Camper Length and Weight affect on towing...?

centralmepistol · April 30, 2018

Hi all, I haven't posted too many times in the forum... but I have found another question and would like to hear some opinions.

I am in the market for a new travel trailer. I have found the newer models are significantly lighter than my current camper. I am currently pulling a 32' travel trailer that weighs in (on the scale) just over 7,000lbs. Being an older trailer, I just don't think it hauls well... (and I will be honest, I have it a little nose down- my mistake when setting up the WDH.) I hate driving this on the highway, I prefer slower state roads that don't face big rigs passing by, winds that blow you around, and generally just feel more in control on them. On the highway, I feel I need to drive slower 55-60 and still keep a hand on the trailer brake. I have also noticed on newer campers they have begun spreading the axels a little farther apart (more stable?).

I am trying to figure out if I need to step down in both weight and length to get a better towing experience, or simply lowering the weight (and correct WDH setup) will improve the tow-ability... Will a light but long trailer get blown all over the road? My truck details are copied below from another post; I am well within weight limits for my truck (@7,700lbs). I would like to be able to travel at normal highway speeds- 70-75) and feel comfortable...

The hard part is finding a camper with the features we (my wife) wants that will tow comfortably. Suggestions are welcome here too! Bunk Beds, One or Two entry (if one it cannot be next to bunks), sofa, slide out for floor space, queen bed separated by wall... thats not too much to ask is it? (jk- its tough to find without hitting 30'+) If a manufacturer would just make a model with a sofa instead of a slide out dinette we would be sold!

*2012 GMC Sierra 1500. Specs on the truck include; 4x4, crew cab, max trailer package (5.3 KDL HD Cooling Package, trailer brake harness, 3.42 ratio). I have installed the Tekonsha P3 brake controller. I currently have the Camco Recurve R6 hitch for sway and WD. The truck manual max trailer weight states 9,500lbs with a GCWR of 15,000lbs (truck GVWR 7,000lbs). I do understand the balancing required between truck and trailer for GCWR; if truck fully loaded is 5,500lbs and tongue weight is 1,000 pounds the max trailer becomes 8,500 pounds not the book stated 9,500.

I am thinking a 7,700lbs GVWR for a trailer will fall WELL within specs.

I also plan to add SumoSprings to my truck later this spring- and possibly stronger tires on the truck for towing...

swathdiver · April 30, 2018

If the hitch isn't set up right, a lighter trailer won't tow well either. Also seems like you should shift some weight further aft.

We've been looking at a Riverside Retro RVs. Would the 265BH fit the bill for you and yours?

1 hour ago, centralmepistol said:

The truck manual max trailer weight states 9,500lbs with a GCWR of 15,000lbs (truck GVWR 7,000lbs). I do understand the balancing required between truck and trailer for GCWR; if truck fully loaded is 5,500lbs and tongue weight is 1,000 pounds the max trailer becomes 8,500 pounds not the book stated 9,500.

That's one way of looking at it.

DONWT15 · April 30, 2018

A lighter trailer would be easier on truck, but probably not much help with the wind. Some type of sway control can help a lot. Cuts down on the tail wagging the dog thing.

ember1205 · April 30, 2018

A lighter trailer that has the same cross-section as your current one would actually be WORSE with regard to being pushed around by the wind. You'll need to take into consideration the cross-section AND the weight of the trailer to understand if impacts are going to be better or worse with regards to wind.

Logan Lanfear · April 30, 2018

For that heavy of a trailer, I would think you're pulling with not enough truck. A 3/4 ton would alleviate almost all problems and be much more stable and comfortable. But most don't want to spring for the 3/4 ton just to pull a TT. However, I pulled a very similar trailer (35 Outback) that weighed probably about the same. Dry weight was like 6500 lbs and loaded was probably low 7000 range. Towed with a 2008 GMC 1500. Used weight distributing hitch and a sway bar. Pulled decently. BIG things for wind and sway:

Use the right tires on the truck. Make sure they're load range E. Like a 10 ply.

Make sure to use a sway arrest system. Like a sway bar or the weight distribution hitches that have it built in.

We had a slightly longer trailer with the same weight. We had very little issues with being blown around on the interstate. Even with the wind we always seem to have up here in the green mountains. Get someone to show you how to set up your hitch correctly with all the right components and it should improve your current situation. As said before, lightening the trailer but keeping the length wont help wind. But it will help the truck.