Tow Ratings
 

I visit several RV and camper sites and I see the question about Tow Ratings come up a lot. There are several sites that offer tow ratings, this is one of the better ones.

Camping Life Magazine

I also added this to our links section to make it easy to find in the future.

Neal

Tow Vehicles research
 

I have general question on tow vehicles. While the manufacture(s) brochure information states their optimistic view on the expectations of a tow vehicle nothing beats the real world experience. I am pulling a Hi-Lo 2206T - 5500# GVWR. What has been the experience of others pulling a similar trailer weight with a 4.6L whether it is Ford, Toyota or the GM 4.8L engines in variable terrain (hills)?

BandH -

I have a 2010 F-150, 5.4L, with tow package, when I researched them I found that the engine size was only one factor in the tow rating. Some others were, rear axle ratio, springs, tires, body length, brakes, vehicle weight, hitch setup and the inclusion of a tow package.

Best I remember, depending on the options I choose for my F-150, the tow ratings were from as little as 5500 to as much as 10,200 pounds. I don't remember the exact numbers. With the options and model I choose, I ended up with 9,800 pound rating. Most of what I've found says that the realistic towing amounts are 75 percent of the rated amount. So for me, towing in a mixed environment, I don't want more then 7000 pounds, and part of that is going to be the cargo in the truck itself.

I know some people push the rating a lot closer, but I tend to be conservative. If you use the link to Camping Life Magazine, found at the top of this thread, it has a great tool that’ll get you pretty close to the rated amount for your vehicle.

Hopefully we'll get some input from some other members on this too. Here's something that you don't want to have happen, of course I think this guy has more then one problem.

YouTube - Small Car towing caravan crashes

Neal

Neal,

I appreciate the info on what guided you to your choice. The rule of thumb guidance of 75% along with all other things taken into account makes sense. My own research has guided me that way to. It is always useful to know what others are using in a similar application - towing a Hi-Lo, without plowing a lot of wind.

The linked video, while humorous in that we can all empathize with what can happen, it's a lesson to all of what can happen.

back to the research,
Bob

GVW for 21' 1992 funlite camper
 

I'm considering buying a 1992 funlite hi-lo camper.
Problem is I have no way of knowing what the GVW is.
I have a 2008 Jeep wrangler unlimited with the 3.8 liter.
I'm told my towing capacity is rated at 3500 lbs.
I'm concerned that htis funlite may be too much.
Any ideas as to where I can get weight specs for it?

Our 1997 Hi-Lo TowLite has the following information on the tag - which is located on the inside door of the kitchen cabinet. GVW is 2973, carrying capacity of 927 (including water), GVWR is 3900.

tow vehicle
 

Before we bought our 25ft. Classic I asked the dealer if our 94 Mercury Grand Marquis could pull it. He said that with air shocks, transmission cooler and the Reese Stabilizer Package Hitch we could, I did all that and added Air Lift Bags to the rear suspension just to be sure. My mechanic, also an RV'er said the 4.6 and the transmission could handle it. They we're both right. The only problem we have found is sway from tractor trailers on I-75. They come past you at 75 mph+. I asked a driver at one of the rest stops about it. He laughed and said they love to do it to people pulling Travel Trailers, it breaks up their day watching you fight the wheel. He also gave me some advice. When I see one coming up fast "Slow Down to between 45 and 50 mph. He said it helps break the vacume that happens when they come past you. I found that that works really well. I am at or probably a little under the proper tow vehicle axle length to trailer hitch to front axle lenght ratio but it works.
Hope this helps.

I have a 95T 21 ft. that has an actual dry weight of 3400 lbs. around 37 to 3800 loaded. Weighted it. The GVW weights posted on older trailers tends to be wrong, also it is for a stripped trailer with no accessories of any kind. I towed it with a 99 Explorer with a 4.0 V6, 210 hp, with 5 speed auto and lock up torque converter. Tow rating of 4500lbs, It pulled it well but it also has the tow package V8 radiator. I towed the 95 in all kinds of terrain for around 80,000 miles. Never overheated, but the trans now has a torque converter lock up problem at 130,000 miles.
You may be pushing the limit of your jeep.

Towing
 

I have been reading all the comments on towing and one thing is drastically missing in most cases. If you are going to tow it is advisable to have a transimission cooler for Automatic transmissions installed and you should also have your tranny serviced about every 10000 miles, that is if you are not up to paying for a new tranny. Even if you rig has a towing package on it the extra cooling helps keep the oil from getting to hot and from breaking down. The reason for servicing your tranny more often is it keeps a fresh filter and fresh fluid in your tranny and you can also see if there is trouble headed your way. Most filters will show if you are starting to develope problems as you will begin to see metal flakes on the outside of your filter and or around the maganet inside of the pan. I have a 92 full size bronco with the E40D transmission and after being stranded out of cell range and 10 miles from the nearest phone with an 18ft boat :mad:I decided to have my tranny beefed, $4500 later I was very happy. :eek:One of the things I had done was put in a towing shift kit.:) What happened was the "PLASTIC" spline finally gave out so now my tranny has no plastic in it, all the bells and whistles are there and I no longer worry. I must also admit I had 241 k miles :eek:on my tranny and I knew it could go. However the tranny cooler is one thing my tranny mech has suggested even though my boat only weighs in at 2k lbs. I also now have AAA RV+ which pays for the towing of my RV also if I have another problem.

Newbie Here
 

Hi folks,

We're newbies at the whole RV thing! I know diddly!

We bought a 1994 - or was it a 95? 24 ft.TowLite and we need the whole thing to be looked over and I'm going to contact the guys at J&R.

We have a Toyota Mini Van that does not have a towing package (Is front-wheel drive) and it says that it can haul 3500 lbs and our TowLite says it's 2440, so with all our gear, I think we could do it.

We don't even have a trailer hitch on our vehicle yet.

We bought it so that while our house is being remodelled, we can actually live in it for approximately five months. We're going to do this next summer and pitch a couple tents next to it too. We figure we'll have it for years and years for lots of camping fun with our currently 8 1/2 y.o. twins.

In the meantime, we want to take it on a small vacation right after Christmas, as it's the only time we can get away. Would we really blow it if we took it on a salted road?

What's the best kind of trailer hitch to get? Where?

Why does the non-working freezer smell like ammonia? I've heard that old freezers actually used ammonia.

ANY advice about ANYTHING related to our story will be carefully perused.

Thanks,

Mary Kay in Ohio

A 24 ft TowLite weights well over 4,000 lbs. My 21 ft 95 weights 3,400 lbs dry weight no water ect. had it weighed. My 22ft 2209 weights 3860 Dry weight. With 30 gals of water at 8.3 lbs per gal add another 249 lbs. plus full propane tanks, food, bedding, clothes, etc. it weights well over 4,000 lbs.
The weights marked on some of the older trailers was wrong, my 21ft 95 TowLite was listed at 2400 lbs also.
There is no way a 24 ft Hi-Lo can only weigh 2400. Get it weighted and you will see.
There is no way your mini van should pull that trailer.

Welcome to the Forum! I'm afraid that this trailer is just too much for your mini-van. You should ideally tow about 80-85% of your tow vehicles rated towing capacity. If you had a vehicle that was rated at 5000 lbs, that would be sufficient.
The ammonia smell indicates a leak in your refrigerator somewhere. RV refrigerators use ammonia as the refrigerant instead of Freon or the Freon replacements used in automobiles, etc.
Hope this helps!

Jeff

Hi Mary Kay,
Ditto the above entries.
Regarding salty roads... You can do it, just get under there and clean as soon as possible. Leaving the exposed portion of the hydraulic ram, cable, pullies, and other related hardware coated with salt residue and corroding would be very bad. The above components should be inspected and lubricated periodically even if not pulling through winter salt.
Jim

With an ammonia leak you should not turn the fridge on, this will cause it to leak more and ammonia gas is very harm full. I would say that you should not stay or sleep inside the trailer until the leak is fixed or the fridge is removed.

Transmission coolers
 

charliek,your comments about automatic transmission coolers and changing the fluid are very truye advice. Our 97 Ford F250 came with everything Heavy Duty and set up for towing. We baby our truck and get the tranny fluid changed every two years,depends on miles. Get your rear end differential fluid changed also.as per your operators manual.Don't forget if your truck is 4x4 to have your transfer case fluid changed. At the price of a new truck these small investments of $ pay big dividends in the long run. Take care of your truck and it will take care of you!!!!

Automatic transmission is usually the best choice for towing service . A manual is okay but only for experienced, careful shifters. With automatic, just remember a few precautions: make sure your vehicle has a transmission cooler, keep a gently throttle foot when possible, and remember to always disable overdrive to prevent excessive wear.

chicago towing | towing chicago

And remember, it is no embarrassment to slow down and shift down on those steep hills. Shifting to a lower gear helps to keep the engine and transmission cooler by them not having to work as hard.

Can I tow it?
 

I have an 1989 HiLo 22', and can I tow it with a 2005 Mercury Mountaineer 4.6 V8 All wheel drive? It does have a class 5 tow package on it. Thank you.

Look here and you will see what Trailer Life says about your vehicle: https://www.trailerlife.com/wp-conten...Guide-2005.pdf I think it may handle it. It would be best to consult your owners manual and see what it has to say.

Remember that you also should not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating. Once you load up the tow vehicle, you may find that this is the limiting factor instead of the trailer tow rating.

Its possible that Ford has a Mercury towing guide here:
https://owner.ford.com/servlet/Conte...gistrationPage

Raul

Towing Capacity
 

Thank you all for the info. Has anyone pulled something with a Mercury Mountaineer 4.6 V8? What? Load size? How long?

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2007-towing 2705T
 

I just bought a 2705T-Towlite and pulled it back from Fla. to Virginia-about 850 miles. Used Tow/Haul switch and got 13mpg at 58mph. at 61mph, I got 9.5 MPG. I could not believe the difference a few mph would make on thegas useage. TW was 510 lbs using Sherline Scale. Trailer EW was 4650# with allowable up to 7500# with WDS system. Electric brake setting of 25 or 30 seemed to work well. Spent my first nite on the road at a Walmart in Florence,SC. Walmart had a McDonalds, and Sams Gas pumps-all American
Dream-Sleep,eat and gas up at Wally World.

SkyKing from Blacksburg,Va.:)

SkyKing (I remember that show from my youth), there are many things that effect gas mileage. Hills and headwind are biggies - both put a bigger load on the engine. I doubt a 3 mph difference cost you 3.5 MPG. Additionally, an MPG calculation based on a single tank of gas is not particularly accurate. I've seen mine vary by as much as yours between consecutive fillups when maintaining a constant speed. The pump fill sensor may have cut off the gas early when you got the high economy reading and then you did the next leg with less than a full tank to start with.

I use a spreadsheet to monitor mileage and it calculates my overall towing and non-towing averages as well as my combined average and individual fillup averages. It also keeps track of my towing and non-towing mileage too, so I'm aware if I've been using the truck in severe or normal service.

Don't lose hope, I suspect your actual mileage while towing is probably in the 11 MPG range.

- Jack

Yes it takes several tanks to get an average. If the pump runs slow I can put almost 2 gallons in the tank after it auto shuts off. Also if the vehicle is not level when filling makes a difference. Also if you are going by the computer mileage they aren't that reliable.

we are new to camping w/2207 model hi lo...in process of purchasing truck or suv to tow. Can someone(s) please advise vehicles that will do the job...we find confusing. Also what does uvw 3332 and gvwr 5500 lbs mean? Do we add them to get total weight of 8832 lbs for the hi lo??

I would go no less than a Toyota Tacoma with a tow package which I believe has a tow rating of 6500#. A Ford F150 with a tow package works well having much higher tow rating and a longer wheel base. Longer wheel base makes for more stable towing. I towed our 2310H, which is a 22' with more weight, about 4000# UVWR and 7000# GVWR with a 2007 Tacoma with good results. We came nowhere close to 7000#, probably closer to 5000# when traveling. The F150 with the Ecoboost engine tows the trailer with ease, and gets better gas mileage than the Tacoma. Having a good anti-sway hitch setup is also very important.

The more capable the tow vehicle and hitch setup is the less the driver will have white knuckles in tight situations.

UVWR = Unloaded Vehicle Weight Rating
GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

You don't add them, GVWR is the maximum weight.

Towing vehicle
 

Thanks so much for the education/advise!! It makes our decision so much simpler. Happy and safe travels.

I know my inspection plate inside the drivers door frame gives me the Front axle GRVW and the rear axle GRVW. Combine the two gives you the GRVW for towing and mine max's out at 6000 lbs. Add 2 adults and extra gear generally takes it to about 4500 lbs. and that is on the safe side. I could push it to 5000 but I usually take the safe route.

There are 2 main issues in towing. Most important is that the trailer doesn't overwhelm the tow vehicle when braking, turning, and steep downhills, i.e. "tail wagging the dog". Electric brakes, controlling speed, weight on the rear axle, etc help, but no replacement for a vehicle much heavier than the trailer. Still, most tractor-trailers tow a much heavier trailer, which is why brake checks are critical for them before going downhill.

The other issue is protecting the drive-train. The engine doesn't matter much. The transmission and rear-end is what could get damaged. The typical factory "tow package" adds an extra tranny oil cooler, power steering cooler (less important), stiffer rear springs, and trailer connector. Most important is the oil cooler, which isn't hard to add and a good idea even without a trailer.

I have been towing our 1978 Hi-Lo with our 2002 Chrysler T&C minivan w/ 3.8L AWD and towing package. We haven't gone on many trips, but several times to Lake Tahoe (7200 ft pass) with no problems. It is a little unnerving having a trailer behind, especially down-hill. On steep uphill sections, I down-shift and slow to 45 mph to spare the tranny, though I could go 60 mph. The trailer is 2700 lb and the minivan ~4500 lb. Today's minivans aren't mini anymore. The only trouble I had was one campsite where the driveway was very steep and had sand and pine-straw at the bottom. I had to get a running start to back up without slipping or stalling. Even worse, I had to move big stone blocks to get the trailer level enough to lift the top.

I have a 2308 Classic Hi-Lo, with a gross wt. of 6000 lbs. towed by a Toyota 4-Runner, 6 cyl. and it handles the Hi-lo just fine. I normally pull it at about 5000 +/- 300, and it handled Vermont hills 5 Kliks long in 30+ Deg. C just fine, coming back from Nova Scotia to Ontario.
I did replace the OEM wt. carrying hitch with a Husky wt. dist. hitch, and when time to change them, I replaced the 265-70 tires with 255-70 tires to make it easier for the drive train to pull a max load. The Toyota is rated for 5000 lbs. but handle the RV just fine.
At 2500 RPM in forth speed, I'm showing 95 KPH. on the GPS. 100 KPH. requires 2650 RPM. FYI: I DO not use a sway control; not needed.

See my answers using a Toyota 4-Runner, under "4-Runner as tow vehicles."
Mel

Hi-Lo 17T
 

My wife has discovered that even though it is just her and I that go RVing, that this TowLite is still to small for us with all the stuff she brings with us on our vacations. So I am wondering if my 2015 Tacoma with the 4.0 V6 will tow a 20-22 foot Hi-Lo? It has a 6000 pound towing capacity and between my wife and I we can subtract about 400lbs passenger weight. If so i am going to put my Hi-Lo up for sale and buy a larger Hi-Lo.

You and your wife's weight and the weight of anything else in the vehicle count towards the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) for the truck. The GVWR for a 22 hi-lo, itself, is around 5000 so ......as long as you dont exceed THAT weight on the trailer you should be good to tow IT. BUT, the weight of the Taco, you and the wife, gear, and TONGUE weight of the trailer needs to be less than the GVWR of your truck and I am guessing you will be damn close with a Tacoma. (The weight rating should be on the inside of one of the doors). Depends on how much tongue weight you end up with and how much stuff you bring. That said there have been more than a few on this forum towing with a Tacoma.

Personally, I think that's too much trailer for a Tacoma. If nothing else, the tongue weight and weight of the WD hitch will probably exceed the axle weight limits on your truck.

- Jack

We towed our 2310H with a 2007 Tacoma Quad Cab with no problems. The 2310H is heavier than earlier 22' models and is about 4000 pounds before options. I have to say though that we were and still are weight conscience and don't take all our worldly possessions with us. Our 2012 F150 Ecoboost does a much better job however.

My Tacoma has the heavy duty towing package on it. I would never tow a trailer without it. I have the WDH and it makes towing very nice. The last RV I had was 3800 pound dry and by the time it was loaded was about 4500. Wife does not pack the kitchen sink because it already has one. :-) But we have decided on a 20, 21 or 22. The 24 is nice but I am sure it will blow an axle if I put it under extreme pressure. ( No I am not that crazy but the 24 seems to fit the floor plan we need. She has had several back surgeries and I have a back that is on its way out too. So the less effort for us to get out of bed the better. She cannot crawl over me to get out and I tend to get up several times in the night. So the floor plan with the two sofas for the master bed seem to work the best but finding one that is not 30 years old is very difficult. I suppose I could reconfigure it with the sofa setup but as I said projects are getting harder for me every year.

Mike

Ratmouser,

We have a 2206 and tow it with a 2006 Tacoma DC V6 Prerunner with the heavy duty tow package. We also use an equalizer hitch. When we went to Colorado last year, we towed it up and over a 12,000 elevation pass thanks to our darn GPS. We didn't have any trouble towing it up and over the pass. We tow without water in the tanks so we don't have to worry about that additional weight.

On the our 22ft Tow lite, the front couch makes into a double bed. We didn't find the bed particularly comfortable (bad foam), so we added plywood, a foam futon and memory foam topper to make it much more to our liking. The bed is always made up.

Thanks Les. This make our shopping for another Hi-Lo that much easier. We are finding that the extra 5' will make all the difference in the world. We are researching for retirement which is about 5 years out. We are looking at states near the east coast that does not tax retirement. Michigan governor (Snider) seen fit to pass a law to tax Michigan retirement. Not a good thing. Will research more about the replacement Hi-Lo when we get home from the Outer Banks, NC. Right now time to enjoy the beach, sun and the sand until Friday the 31st. Couple of shark siting's but no shark bites yet. :-)

Mike

Ratmouser,
Florida--no personal income tax! Also, full time residence will get you $25,000 homestead rebate year after year. You just have to put up with near prefect weather year round. :D
Treeclimber

That's the best news I have heard all day. Well next to best news, today is a very good beach day!!! :-)

Thanks Treeclimber

Mike