[VAC] Re: Cart before the Horse

["Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Marjorie,

How are you planning on using your trailer? Will you be using it for a two
week summer vacation and an occasional weekend near your home? Or are you
going to be traveling extensively with it?

In general the larger, longer, and heavier the tow vehicle you have the more
stable the trailer will be. One of the rules of Physics seems to be that
lighter objects follow heavier ones. I have towed for over 20 years, my
wife, the last 8 years. We have towed extensively under many different
driving conditions. In our book, any full sized vehicle wins hands down over
any mid sized vehicle.

As for trailer weights. 3800 # may be a dry weight, with no options. By the
time you pack the trailer it may be approaching or even exceeding 5000 #. A
5000 # capacity tow package is the minimum that I would look at. In my
opinion vehicle manufacturers tend to be optimistic with their ratings, so
ideally I would not look at anything unless it had a 6000# or above towing
capacity. But if you only plan on doing a minimal amount of towing you may
find a 5000# towing capacity to be acceptable.

We have found that if the tow vehicle is larger than necessary then an
ordinary weight distribution hitch is all that is needed. The pricier
hitches, in our experience, are only needed if the tow vehicle is marginal
for the job.

Other advantages to buying more tow vehicle than you need are longevity
(less wear and tear) and room to grow with (when you find another must have
trailer, which will undoubtedly be larger and heavier).

Scott Scheuermann