 Rockwood Mini Lite 2507s. I agree with others that you can't go wrong with a Ford F-150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost and max towing package. That’s what we had initially. But we recently traded up for a Chev Silverado 1500 with the 3.0 L diesel Duramax, and even happier with its performance plus better fuel mileage.

[Warner52]

I have pulled a trailer that weighs more than yours with my Tundra (2018 Limited Double Cab 4wd). I have no problems it has plenty of power, I typically pull at 65 mph and I use the "Tow/Haul" mode while towing. Fuel economy is in the 6 - 10 mpg depending upon wind and terrain.



I have a buddy who has a '21 Tundra and is pulling a heavier camper than mine with no problems. He goes the speed limit on the Interstate highways. I have a fifth wheel and he has a bumper pull. Same fuel economy as what I am getting.


Just to let you know I have pulled this trailer down I70 from Ohio to Hays, to Missouri and all over Kansas.

[rvflyer57]

You will receive recommendations from all of us based on our own experience, and we are all right of course. I tow a 2513s with a Ram 1500 and Equalizer wdh with 1200/12000 rating. Whatever TV you go with (with capable ratings) get a good wdh in the appropriate weight rating. I started with a wdh (1000/10,000) with the friction bar anti-sway and wasn’t happy with it at all. Switched to the current wdh and love it. A little noisy at first, but is much quieter after a few trips. Good luck in your search.

[djemgoss]

I pull that that trailer with my 2020Ford F-150, 3.5 eco boost, heavy duty tow package. My tow capacity is just under 12,000 and payload is just under 2000. 4 point equalizer wdh. No problems pulling or sway.
My son has a 2020 Tundra. It has the power to tow it, but the payload is just over 1400! Don't recall the towing capacity..
I don't see many people towing with a Tundra.
Have you been on a used car lot lately? They have very little inventory and the price of new and used vehicles is thru the sky. I don't think you will find anything even close to $20K.
Stick with Ford or Chevy!

[mudman2]

I pull a 25bds which I think is the same trailer. I use a blue ox weight distribution hitch. Tows quite well. My tundra is 2015 crewmax.

[flyflotrtim]

3X on the F-150 with 3.5 Eco Boost (or even 2.7 EB), mine is great. Tundras are nice trucks and would do the job but have the lowest payload of the half tons. Lots depends on your needs (family size, how often you pull, etc.) wants (latest electronics ?)and pocket book.

Most folks seem to like whatever they are pulling with, few will say they should have purchased something else unless they upsize their RV.

[Scottnweeze]

Originally Posted by Warner52

I have pulled a trailer that weighs more than yours with my Tundra (2018 Limited Double Cab 4wd). I have no problems it has plenty of power, I typically pull at 65 mph and I use the "Tow/Haul" mode while towing. Fuel economy is in the 6 - 10 mpg depending upon wind and terrain.

I have a buddy who has a '21 Tundra and is pulling a heavier camper than mine with no problems. He goes the speed limit on the Interstate highways. I have a fifth wheel and he has a bumper pull. Same fuel economy as what I am getting.

Just to let you know I have pulled this trailer down I70 from Ohio to Hays, to Missouri and all over Kansas.

X2 2506S pulled with a 2019 Tundra with an Anderson WDH. Perfect tow, aside from our 140lb dog we keep our payloads in mind and have not had a problem. Never an issue with the truck either...

[rKCtJc]

Thanks everyone. We found a great deal on a Tundra. We talked with several other who have towed with it no problems. We travel light and will keep speed low. It is much more comfortable than the Rams and GMCs we tested and much easier to maneuver in town and parking. Toyota really adds several comfort features that we appreciate. So yes, we tried the options that several of you suggested and think this will work for us. Time will tell of course once we get on the road.


Thanks again.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by rKCtJc

Thanks everyone. We found a great deal on a Tundra. We talked with several other who have towed with it no problems. We travel light and will keep speed low. It is much more comfortable than the Rams and GMCs we tested and much easier to maneuver in town and parking. Toyota really adds several comfort features that we appreciate. So yes, we tried the options that several of you suggested and think this will work for us. Time will tell of course once we get on the road.


Thanks again.

Make sure you check the payload capacity sticker, on the driver's door jamb.
Tundra has replaced the Ram 1500 as the lowest payload 1/2 trucks made.

[itat]

rKCtJc, welcome to the forum. I’ll echo bikendan’s comment on checking the payload capacity of any tow vehicle you’re looking at. You bought a bunkhouse model and were going to tow with an Expedition so that tells me you have kids that will be with you regularly. Those kids grow big surprisingly fast so you should account for that. There’s no replacing a trip to the scales to get actual weights.

[simiHal]

Since it’s apparent that you’ve made the decision to change tow vehicles I would now suggest you check what type of tires you’ll be using on the Tundra. When I changed from the standard P-rated tires to LT’s on our F150 it made a world of difference in the stability when towing. Of course the ride was a bit stiffer while not towing.

[01tundra]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Make sure you check the payload capacity sticker, on the driver's door jamb.
Tundra has replaced the Ram 1500 as the lowest payload 1/2 trucks made.

That and their loaded tongue weight will be around 1,000 lbs, which will likely be around 400 lbs short of their max payload, add in hitch weight and loaded truck and I can pretty much guarantee they will be over loaded.

We have a friend who camps with us with a 2020 Tundra and a Mini Lite 2109S. He travels alone and extremely light. I finally convinced him to take it to a CAT scale.....he only has 190 lbs of available payload remaining with a much lighter trailer.....