Any recommendations under 1500 LB with a shower & toilet?

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

Oh no! Here we go again. Tow limits.

My OPINION is

Here's the solution. Stop posting on the subject.

[Bob Miller]

Devils Advocate Here!
So, European towing standards ARE NOT based on engine size, driveline limitations, brakes, carrying capacity etc., just total weight???


I think, to a degree, that towing limits are also controlled by the fact that high MPG requirements put vehicles closer to maximum capabilities, thus reducing towing capacity, as is evidenced by the huge hits that towing puts on high MPG vehicles.


Add to that, most American built RV trailers are simply no longer in the size and weight category that they can be towed by the average American or European compact to midsized vehicle, and car makers sure aren't going to build a right sized vehicle for us, the 1%er's of the RV market.


But Wait..... What about that midsize pick-up that GM just reintroduced?????

[rbryan]

Originally Posted by honda03842

Bryan, are you suggesting that Honda's European engineers calculate structural limits differently than Honda's North American engineers? The cars are structurally the same yet the European rating is twice the North American rating.

Not suggesting anything. Tow over limits at your own risk. To each his own.

[Adrian W]

Glasshouse, perhaps one of these would work for you: Little Joe Lightweight Trailer - Compact Camper Trailer for 2 by Weiscraft Trailers

[Borrego Dave]

Originally Posted by rbryan

I appreciate your opinion Dave and agree in some ways. But, structural limits are determined by engineers after extensive testing. It isn't 'just' about lawyers and liability. The company may "pad" the numbers for a safety margin, but generally, manufacturers limits shouldn't be exceeded if you want a safe and pleasant towing experience. As an engineer, I'm going to have to disagree that the limits are there only to protect the manufacturer. They are also there to protect YOU.

I think a few folks are reading things into what I said. All things have limits for safe use and I agree with you that testing was done to get those numbers. I'm sure we can all agree that the numbers decided upon for a safe working limit are well below a breaking point for the safety of the end user and manufacturer. I said nothing about padding or limits being only for the maker. No manufacturer would set a limit even close to a failure number, that's just moral and common sense. Every time anyone of us tows we end up spiking over the set weight limits of various components just from road conditions. Think of it like pushing a loaded wheelbarrow through a sharp dip (chuck hole) and how much the weight load changes for that split second. If it wasn't for the factored in safety rating over the stated load limit we'd all be in trouble. The sky isn't falling, really it isn't.
Not saying it's OK to go overboard, just use some common sense.

[Glenn Baglo]

I think then the issue will be if you go over the limit and then hit that same sharp dip, the forces will be even greater than they would have been, had you followed guidelines.

[MC1]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

Add to that, most American built RV trailers are simply no longer in the size and weight category that they can be towed by the average American or European compact to midsized vehicle, and car makers sure aren't going to build a right sized vehicle for us, the 1%er's of the RV market.

But almost every day we see articles where modern cars are set up, and towing good sized, American built RV trailers. Not only articles but we see them traveling on the roads. From the decades of following this trend we are seeing the success story. I speak from experience. Our pro setup midsize car is a very good example/TV.

Originally Posted by glasshouse

I have a 2004 Toyota Corolla

Would really appreciate any recommendations on a used model that could work for me?

Thank you! Be easy on me Just a newb here.

Back on track...... George, your thoughts of towing a glass egg with your 3,500lb Corolla seems fair and reasonable, assuming it is connected correctly. Take your cue from Borden's rig. I believe it is a pro setup.*

*Always stay within the safe capabilities of your vehicle/set up/combination.