3500 lbs

[faircamper]

Hi all,

New to Airforums,

We have a 8' pop-up that weighs 1500 lbs. Now it's time to upgrade.

Interested in a 16' but my 2005 Tacoma 2.7L, 5 spd 4x4 is only rated at 3500 lbs. I do have upgraded springs and shocks and tires.
Other than trading up my TV, What would be recommended to start looking at ?
Year, Model, Style, ???

Thank you in advance.

Harry

[azflycaster]

Welcome to the forums.
With a limit of 3500, your choices are limited. Some smaller single axle vintage units would fall into this range. I think the new 17 foot sport model might also work. A bigger truck would definitely make selecting a trailer easier.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you you with us.

Amongst the late model Airstreams, the 17' sport is the lightest, and comes in at around 3500# when loaded for the road. Vintage Airstreams in the under 20' size range can weigh somewhat less.

Your Tacoma tow vehicle would be in the marginal range to tow any trailer in this weight range. Generally speaking, you would want to stay within 80% or less of the vehicle's published towing capacity.

There are some upgrades that can be to the tow vehicle to improve the towing capacity. Some of these can be expensive. Sometimes, it can be less expensive to get a more competent tow vehicle.

Brian

[RoadKingMoe]

If you carry passengers or cargo in the Tacoma while towing, your towing capacity is reduced by their weight. If your "upgraded" tires are larger diameter than stock, your towing capacity also goes down (multiply by original diameter ÷ new diameter). My recommendation if you love your truck is to stick with the pop-up.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by RoadKingMoe

If you carry passengers or cargo in the Tacoma while towing, your towing capacity is reduced by their weight. If your "upgraded" tires are larger diameter than stock, your towing capacity also goes down (multiply by original diameter ÷ new diameter). My recommendation if you love your truck is to stick with the pop-up.

Couldn't agree more.

If you want a bigger RV, you are really to the point of a more robust tow vehicle.

[Aage]

2004 Ford F-150s are going -real- cheaply now, and will tow almost anything your heart desires...

Oh, and they are great trucks, too! 2004 was the last big upgrade/change to that platform.

[faircamper]

Thanks for your responses.

I have lots to think about, too bad Airstream doesn't make a popup.

I'll just lurk around for a while and see what happens.

Thanks again,
Harry

[DEITZ645]

Originally Posted by faircamper

Thanks for your responses.

I have lots to think about, too bad Airstream doesn't make a popup.

I'll just lurk around for a while and see what happens.

Thanks again,
Harry

Faircamper,
Airstream sort of did make a popup. It was called a Basecamp. Do a Google or forum search for Airstream Basecamp. They are no longer made, but I am sure there are some out there for sale.

[Lumatic]

An Argosy Minuet with an aluminum floor weighs about 2200# if I remember right. If you can find one!

[Bob Thompson]

Should I ever decide to downsize, I'd likely follow faircamper's lead and buy a Tacoma 2.7 because of the gas mileage, rated 27 mpg, plus they are about as durable as you can find anywhere. My choices would either be an older lighter Airstream, say a '66-'67 20-22 footer or an Argosy Minuet. Failing there, I'd search for a good used Bigfoot 17.5.

[faircamper]

Originally Posted by DEITZ645

Faircamper,
Airstream sort of did make a popup. It was called a Basecamp. Do a Google or forum search for Airstream Basecamp. They are no longer made, but I am sure there are some out there for sale.

We saw the Base Camp at the dealer last time we were there. Looks like a horse trailer . For shetland ponys. I couldn't stand up in it. I see why they didn't sell.


I'll Google the others suggested and hunt.

Thanks