Towing a large trailer
- Thread starter DJohnson
- Start date
juneau92
New member
DJohnson said:
I pull a 27ft Rockwood Ultralite (see sig for photos) without any problems, but I use a Hensley hitch. The Hensley eliminates any possibility of trailer sway. The 4Runner, while a surprisingly good tow vehicle, has a relatively short wheelbase, which in turn restricts (to some degree) what length trailer should be towed with it.
Personally, I think you're borderline over the limit here for safety. Strong winds will create sway, as well as the semis which will pass you at 70+mph. Your trailer will get pushed outwardly as the semi approaches you, and will try to suck you in after it passes.
For a 30ft trailer, imho, you should absolutely use either a Hensley or Pullrite hitch. Both eliminate sway, not just reduce it with friction, as most other anti-sway hitches do.
Hope this helps some.
charlier180
New member
DJohnson said:
Just out of curiousity, what does this trailer weigh dry and fully loaded. Some "lite" trailers I have seen are still fairly heavy.
I also share juneau92's concerns about sway pulling a longer trailer. The 4Runner is an excellent tow vehicle but it does have a relatively short wheelbase.
I tow an 8.5'x20' car hauler (~5,500 lbs) with my 4Runner without problems using sway control (not Hensley or Pullrite).
The Hensley and Pullrite products look like great products but for my application they are somewhat pricey.
If I had a longer trailer I probably would have considered those products more seriously.
If you do buy this trailer you should consider the McKesh Mirrors if you need a towing mirror solution.
I use the McKesh mirrors with the optional convex mirrors and they work GREAT.
With my trailer being 8.5' wide the 4Runner mirrors and even most of the less expensive strap on mirrors simply do not do the job.
If this trailer does not come with a back-up alarm you might consider installing one.
I have found that, without one, people walking behind a trailer are oblivious to the fact that it is backing up.
I found that to be a dangerous situation for people walking behind my trailer at car shows and more often at turnpike rest areas and truck stops.
I also installed a kill switch on my backup alarm to I do not distrub the neighbors when I pull in late at night or early in the morning.
FYI, if you are new to towing it would probably be a good idea to review your auto insurance coverage.
Towing a trailer can involve more risk for damage or injury than normal driving.
If your insurance coverage is the mandated "state minimum" you could be putting your other assets or future earnings at risk in the event of an accident.
I may be preaching to the choir here but when it comes to towing, SAFETY is CRITICALLY important.
An accident involving a tow vehicle and trailer can be MUCH more MESSY and COSTLY than other accidents.
Many people fail to realize that and are usually the people who do not take towing safety as seriously.
The trailer is 4900 lbs dry. Dont know what it would be fully loaded cuz we havent bought it. But my guess is that it wouldnt be more then 5500 to 5750 loaded. We have a 2004 V8 which is rated for 7000 so I am not too concerned about the weight. The guy at the dealer says that they wouldnt send us out in anything that was unsafe but that if we arent comfortable with it then dont buy it. Any infortmation would be much appreciated. thanks.
DJohnson said:
Unless you are experienced enough to know, I would be amazed if you could outfit a 30' trailer and only add 600-750lbs. Cookware, tvs, suitcases, hanging clothes, camping gear, etc etc add LARGE amounts of weight. I think 1000lbs + is more common. And I wouldn't personally choose to pull that large a trailer with a 4Run.
Can't speak to your deal, but there is a HUGE glut of RV's of all types with $3 gas. Enormous deals out there to be had. Figure out exactly what you want, and then seek the deal.
JMO
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