2010 Puma 20-QB vs. 2011 Starcraft Autumn Ridge

[cameronet]

We are looking at these two trailers. (Autumn Ridge is a 235FB) We can get them for about the same price. I like the solidness of the Puma but the Starcraft is a little roomier and has more storage but it is 1 and 1/2 feet longer with the hitch. We will be pulling with a 2005 Diesel Jeep Liberty. Does anyone have experience with either one?

Thanks,

Signed torn!

[Randy the sly old fox]

I would not tow either of these TTs with the Jeep, in fact I found this in a review I found on line
"Liberty CRD's extra torque can't be fully used. The vehicle is limited to the same towing and hauling maximums as the gas model: 5,000 pounds and 1,150 pounds.
Jeep's worried that elevating the towing maximum would encourage people to hitch up long, heavy trailers and the tail would wag the dog going down the road"

Both of these TTs, when loaded will easily tip the 5000 lb mark - and don't forget that you must also subtract the weight of passengers and cargo in the Jeep.

I would be looking at something in the 18-20' range with a GVWR of around 4000 lbs. - or perhaps a pop-up or TrailMannor - low profile trailers don't have as much problem with sway due to winds - however it is still possible to have the tail wag the dog.

[cameronet]

The Rockwood Mini-lite 2306 looks like a good possibility. GVWR is less than 4K pounds. I looked at the Trail Cruiser by R-vision and it probably has to go also. Thank you for your response.

[Randy the sly old fox]

It is still 24' long and 4670 GVWR which with only a 1200 lb payload capacity you will probably be pushing it. Remember you can't really believe the dry wt. I once owned a Trail Lite that tipped the scales at its GVWR of 4000 lbs with only my camping gear - no water. Remember that the dry wts do not include LPG or batteries which will add close to 150 lbs to the tounge (assuming 2 bats and 2 30 lb LPG tanks).

As for the length, the Jeep is a relatively short wheelbase and the longer the TT you put behind it the more chance for the tail to wag the dog. This is why I suggested something in the smaller 18 to 20' range and yes 4-5 ft does make a difference.