Pulling a 30' travel trailer with 7700lb dry weight

Hello All. We are looking to purchase our first travel trailer for the family. What is the biggest you guys have pulled? I found a really nice one a great price, but it is 30' long and has a dry weight of a little over 7700lbs. I know it is technically within Tundra towing specs, but seems it could be pushing it over the edge when loaded. I also plan on getting an equalizer hitch no matter which trailer we get. Thanks for the input.

 

boils down to your available payload and the tongue weight. You will run out of payload long before you reach the "advertised" 9200-10k pounds tow capacity.

 

Is it? What's the TT hitch weight loaded, and what is your payload?

 

2016 Forest River Salem 29' with 14' slide. They are asking $12,500, but I think I can get it for closer to $10k cash. BUT, it is sounding like I nee to stick with something more light weight.

 

This is the 29' Salem at 7700ish lbs.

 

30' - sounds like a great price anyway...

 

I have a 2015 heritage glen 28bhis. It’s 32’ long and 7k pounds dry weight. I also have the equalizer hitch. Truck does fine but doesn’t really like hills now that I have 35’s with stock gears, however before I added the 35’s, the truck had no problems. Granted where I live in Georgia it’s relatively flat, but a properly loaded trailer and, I can’t stress this enough, a properly set up WDH is vital to handling and your towing experience.

 

Settled on this 2016 Keystone 26’ no slide, bunk model. Has electric awning which is handy. Perfect for the kids and less to go wrong. Pulled great along the freeway in traffic on the way back home. Happy with my $10k camper. Thank you for all the input.

 

Congrats, travel safe, and happy camping.

 

Enjoy it and be safe, my man. Trailer camping is addictive. Tent camping will never be the same lol

 

Looks nice!

 

Thanks, guys. One more question: Any tips on washing? I've thought about buying the bottle that hooks onto the end of a hose to spray it off. It's been sitting in a storage and needs a good exterior cleaning. The interior is like new. Thanks again!

 

I use a soft brush with a long pole attached.i would also recommend a WDH. Is it me or are you missing batteries?

 

Same. Something like...

 

Dude you are a savage for resting your tailgate on the tounge jack. Holy geez

 

Yeah I opted for the nice one with a full foam grip all the way up. So much ore comfy and less tiring.

 

I got one at O'Reillys after buying my truck. I could wash my Tacoma with a sponge, but the Tundra is too damn big, lol.

 

Sounds exactly like what I'm looking for as long as I can talk my wife into not having a slide.

 

Conan

 

Rest easy, men. The tailgate was laid gently against the hitch, so that I could grab some tools out of bed. No damage done, lol! Good tips on the long handle brush. I am missing batteries. The lack of slide does make it more cramped, but as a newbie to RV'ing, I figured the less to go wrong, the better. And I had a strict budget and wanted something pretty new. There are some great deals out there on 2011-2015 30' trailers with slides. I was out the door at $10k. Got it from a licensed dealer, but he buys at auction and stores them at a covered facility. I'm pretty sure it was a bank repo since the inside is like new. You can tell it has been sitting at a yard for a while.

 

Haha good to know. I was crying on the inside for your paint. Only other thing I’d say is check the expiration date on the tires. Trailer tires are fairly cheap but expire in 3 years or so, especially if the trailer wasn’t on jacks. I would think the tires need replacing. Have fun man. It’s an exciting adventure learning how to RV. Also check your heater anode. They generally should be replaced every year, and since I’m sure if someone fell behind on the payments they weren’t maintaining like they should.

 

I also think most RV roofs should be treated at least every two years. The awning also looks a bit moldy but that can be easily fixed with some spray treatment and a bit of sun

 

I am taking by my mechanic tomorrow to check wheels and bearings. Thanks for the maintenance tips!

 

On top of checking the dates on the tires, consider just replacing them. Many trailers come from the factory with cheap "China Bombs". It is a common practice to replace them ASAP with decent radial replacements. Many of the original tires also have a very low speed rating, good replacements will have max speed ratings of up to 85 or so. Now I am not suggesting that you tow at 85 but if your highways are like they are here in AZ with most limits at 75 and you tow at 55 you will become a safety hazard on the highway.

 

Good idea on tires. I had a friend blow a tire on the interstate and it tore off his fender in the process. He replaced all 4 tires with 10 ply radials after that. Also as far as exterior cleaning I use a good wash and wax and spray all your decals with 303 aerospace protectant. Keeps them from fading and peeling off. Enjoy your camper!

 

Sounds like I’ll be replacing the tires before any excursions. Excellent advise! Easily money well spent.

 

I would advise the trailer total weight would not be safe.