Looking at Trail Cruiser TC30QBSS

[camplover MI]

I really want to move to a TT. After looking ata the websites this is the floor plan I think this is the best for us. We have five kids. Now, going from a PU to TT I want to know if any of you have this unit or know someone that does and what the think of it. We have a Savanna Van that is rated for 6,500 lbs to tow. So, that was my problem with my TT to get the one I wanted was around 10,000 lbs. Just looking for feedback on what I should make sure it has. Feeling like a newbie again. The next big step will be to convince my DH to take on payments. We were able to pay cash for the PU. I am going to go look at the unit in person. Any one else think another unit or Manufactuer is better? Seeing if I missed something.
Thanks for your input! I am coming from GLPUC and I know they have been very helpful over the years.
Lynn

[Randy the sly old fox]

Be careful with that tow rating esp if you have the van loaded with people and gear. Better yet, use the CGWR of the van and subtract the GVWR of the van. This is your MAX towing wt. For example the CGWR is 13,000lbs and the GVWR of the van is 7000lbs you have 6000lbs for a TT. When looking at TTs you can throw the dry wts out the window - again use the GVWR as that is the max that the tt can handle. Large "lites" are heavier than they appear and often have lightweight suspensions etc to go along with it so the real dry wt and the GVWR are often close anyway.

In a nutshell I think you have too much TT for the van or not enough van for the TT. You would also be better off in the long run to buy a heavier better built TT and an bigger Van - perhaps looking at the used route.

[Jody & Jeff]

I don't have this model, but I do have an R-Vision Trail Cruiser which is a hybrid model. We have had our TC now for about 1 1/2 years and probably have 4-5 thousand miles on it already and we are heading out again next Friday for another trip of about 2500 miles.
We've had no problems with the trailer, or any problems with our dealer and haven't had a moments worry about its reliability.

Jo

[camplover MI]

Quote:

Originally posted by camplover MI: I really want to move to a TT. After looking ata the websites this is the floor plan I think this is the best for us. We have five kids. Now, going from a PU to TT I want to know if any of you have this unit or know someone that does and what the think of it. We have a Savanna Van that is rated for 6,500 lbs to tow. So, that was my problem with my TT to get the one I wanted was around 10,000 lbs. Just looking for feedback on what I should make sure it has. Feeling like a newbie again. The next big step will be to convince my DH to take on payments. We were able to pay cash for the PU. I am going to go look at the unit in person. Any one else think another unit or Manufactuer is better? Seeing if I missed something. Thanks for your input! I am coming from GLPUC and I know they have been very helpful over the years. The camper I am looking at is 4439 dry weight + 288 = 4727 lbs GMC said it is rated for 6,000 lbs. max towing capcity. I figured 400 in extra people and cargo in van. Then I was left with 663 lbs. to put into the camper. Does that seem to be ok? Lynn

[camplover MI]

Quote:

Originally posted by camplover MI: <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by camplover MI: The camper I am looking at is 4439 dry weight + 288 = 4727 lbs GMC said it is rated for 6,000 lbs. max towing capcity. I figured 400 in extra people and cargo in van. Then I was left with 663 lbs. to put into the camper. Does that seem to be ok? Lynn

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Randy the sly old fox]

That 6000 lb tow cap is with an unloaded van at sea level on flat ground. Ask GMC what the Combination Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is. They will need the engine size, transmission, and rear axle ratio information to figure this out. Once you have that info along with the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the Van - usually found on the driver door piller. You can find your real towing capacity using the method I described in my earier post.

I will repeat my earlier warnings - take all weights with a grain of salt - TTs will weigh more than the published weights and mfg tow ratings are over rated. If you doubt this ask the dealer to take the unit to a scale and weigh it.

[camplover MI]

Thanks, I am planning on loading my van up the next trip and weighing it. I will ask the dealer to weight that unit also before I would consider to buy it. I have been discussing this with some people on GLPUC and I am coming to the conclusion I didn't want to hear! Van would be pushing it and not recommended. It probable could do it, but I would have to weigh everything before loading and not add things, which we all know we keep adding things over the years. If I could afford a new TV in the spring then that would be a different story. So, I am staying with the PU for a long time! No new vehicle until 2012, DH gets the next vehicle. So, it will be 2013 before I can more to a TT.
Thanks,
Lynn

[Randy the sly old fox]

I am not saying it will or won't work, just do the math before you do anything else. If the gross wts formula works out then get real wts and move forward. But you need the CGWR before you can go forward.

[Happy Campers]

camplover MI-
If you are still interested in the Trail Cruiser TC30QBSS, take a look at the web site
http://www.r-visioncamping.org This a web site for R-Vision owners ( and future owners), you might find some answers to your questions on the weights and styles of these trailers.
Kevin and Denise

2005 Silverado HD
2004 Trail Bay 27DS