Can I tow this camper?

[bishop4r]

Hi guys. Just looking for your opinions on towing a 2008 Rockwood roo 232 camper with my 2010 trail. It's for sale locally and in my price range. Plus it has taller ceilings which is good because I'm 6'6".

The seller says dry weight is 3978 lbs. sounds like it might be pushing the limits but I've never owned a camper. Obviously I would have to be very mindful of loading it, etc. but do you think it's too heavy?

Most trips would be within an hour or so of southwest ohio.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Texas777]

I'm part owner of a very similar 2011 Roo and just went through the same deliberation, but after some number crunching it became apparent that the GVW is a bit much for the 4Runner to tow safely.

 

[bishop4r]

That's what I was afraid of. I also found a 2008 roo that is 19ft and looks like it's dry weight is a few hundred pounds less. Don't know if that makes enough of a difference

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

I tow a keystone passport elite 23RB with a 4650lb dry weight, granted mine is my house and I never run with anything in it (truck scale i weighed before and after I added 150lbs of dishes and such but don't fill the tanks). If you do get it, be sure to put an airlift 1000 kit in. Makes towing significantly better and takes some of the load off the shocks. I towed mine from Seattle to San Fran (about 800 miles with 7 passes albeit some smaller ones but Siskiyou is 7 miles at 8%). Read the manual and make sure you have a weight distribution hitch, brake controller, and put the shifter in S mode and don't go too crazy over 65 (max speed per the manual) and enjoy.

 

[lezavw90]

3900lbs dry, easily add 800lbs of water and gear, then add a bunch more weight in that excessively large storage area right on the tongue and you have a recipe to be way over 500lb tongue weight and 5000lb overall weight.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I would think you would need side mirror extenders to be able to see behind you going down the road.

 

[bishop4r]

The 2008 roo 183 also for sale locally looks like it's about 500lbs lighter dry. Rv guide has it listed at 3510. Also doesn't have the front storage deck. Think that is enough of a cushion?

 

[FullCircleHook]

The 2008 roo 183 also for sale locally looks like it's about 500lbs lighter dry. Rv guide has it listed at 3510. Also doesn't have the front storage deck. Think that is enough of a cushion?

I personally think that you could pull that fine if you keep weight in mind and add a few of the accessories listed above. My brother-in-law pulls this with his FJ and he has no problems:

Roo Hybrid Travel Trailer by Forest River

Although, he is not going to win any races and keeps it in the 60-65 mph range.

I also plan to pull my Funfinder travel trailer with my wife's 4Runner. It comes in at 3300 dry. I'm going to add the airbags, extended mirrors, brake controller and use my existing WDH. I primarily use the Tundra to tow it, but I'll use the 4runner when I want to go offroad.

Keep in mind that I live in Florida and have no mountains to worry about.

 

[bishop4r]

I personally think that you could pull that fine if you keep weight in mind and add a few of the accessories listed above. My brother-in-law pulls this with his FJ and he has no problems:

Roo Hybrid Travel Trailer by Forest River

Although, he is not going to win any races and keeps it in the 60-65 mph range.

I also plan to pull my Funfinder travel trailer with my wife's 4Runner. It comes in at 3300 dry. I'm going to add the airbags, extended mirrors, brake controller and use my existing WDH. I primarily use the Tundra to tow it, but I'll use the 4runner when I want to go offroad.

Keep in mind that I live in Florida and have no mountains to worry about.

Thanks for the info. The funfinder looks like a really nice, light camper. Just wish the ceiling height had a couple more inches. My height really limits my choices in the lightweight travel trailer arena.

 

[LXRunner]

The 2008 roo 183 also for sale locally looks like it's about 500lbs lighter dry. Rv guide has it listed at 3510. Also doesn't have the front storage deck. Think that is enough of a cushion?

I,m towing about same trailer, but 2006 for 4 years with no problem. (used 1999LX470 before I got my T4R). Just added WDH, brake controller and extended side mirrors. As average it takes 12mpg @ 65 - 75 mph. Feels very safe and stable on road, but make sure trailer tires are rated for that speed.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/members/lxrunner-albums-my+t4r+te-picture20885-rokwood-roo-backyard.jpg

 

[Titanpat57]

[MENTION=86216]Biggcrisp[/MENTION] tows a big camper.....maybe he can throw in here.

 

[Biggcrisp]

The 232...no way! It would be too tempting to throw something on that front deck.

The small one would be perfect weight-wise.

Use a WDH and sway control.

 

[bishop4r]

Awesome guys...thanks for all of the input.