I am planning to purchase my first travel trailer in a few months and have been researching models & going to RV dealers, shows, etc. I have decided on the Nash 17k. I will also be purchasing a TV and am trying to decide which one. I will be fulltiming, traveling primarily in the west and will be spending alot of time in the Rocky Mtns in CO, ID, WY. And also will be boondocking and traveling on forest service roads. The 17k has a GVWR of 7000 and overall length of 22'4". I understand that I need to find a TV that will pull the 7000 lbs and also has sufficient carrying capacity. I have received some great info in a previous post as well as reading responses to others that have asked about towing capacities. This forum does a wonderful service in educating prospective owners on the factors that go into safe towing and I really appreciate all I have learned!
I have never towed a travel trailer before, so I have no real world experience. I know that I can find a 1/2 ton truck that on paper will meet the towing requirements for the Nash. BUT my question is what will the towing experience be in the real world? Going over mountain passes, long grades, etc. What speed would I be able to maintain? Or if I encounter high winds? I would love to hear the comments from any who have towed a trailer of this weight/length in these circumstances with a 1/2 ton. Was the truck sufficient?
I believe the cost of maintaining a 3/4 ton truck would be more than a 1/2 ton but not sure how big a difference this would be. I will be on a moderate budget so I don't want to go overboard. But I do want to be safe and don't want "white-knuckle" driving. Would a 3/4 ton be overkill? Or should I consider going that route?
Thanks for your feedback!
Debra
I have never towed a travel trailer before, so I have no real world experience. I know that I can find a 1/2 ton truck that on paper will meet the towing requirements for the Nash. BUT my question is what will the towing experience be in the real world? Going over mountain passes, long grades, etc. What speed would I be able to maintain? Or if I encounter high winds? I would love to hear the comments from any who have towed a trailer of this weight/length in these circumstances with a 1/2 ton. Was the truck sufficient?
I believe the cost of maintaining a 3/4 ton truck would be more than a 1/2 ton but not sure how big a difference this would be. I will be on a moderate budget so I don't want to go overboard. But I do want to be safe and don't want "white-knuckle" driving. Would a 3/4 ton be overkill? Or should I consider going that route?
Thanks for your feedback!
Debra