Hi, everyone!

I've been looking at 19 and 22 foot Towlites. I need to know if a midsize SUV with a 5,000 tow rating (e.g. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe) is big enough for these, please, or if I need to look for less trailer or more tow vehicle.

I *really* like the 22' with the drop down bunk, but I'm not sure I like it enough to go to a full size SUV.

The dry weight of both models is under 3500 lbs, so if I find the right trailer before I find the right TV, will my sister's Ford Edge (3500 lbs tow capacity) be enough to get the thing home empty?

I'm a complete newb at this, so please use small words, visual aids and lots of hand gestures wherever possible.

Many thanks!

Dia

Here is a good article to get you started on learning the basics of tow ratings and how much is allowable. Hope this helps in getting you started.

Choosing the Right Tow Vehicle

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PappaP
Former Owner of a 1999 Classic HiLo Model 29B

Thank you, PappaP. I will look that over. I can already see it's more complicated than "my trailer weighs less than my tow rating, so I must be OK."

Page 26 has the tow rating for your TV.

http://dcd96xmek71bc.cloudfront.net/...ced%20file.pdf

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"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas

Thanks, RCR. That manual may have been printed before the newest specs for the (non Sport) Santa Fe came out.

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/santa-fe/performance.aspx
I'm still not sure if 5,000 lbs is enough for the 22' but I'll keep researching. I haven't purchased my TV yet, so I have plenty of time to change my mind.

My 95 - 21ft weighs 3400lbs empty. My 2009 - 22ft weighs 3860lbs empty, a tow rating of 5000lbs is enough to pull either one. A WD hitch will be needed either class 3 or class 4.
Be sure that the tow vehicle that you buy comes with the factory tow package, as this gives you a larger radiator and a transmission cooler.

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Rich
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(215TL) - 1995 21' TowLite
(2209T) - 2009 22' TowLite
(2510 ) - 2010 25'

We have a 2006 toyota tacoma V6 with a tow rating of 6500 lbs. We have a 2006 22ft towlite which weighs close to PopRichie's 3800 lbs.

Over the 4th of July, we towed our trailer to Mt Lassen park and went up some pretty steep grades. We had to drive with our truck in 1st gear most of the way up the mountaint. We would not have been comfortable with a lower tow rating on that stretch.

Our 21 foot 1997 Towlite was approx. 1000 lbs lighter than our 2006.

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Les & Patricia
2006 22ft towlite (replaces 97 21TL)
2006 Toyota tacoma pre-runner 4.0 L V-6 quad cab
w/ 98 chevy Powervision towing mirrors
2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3 v8 (replaces Toyota)
2 Hobie mirage pedal drive kayaks

Thanks, everyone!

I think I'll focus on the 19 just to have some wiggle room.

pulling horse power is only part of what you should be concerned with. You'll also need adequate brakes to stop.

I don't know if this is necessary, but I've heard it recommended NOT to exceed 3/4 of the tow rating - so as to allow for a safety factor. If that were true then 3/4 of your stated 5000 pound capability would only allow for 3750#. THAT recommendation is why I eventually upgraded to a stronger vehicle.

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2014 Ford F250 6.7 PS
formerly a HiLo TD2401
now an 08 Jayco Eagle

I've towed two trailers, including my Hi-Lo, with three tow vehicles. All have been pretty much at max capacity. I've never had any issues. This include driving pretty fast, towing on mountain roads, in the snow, and deserts.

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Raul

2408T
2010 Nissan Frontier, 4x4, Crew Cab

My explorer only has a tow rating of 4500lbs and I am getting by. I towed the 95 about 90,000 miles with no problems at all. It does have the factory upgrade of a V8 radiator and a trans cooler. We took several trips to the west lots of mountains in Co., Alaska, many trips to Florida, mountains in Va., Tenn., Ga. The 2209 does load it, but it has never went lower than 2nd gear, it is a 5 speed auto, I did install another stock trans cooler when we got the 2209. Point is you can tow close to the max tow rating but don't expect to fly up mountains. My engine never overheats but trans temps soar up on mountains.

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Rich
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(215TL) - 1995 21' TowLite
(2209T) - 2009 22' TowLite
(2510 ) - 2010 25'

I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra with a tow rating of 5000. I have been towing a 2208t without any issues. Just got back recently from Wyoming and it handled the 2500 mile trip flawlessly with Kayaks on top and bikes on the back. I always travel dry, however.

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2008 Towlite 22T
2005 Nissan Xterra

Kayaks on top and bikes in the rear to some super nice countryside. NICE!

Later Tim

Thanks, everyone! I'm still on the hunt for the right trailer and the right TV. Fortunately, I've got time on my side.