Community Forums

RK4RV · 06-29-2021, 07:42 AM

Have a new 2021 Wayfarer, would like some input on what vehicles people may be towing with the Wayfarer and any tips.

I have a JL Wranger but it comes in right at the GVWR for Rig and all things.

Thank you
R

wayfarer2021 · 06-30-2021, 10:15 AM

I tow a 2021 Equinox. It weighs 3400 lbs. I wanted a Jeep but they were too heavy for my liking. The Equinox tows fine but on hills you will know it is back there. Don't believe it when folks folks say they tow a Jeep behind a Wayfarer and don't even know it's there. A Jeep is 1000 lbs heavier. I don't know how they would know it is back there unless they only tow in Florida. The Wayfarer does fine but you will not be the first up the hill.

RK4RV · 06-30-2021, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayfarer2021

I tow a 2021 Equinox. It weighs 3400 lbs. I wanted a Jeep but they were too heavy for my liking. The Equinox tows fine but on hills you will know it is back there. Don't believe it when folks folks say they tow a Jeep behind a Wayfarer and don't even know it's there. A Jeep is 1000 lbs heavier. I don't know how they would know it is back there unless they only tow in Florida. The Wayfarer does fine but you will not be the first up the hill.

Can you describe your tow bar / breaking set up ? and now that you have towed the eq, would you imagine a jeep would be much different ? I have never flat towed. I don't expect to be the first up a hill and don't want to be the first down the hill either. I would imagine if going across the continental divide or some huge grade we would just unhook and drive separately if needed. I hate to give up the jeep but also don't want to hurt myself or anyone else.

wayfarer2021 · 06-30-2021, 04:18 PM

I have a Blue Ox base plate and Ascent tow bar. I use the Demco Stan-N-Play Duo braking system. Many people tow a Jeep with the Wayfarer and I suspect in most cases they exceed the 4220 lbs towing capacity of the Wayfarer assuming you have the Wayfarer loaded to its max 11030 weight. People say the Jeeps pull just fine. I just did not want to exceed the weight rating or to max it out. Like I mentioned my 3400 lbs Equinox will definitely let you know it is behind you when pulling hills not just mountains. I just get in the right hand lane and take my time. I came up a pretty steep grade yesterday and was able to maintain 45-50 mph which isn't bad but the pedal was to the medal as the saying goes. I don't like to work the engine that hard though the diesel should not complain. I have to think the extra 1000 lbs or so the Jeep weighs will impact performance more though.

BlueRidgeTim · 07-01-2021, 09:56 PM

I tow a 2005 Wrangler (TJ) with a Blue Ox Avail & Patriot braking setup. The TJ is about 3800lbs. I definitely know it’s back there up hills, but the Patriot brakes work well & I never feel it “pushing” on descents. Surprisingly I only give up about 1 mpg when towing. Have been back & forth to FL a couple times & a few short trips to western NC with this setup. Looking forward to a long trip out west in the near future.

RK4RV · 07-02-2021, 01:00 PM

Well, I think may most things in the RV Lifestyle people have a wide tolerance for what they feel comfortable with. Such as Towing right at your limit or trying to be a fair amount below.

Since I already own the 2018 JL Wrangler unlimited I will probably try it. If it doesn't feel good then I added a base plate and a wire kit. The remainder of the tow kit, bar etc can be used for anything I would later decide to tow. so I may try it and then go from there.

Just as an FYI I took everything to the CAT scale and this was what it came in at.

2018 Wrangler Hard Top 4 Door Sport Unlimited ( Stock ) 4,275 Lbs

1/2 tank of Gas. The front and rear axle about and even distro on total weight.

2021 Tiffin Wayfarer Alcoa Wheels, Gen, not loaded for travel. 10,820 Lbs, with 2 large guys inside subtract about 450 lbs if you want unoccupied weight. But of course if your traveling you will always be occupied.

about 1/2 Fuel and 30 Percent Fresh Water, Gray and Black almost nothing.

Best Wishes.
Rick

glenthompson · 07-04-2021, 04:55 PM

If a manual transmission is ok then there are a number of light weight vehicles suitable for toads like the Honda Fit, Fit 500, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Corolla. I used to tow a Miata. Hardly knew it was back there.

CliffHAIR · 11-07-2021, 11:04 PM

We toe a 2021 EQUINOX THAT WEIGHS 3400 pounds.

f14av8r · 11-09-2021, 05:14 AM

We tow a 2016 Ford Focus.

MarkMaxPayne · 11-15-2021, 11:16 AM

I tow a 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo with manual transmission. Why? It was one of the lightest TOADs out there (towing behind a Mercedes Sprinter chassis vs a big Class A) and it is a blast to drive. I went with a Roadmaster NightHawk tow bar and Roadmaster Invisibrake. I love the Invisbrake, but they had a bad lot of compressors and I've had 2 replaced under warranty (I live across the river from their HQ & factory so warranty work wasn't an issue to schedule/complete at their facility).

Best,
-Mark

intercept · 12-17-2021, 06:57 PM

Hey BlueRigeTim,

Can you tell me what the actual MPG is when you tow and when you go solo?

Thinking about trading in my 2018 RED at 10 MPG for a Wayfarer.

Multiple reasons. Nothing wrong with the RED.

Thanks,

Jack

HighDesert · 12-18-2021, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intercept

Hey BlueRigeTim,

Can you tell me what the actual MPG is when you tow and when you go solo?

Thinking about trading in my 2018 RED at 10 MPG for a Wayfarer.

Multiple reasons. Nothing wrong with the RED.

Thanks,

Jack

If I were you, I’d think like g and hard before pulling the trigger on a move like that, IMO. Why - having owned a Sprinter chassis product for 2 years, found several issues with the size. Understand, my comments are based on taking trips anywhere from a week to two months.

Total weight capacity of the Wayfarer is the worst of the lot based on how Tiffin builds them out. They are nicely done, but end up leaving enough weight capacity for the two of you, the dog, and a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter. Being facetious, but you get the point if you look at weight specs.

Interior space is at a premium, especially if you arrive at a destination and experience foul weather for many days at a time. Generally, there is really very little casual relaxation area(s). Also,if you are a bigger person,, 6’ or more, you’re going to bump into all sorts of things all the time. The beds are generally short queens, meaning they are both shorter and narrower, and generally not that comfortable.

New style RV fridge that is 12v only, and uses solar panel. Lots of complaints on these. Also, very small food storage in these, so you spend a lot more time grocery shopping.

Maintenance is pretty pricey on these rigs, and can only be serviced by “authorized” Mercedes dealers. In my case, the closest one to me was 150 miles away, even though a Mercedes dealer was 20 miles away. If traveling, and away from major metropolitan areas, mechanical issues arise, you could be looking at a tow of up to 500 miles to an “authorized” dealer (such as a breakdown in Cody, Wy).

Storage space is pretty lacking on the Sprinter chassis. Again, not best setup for taking a long trip with multiple needs.

It does get good mileage, handles well, can be parked about anywhere a full size pickup would park, and is comfortable to ride in.

Because of the reasons I listed, we went to a class A, and just can’t give up the space for the two of us and our Yorkie. Our last trip ended up in constant rain for 3+ days, and the interior space and lounging aspects (with the fireplace) proved invaluable. I could not have done that in the MBS Sprinter. We had a 2017 Sunseeker 2400R, then to a 2019 32SA, and now the 2017 Red 33AA. I would never go back. Hope this gives you some insight from my viewpoint, only. I’m sure others will totally disagree, but as I said earlier - it is my opinion, only.