Want to tow a 21' or possibly 23' trailer

[BigK75]

Hey Folks:

I want to get a hybrid trailer and am looking at two trailers. The one is a 21' Antigua 215sso dry weight is 3600 lbs with a GVWR of 5000lbs. The other is a Jayco 23B which is 23' and weighs 4165lbs and has a GVWR of 5000lbs. I have the V8 with tow package. Are these doable or should I stay with 21' for safety.

If I go with either of these I should probably get sway bars. Should I get a WDH or is not needed. Any help would be appreciated.

Claude

 

[jetboy1975]

The V8 will handle either just fine. I tow an Antigua 195ck with mine with no problems. T4Rs have a short wheelbase which doesn't help with sway so sway bars will be a must. I would also recommend a WDH. If you have rear airbags (limited?)the T4R will sit pretty level hooked up but the front end weight will be reduced leading to possible control problems. Its cheap ($250) safety and peace of mind and it will reduce bouncing etc for a smoother ride.
Keep in mind dry weights are just that, an empty trailer without options such as propane tanks, A/C, microwave etc. You can usually add 400lbs to come up with the empty wt. Then add your gear etc. For example my Antigua has a stickered dry wt of 2800lbs, but loaded lightly to camp and water tanks empty it is 3900lbs.
You mention you have the tow package? Does it include the upgraded frame mounted hitch rated for 7000lbs? If it is the base hitch (x-member mounted) you can't use it with a WDH and either trailer you mention will have a tongue wt exceeding the base hitch limit of 500lbs.

 

[jetboy1975]

Just noticed you were on hybridexplorer too. The only 2 forums I frequent. Like here. it is a good place for info most of the time. There are a lot of haters of T4Rs as tow vehiles because of the short wheelbase, but trailers under 25' you'll be fine with sway bars. My opinion from experience. Do a 4runner search on HYX and you'll find a few heated debates.
I'm in London as well if you need any help.

 

[BigK75]

Just noticed you were on hybridexplorer too. The only 2 forums I frequent. Like here. it is a good place for info most of the time. There are a lot of haters of T4Rs as tow vehiles because of the short wheelbase, but trailers under 25' you'll be fine with sway bars. My opinion from experience. Do a 4runner search on HYX and you'll find a few heated debates.
I'm in London as well if you need any help.

Hey Jetboy75:

Yes it is the limited with the air suspension. So are you saying I have to get rid of the hitch and buy a new one. Did you replace your hitch how much did it cost. I am assuming mine is the stock hitch. How can I tell. I bought this SUV used.

I know I have been reading them, they are hilarious. Check out my latest post in the tow section of hybrid explorer. I thought it was pretty funny. I love my 4runner and they will have to pry it from my cold dead hand before I give it up. Trust me I had a Nissan Murano 4 weeks ago. I was so bad (reliability) I felt like I owned a Land Rover or something.

It seems we are the same age. I assume 75 is your birth year. My wife and daugther (2 year old) always go to Pinery. Perhaps we can get together for a beer some time. I am always looking to meet new campers. I had sent you a PM about it.

Claude

 

[jetboy1975]

Yes '75 is a good vintage. Must have missed the pm but we love the Pinery as well, when we can get in.

As for the hitch, with the weights of the trailers you are looking at I would upgrade to a frame mount so you can use a WDH. The stock hitch has 6 bolts under the bumper cover that bolt to the cross member only. It is not designed or strengthened to support the torque of a WDH and can bend the frame which I have heard is not repairable. To tell the difference just look underneath. The upgrade factory hitch (rare) will have visible round tubes off the reciever routed out toward the frame rails beside the exhaust on one side and where you probably have a tow hook mounted on the other. I'll try to get a pick if you need one.

I bought a Curt 13445 at truck&van world for about $200 and installed it myself in about 30mins. (most of that time spent removing the old one). Hidden hitch makes one as well but doesn't look as clean. Do a search on here, some guys have pics of theirs mounted.