Towing question

[hugh899]

Thanks, Sandman. I did look seriously into non-slide floor plans on Nano. both my trailer-owning siblings advised me that the slide was worth the weight for extra space. I should have also mentioned I have 105# dog too, so I do want the extra room. I’ve read and both family and dealers have also said tandem axles are worth the additional weight for stability and weight distribution. Do you have experience with both? The dinette on the slide also has a lot more room than the non-slide, so it comfortably seats four or sleeps a couple grandchildren. Great advice on tires. I’ve had multiple people tell me that I will want Goodyear tires. I’m not sure but want to read up on TPMS too.

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[GuzziMoto]

Our RV trailer has a slide-out. Not a full size slide out, but one that slides out maybe 2' or so. It doesn't seem like much, but it makes a big difference to the feel inside, making it feel much larger when the slide is out.
We have been running the Anderson WDH for a half dozen years now. I really like it. It adds a little complexity to hitching up, to get the weight distribution chains hooked up we simply use the hitch jack to raise the hitch after hitching it to the tow vehicle. Once raised enough to allow the chains to connect, lower the hitch jack back down and you are good.

I do wish our RV trailer had tandem axles. But that ship has sailed.

 

[Labswine]

I have a slide out on my 27' Vantage Sonic SN220VRB and it really makes a HUGE difference inside. It's the dining area that also converts into a sleeping area. I can lay down lengthwise and still have room at my head and feet, I'm 5' 10". I also have the twin axle which gives me comfort knowing that if I have a blow out, I still have one tire left to safely limp over to the side. My trailer weighs about 5,100 lbs with all we want or need.

As far as TPMS, I bought a unit on Amazon for around $80 or so. The sensors screw onto the valve stems, and the signal reaches the receiver that sits on my dash. The receiver can be charged with any USB charger PLUS, it has a little solar cell on it to help keep it charged while using it.

I also swapped my tires from the cheap Chinese crapola to the Goodyears after I had a sidewall blowout on the Cross Bronx Expressway in NYC. That was the impetus into getting a TPMS system because it would tell me instantly, with an audible alarm, when a tire blows instead of some good Samaritan honking frantically to tell me I had a sidewall blow out. It was on the trailing tire, not the lead tire so in my mind that kinda ruled out hitting a pothole or something.

So, I feel a LOT more comfortable having the TPMS telling me that all is right in my little world.

 

[KevinC]

@Labswine pretty much hit all the points needed to get your answers. I will add a few.

1. A vast majority of smaller trailers are now coming without slides. A) Less weight. B) Less maintenance. C) No worries about it sticking open before a trip.
With that said, the technology that is available, I would not hesitate to buy a slide. They have to better than the older problematic ones. Don't they?

2. Dual axles will save you from a blowout. If you have ever seen a trailer tire blow, it will shred the wheel well and everything behind it if you can't get stopped fast enough. The whole tire will separate and those steel belts are like machetes. The only two issues I have with dual axles is 1) It adds weight. We are driving Gladiators, weight is pretty important. 2) The front axle tires will be kicking up and throwing a lot of debris at the rear axle tires. So much that the risk of your rear tires blowing is substantial. Kind of defeats the dual axle.

This is what came of my Keystone Reign 13RK which weighs 3000# dry.

 

[DylanM]

2) The front axle tires will be kicking up and throwing a lot of debris at the rear axle tires. So much that the risk of your rear tires blowing is substantial. Kind of defeats the dual axle.

If the front tires are kicking up debris capable of blowing out the rear tires, and the front tires must first run over said debris before they are able to kick it up, then how would the front tires not be at the same level of risk of blowing? I think the idea that the risk of the rear tires blowing being "substantial" is gross exaggeration.

Me personally, after having experienced towing both single axle and dual axle campers, I'll take the dual any day of the week. IMO, not only are they safer if one were unfortunate enough to get a flat while towing, they also handle and track better than a single axle.

 

[Blade1668]

not sure anyone still watching this thread, but I’m curious for an update. im currently looking at 2026 Apex Nano 203 RBK to pull with 2026 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. My only mods so far are lights and REDARC Tow Pro Elite, so stock wheels and tires, 7,000# tow cap And 1,200 payload. My experienced family members advise to stay below 80% of tow cap; ,4150 dry weight allows me 1400 cargo to stay under that. Most of my camping will be Midwest, but I do plan both Appalachian and western trips in future. With more experience we will do some boondocking, but I don’t expect to take the camper very far off pavement. I like tandem axles for stability and this is as light as I’ve seen with the amenities that will keep my partner (and me) comfortable. Dealership recommends Andersen weight distribution hitch which is light and simple. I think I’ve got a good plan; open to suggestions and advice though. what has been your experience over the last year?

I've had and been using the Anderson on my TT since I bought it early in 2011 with my 16ft Scamp, my TV then was my 05 Wrangler Unlimited. I still use it when towing with my JT. Others covered several points. Weight sneaks up and in campers. It doesn't "sneak in" as much for me. I dang sure know it's there... tossing in scuba diving gear now a dog and stuff for her also. I can guess with a few kids it's more. An camping adage I have "less is more" I don'tlike packing up like I'm moving to go camping.

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