Sence the Ever-Lite TT weighs less than other brands for the same size unit the possibilities of using other vehicles to tow them increases. So, I thought it would be good to put the issue of towing the Ever-lite out there and maybe we all could share our experiences to make the towing part even better.
As I said in an earlier posting I have a GMC Enyoy equipped with the V-8 drive train and air suspension with the trailer package. The numbers based on the OEM data and specs. say the unit has a 6600# tow capacity and a 11500# GCVW so I don't want to go over either number. As I look at the numbers I end up with about 1300# cargo capacity total including vehicle cargo and passengers. The numbers say it will work but my thinking is telling me it may be too close with no safety factor. Does running a vehicle like mine at near the max capability cause any premature wearout issues with the vehicle as well as any safety issues. How about anyone with a little experience sharing some of that experience it would be helpful to us all as the need for smaller vehicles seems to be a trend.
Also any experience on the hitches and the double sway-bar types would be helpful.
Thank you in advance for any data you may have
TKS MLT
charles said
07:19 PM Jun 28, 2010
We have an EVERGREEN Owners Group. Take a look and join, surely someone can help you.
I have a 31RLS and pull with a Ford F 250 gas.
CCC
MrPiper said
08:10 PM Jul 1, 2010
We pull our 31 DS with our 2004 Hemi 5.7L Durango with no problems in tens of thousands of miles traveled.
Sailbad said
08:29 PM Jul 1, 2010
If you will use gross weights for the tow vehicle as well as the gross combined weights for the tow vehicle and the trailer you won't go wrong.
That leads you to get real scale weights on your tow vehicle so you know how much weight you can add in or on the vehicle (including tongue weight) and stay within limits.
As an example: The gross weight rating of your vehicle is 6,000lbs. But.. by scale it only weighs 4,000lbs. Then you have the capacity to add 2,000lbs.
Next if your Gross Combined Weight Rating is 12,000lbs and you already know your vehicle rating is 6,000lbs. Then you can reasonably deduce that you should not pull a trailer that has a gross weight rating in excess of 6,000lbs.
The 3rd weight you should watch is the rear axle weight rating of your tow vehicle. Also make sure your tires are rated to carry the weight.
Sushidog said
03:42 PM Jul 3, 2010
If you are looking for an ultra-light TT for full-time use, you might want to take a look at the Crossroads Slingshot line. They have a 28 ft model with a long slide that weighs in at only 3,768 lbs! The most impressive thing about these models for fulltiming is their CCC.
Though not a full-timer yet, from what I've learned researching the subject (and I'm sure someone here will correct me if I'm wrong) fulltimers generally look for about 3,000 lbs or more of CCC. All Slingshots exceed this minimum requirement. The GT27RB I refered to above has 3,466 lbs of carrying capacity. Of course loading to capacity would exceed the manufacturers suggested tow rating for your Envoy. Backing off from your Envoy's 6,600lb tow rating still gives you 2,832 lbs of capacity to carry all your worldly possessions with you. This is especially important because RVs seldom weigh any where near their advertised dry weight when popular options (such as ac, spare tire, dual propane tanks, etc.) are added. Also consider that you may want to travel with a full water tank, propane, an extra battery, solar panels, etc.
You might get by towing with your Envoy for a while, but eventually I feel you will want to at least step up to a late model 1/2 ton pick-up with enough towing capacity to maximixe your trailer's CCC.
Chip
flyone said
11:52 AM Jul 7, 2010
MLT, there is a safety factor already built in to the OEM numbers, however keeping the weight down below the factory numbers will only help. If you exceed the tow ratings you stand the chance of doing sever damage to the TV. Not exceeding the tow ratings does not insure you will not have trouble with your TV. However chances diminish as your tow weight goes down. As far as the hitch,my set up, a 27 foot TT is Load Levelers, with a single sway bar, and I have never had any trouble what so ever, in my book a single sway bar (at least) is a must. Several people I know have this same set up and no one that I know has ever had any problems. That is with several different types of TV's and several different TT's. The second sway bar is for very heavy loads, I have seen a few but not many. Two People I know tried it with out any sway bar trying to save a little money and after a few pulls changed their minds and had a sway bar installed. My suggestion would be load levelers with a single sway bar, try it a few times, if not comfortable add a second sway bar. After all you have to feel safe and comfortable.
Flyone
charles said
12:08 PM Jul 7, 2010
I neglected to mention the hitch that we use: EQUALIZER brand Four Point hitch, this is the one withOUT the chains.
It was recommemded to me by a friend who has pulled an rv TT for many decades. We really like it, so far, we see no need for something like a HENSLEY.
Pulling thru the Arkansas mountains rt now. At a Corps of Engineers park at Heber Springs.
Sence the Ever-Lite TT weighs less than other brands for the same size unit the possibilities of using other vehicles to tow them increases. So, I thought it would be good to put the issue of towing the Ever-lite out there and maybe we all could share our experiences to make the towing part even better.
As I said in an earlier posting I have a GMC Enyoy equipped with the V-8 drive train and air suspension with the trailer package. The numbers based on the OEM data and specs. say the unit has a 6600# tow capacity and a 11500# GCVW so I don't want to go over either number. As I look at the numbers I end up with about 1300# cargo capacity total including vehicle cargo and passengers. The numbers say it will work but my thinking is telling me it may be too close with no safety factor. Does running a vehicle like mine at near the max capability cause any premature wearout issues with the vehicle as well as any safety issues. How about anyone with a little experience sharing some of that experience it would be helpful to us all as the need for smaller vehicles seems to be a trend.
Also any experience on the hitches and the double sway-bar types would be helpful.
Thank you in advance for any data you may have
TKS
MLT
We have an EVERGREEN Owners Group.
Take a look and join, surely someone can help you.
I have a 31RLS and pull with a Ford F 250 gas.
CCC
Though not a full-timer yet, from what I've learned researching the subject (and I'm sure someone here will correct me if I'm wrong) fulltimers generally look for about 3,000 lbs or more of CCC. All Slingshots exceed this minimum requirement. The GT27RB I refered to above has 3,466 lbs of carrying capacity. Of course loading to capacity would exceed the manufacturers suggested tow rating for your Envoy. Backing off from your Envoy's 6,600lb tow rating still gives you 2,832 lbs of capacity to carry all your worldly possessions with you. This is especially important because RVs seldom weigh any where near their advertised dry weight when popular options (such as ac, spare tire, dual propane tanks, etc.) are added. Also consider that you may want to travel with a full water tank, propane, an extra battery, solar panels, etc.
You might get by towing with your Envoy for a while, but eventually I feel you will want to at least step up to a late model 1/2 ton pick-up with enough towing capacity to maximixe your trailer's CCC.
Chip
EQUALIZER brand Four Point hitch, this is the one withOUT the chains.
It was recommemded to me by a friend who has pulled an rv TT for many decades.
We really like it, so far, we see no need for something like a HENSLEY.
Pulling thru the Arkansas mountains rt now. At a Corps of Engineers park at Heber Springs.
Nice park!
CCC