Overwhelmed

[Mark_Sandy]

We are looking at lightweight TT, pulling with a 2017 Tundra 5.7 tow package. We’ve looked at Sunset Trail, Freedom Express Select and Connect. Looking for 29-30 ft w/rear kitchen or rear LR with easy chairs, couch and a dinette area. We are older and may use the trailer for long trips after retirement. Carry a grandchild with us at times. Really wanting to stay below $28,000.00. Grand Design is out of the question. Thoughts?

[puttin]

First, welcome to irv2! My own opinion is steer clear of anything made by Thor or Forest River...bad reputations for each. Be careful about quality in trailers- there's a lot of junk out there. Choose a floor plan that's best for you (sounds like you have already). Rear kitchens are a good choice- my daughter has an '06 Springdale 29 rks...bought used a few years ago for around 11k. Still no problems with it. It has the kitchen across the whole rear- not just a corner the way many are built. It also has 2 small easy chairs in the living area with large windows at the rear and across from them. The only down fall in my opinion is the small bathroom- but you don't spend much time in there...hopefully. Good luck and have fun- there's a rig waiting for you out there.

[Mark_Sandy]

Thank you for your reply. We have actually had a difficult time finding the LR arrangement that we like. We have tried to stay with dealers within 50 miles of us, but we may need to branch out a little further. I read on another forum where people had sway in 30+ foot trailers with RK, even when using sway bars. We will be towing with a Tundra 5.7, full 4 door w/short bed. It has the trailer tow package on it. We have always heard you should keep tongue weight down, but people were commenting on the post that there was not enough tongue weight with the kitchen being at the rear. I've never had a rear kitchen. Is this really a viable concern?

[puttin]

No, sway is no worse with an rk. We sometimes tow hers with our Expedition (1/2 ton) with no issues. It's a 30 footer and we have a short wheelbase like your Tundra. A good weight distributing hitch that's properly set up will be fine. If you have concerns about hitch weight you can buy an inexpensive scale that will help you out there. You can also have your fully loaded trailer weighed so you know the whole story. I've never bothered with either one of these things but I watch tire pressures and keep things balanced inside.

[steve52]

Originally Posted by Mark_Sandy

Thank you for your reply. We have actually had a difficult time finding the LR arrangement that we like. We have tried to stay with dealers within 50 miles of us, but we may need to branch out a little further. I read on another forum where people had sway in 30+ foot trailers with RK, even when using sway bars. We will be towing with a Tundra 5.7, full 4 door w/short bed. It has the trailer tow package on it. We have always heard you should keep tongue weight down, but people were commenting on the post that there was not enough tongue weight with the kitchen being at the rear. I've never had a rear kitchen. Is this really a viable concern?

It can be an issue. With the kitchen in the rear, a lot of the storage is also in the rear. Pack enough stuff back there, and it will reduce the tongue weight.

Tongue weight should be 13% to 15% of your loaded trailer weight for best stability.

[Mark_Sandy]

Thank you both for the input.