Towing Travel Trailer - Question/help

[A_mooose]

Did you buy the trailer or choose different? Up front, I think this trailer is too heavy for your Overland. Tow ratings are determined by having one driver tow a base vehicle without cargo up a certain grade at a certain speed at hot ambient temperatures (I don't remember all of the specifics), without the truck overheating or otherwise giving you error messages. The payload number that @Gren71 was asking you about is important because you, the mods you've added to the JT, your passengers, your cargo and the 600 lbs of tongue weight have to fit within that number to not exceed the GVWR of 5800 lbs. The other number to worry about is the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). This is 12,100 lbs for an Overland according to the 2023 Owners manual (check your 2021 owners manual). Assuming you max the trailer weight at the trailer's gross weight rating of 6000 lbs (easy to do) and you max the JT out at 5800 lbs (very easy to do when towing) then you'll be at a combined weight of 11,800 lbs with essentially no margin. You'll be struggling to get up a lot of grades. It won't be fun and could be unsafe. I would try to go at least 1000 lbs lighter on the trailer.

Thanks for the info. I went with a slightly lighter one at 4000 lbs, it’s a surveyor legend 19bhle

Sponsored

 

[RJinPV]

The manual tells you either 4k or 4.5K. If you get air bags in the back you can tow more, but I worry about the engine doing it without a re-gear or supercharger.

The 2021 Owners manual states the Overland 3.6L Auto with tow package can tow 6000 lbs. Also, all manufacturers will tell you that helper springs/ air bags do not help you tow more.

 

[RJinPV]

Thanks for the info. I went with a slightly lighter one at 4000 lbs, it’s a surveyor legend 19bhle

Good. You went even lighter than I suggested. More margin is always good. I just posted about my experience towing at the limits with my JTR. I suspect I will be RV shopping later this year to downsize my trailer.

 

[SteveInOrlando]

The 2021 Owners manual states the Overland 3.6L Auto with tow package can tow 6000 lbs. Also, all manufacturers will tell you that helper springs/ air bags do not help you tow more.

If they didn't work, they wouldn't sell!

If properly inflated, they level the vehicle out taking extra weight from the springs and allowing the vehicles own suspension to then act like it should. Overloaded suspension doesn't work properly!

I towed a 19,500 pound trailer down the Alcan with a 1/2 ton dodge truck! Air bags do work!

 

[swemmel]

Hi, i know there are a ton of threads about towing but looking to see what the general consensus is. I have a 2021 Gladiator (Overland) with regular tow package. I am looking at getting the following travel trailer:

https://www.bestrv.com/product/new-2023-coachmen-rv-apex-nano-208bhs-2081880-29

It has a dry weight on the sticker of the trailer of 4319 and hitch weight of 596 pounds. What are your thoughts on towing this, taking into account adding people, cargo, and equipment for camping? Is there a dry weight limit I should stick to? Thanks!

I think that you will certainly be able to tow it, but it won't be a lot of fun. I recently traded my camper and got the apex 185bh. its 3400lbs. My old trailer was 4700 and the haul to the dealership wasn't very much fun. I didn't feel out of control or anything, especially as when I was younger I disregarded all towing limits and wasn't afraid to be sketchy, but I definitely knew it was there. The 185 on the other hand handles perfectly. That being said, I did get a new (e2) weight distribution hitch, and that probably has a lot to do with it over my old setup, but fwiw I would say you will be happier if you go with a smaller trailer and deal with the annoyance of not as much space vs dreading pulling the trailer as I did for years.

 

[rigger 17]

Tow mine a few time and was Ok at best : Sold the trailer and kept the truck and looking for a smaller trailer. Rubicon model with WDH used .

Sponsored