First Post - TV recommendations

[kish-me]

Hi everyone!

So happy to have found this community! I'm in the market for an AS Sport 22 (I believe these are around 4500 GVWR) and I'm looking to buy one around 5 years old (let me know if you have any leads, although that's another post entirely).

I originally wanted to embark on my AS journey in a Basecamp that I could have potentially towed with my Subaru OB, but 4500 lbs is out of the question for my current ride. I love the Subaru though and I don't think I want to part with it, but maybe I should...

Now I am looking for a TV on a BUDGET, but safe. I've never pulled a trailer before and to be honest, I'm not the most mechanically inclined. But I don't want to spend more than about $5K on a TV, $3,500 would be even better. Am I out of my mind or would an older truck fit the bill? Maybe an early 2000s Tundra or F150 with high miles on it?

I live on the California coast (Bay Area) and will likely be taking the AS through smallish mountains and windy coast roads. I want to be safe, but I really can't swing more than $5K on a tow vehicle. If I can't do that, then I should maybe consider holding off on an AS for now. I'll be weekend warrioring and likely not out for more than a week at a time, will not be full-timing. I do have one child, a five year old and need a cab for installing his car seat in back.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions or insight!!

[bobzdar]

Originally Posted by kish-me

Hi everyone!

So happy to have found this community! I'm in the market for an AS Sport 22 (I believe these are around 4500 GVWR) and I'm looking to buy one around 5 years old (let me know if you have any leads, although that's another post entirely).

I originally wanted to embark on my AS journey in a Basecamp that I could have potentially towed with my Subaru OB, but 4500 lbs is out of the question for my current ride. I love the Subaru though and I don't think I want to part with it, but maybe I should...

Now I am looking for a TV on a BUDGET, but safe. I've never pulled a trailer before and to be honest, I'm not the most mechanically inclined. But I don't want to spend more than about $5K on a TV, $3,500 would be even better. Am I out of my mind or would an older truck fit the bill? Maybe an early 2000s Tundra or F150 with high miles on it?

I live on the California coast (Bay Area) and will likely be taking the AS through smallish mountains and windy coast roads. I want to be safe, but I really can't swing more than $5K on a tow vehicle. If I can't do that, then I should maybe consider holding off on an AS for now. I'll be weekend warrioring and likely not out for more than a week at a time, will not be full-timing. I do have one child, a five year old and need a cab for installing his car seat in back.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions or insight!!

Half ton pickup or full size SUV with a decent WD hitch will be your best bet in that price range. I like the Chevy/GMC with 5.3, they usually can be found for under 5k and are pretty dead reliable - and if they do break they are cheap to fix. You have a lot to choose from there as you can grab a pickup or tahoe/yukon/suburban and all are the same platform and should have no problem with your trailer. I towed my '67 overlander which is similar weight with my Chevy 1500 and just a ball hitch with no problem, but given you're a first time tower I'd go with a WD hitch and sway controller, especially if you get a shorter wheel base SUV.