Considering an RV

[Darty]

Hello (and thanks to all for the great info)!

Brand new. I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to read up on terms (GVWR, tongue weight, towing capacity, etc.).

Wife and I are in need of a 2nd car due to work changes. We've discussed in the past that we would like an camper (tow), but don't have a car that can tow. But I also don't like trucks or large SUVs.

I'm considering something like a 2015 BMW X6, which seems to have a towing capacity of 6000 lbs (2015 BMW X6 Towing Capacity). Even though it is a small car?

Then I was thinking of the "75% rule" of towing capacity, so around 4500 lbs... and was thinking like a
2021 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 174BH (GVWR 3950 lbs)... so tongue weight of 9-15% would be like 475 lbs.? (Also within payload limit of the X6?)

I guess my question is - does that seem reasonable/safe? For a little car to pull that type of a trailer? Before I commit to a car (with a future hope of a camper) lol

Thank you all again

 

[rvlifer]

Welcome to the forum.

How sure are you that that rv and floorplan will work for you? I would spend as much time as you can around and in them to make sure. You dont want to change your mind and then also need to get a bigger tow vehicle.

In general the bigger the tow vehicle the better. There have been a lot of threads recently about towing vehicles so you might want to read those.

The bigger the tow vehicle and the more it can tow the more options you have in the rv.

Is a range rover an option? They have a higher towing capacity than 6k.

 

[Laura & Charles]

I’ve heard, “too much truck is almost enough”. But seriously, you’re very wise to be choosing the vehicle you purchase with this forethought. Laura and I, like you, didn’t want a big truck to be our ‘grocery getter’. (You can see where that got us.)

@rvlifer is right about getting out and checking out floor plans. If you (and more importantly, your wife) don’t like your first rig, it’ll likely be your last; or at least a costly lesson that involves both the RV AND the tow vehicle. And just know, it’s quite common for folks to want something bigger than their first RV.

Welcome to the forums! There are a lot of folks here that are much more knowledgeable about towing an RV than me. Listen to what they have to say… they’ll be along shortly.

I don’t want to be so negative with my thoughts above. Theres a couple here that are very happy with their Casita, which is quite compact (not sure what they tow with), and another couple that tow their RV with a Tesla. So it CAN be done.

 

[Lou Schneider]

Welcome to The RV Forum!

Besides the trailer weights being within the tow vehicle's limit you also have to consider the trailer's height and length. Most tow ratings are set using a low trailer like a flatbed carrying a pallet of bricks or a small enclosed trailer where the trailer's entire profile is within the tow vehicle's wind shadow. A tall and long RV trailer has much more surface area for side winds to act against and can result in the tail wagging the dog with disastrous results.

 

[joerone]

Passengers and cargo will greatly reduce tow capacity. I would suggest you watch
Keep Your Daydream they have a You Tube channel and do a great informational video on all aspects of towing GVWR, GAWR etc. They also include a link to a downloadable spreadsheet where you put in your truck and RV info as well as passenger/payload weights and it will calculate your tow capacity

https://www.keepyourdaydream.com/payload/

 

[SpencerPJ]

You are smart doing your homework. My wifes bmw x3 feels pretty stout for it's size, I'm sure the x6 even more so. By specs, it has the power. The biggest concern will be the wind factor blowing the car around. In addition to this forum, there is a good bmw forum that you likely would interact with others doing this exact car. Good luck.

 

[tlmgcamp1]

I went to the tow capacity link and see that they say that it has a 6000 towing capacity so that means that it can tow a trailer with a DRY WEIGHT of 5979. That is completely wrong unless there is another vehicle following you with the rest of the family and all your gear.

 

[tlmgcamp1]

Follow up...Edmunds.com say the X6 has a payload capacity of 1100. The towing link (see my prior post) says the dry tongue on the sample trailer is 976. Add 100 lbs for the WDH and propane and it's maxed out. That towing guide is not doing anybody any favors, except the salesman who sells a trailer that is too big

 

[Larry N.]

...they say that it has a 6000 towing capacity so that means that it can tow a trailer with a DRY WEIGHT of 5979.

Excuse me, but DRY WEIGHT is a useless figure. In use the trailer will weigh more than that when "empty," considering that there might be options not included in the DRY figure, as well as water, dishes, clothing, etc. added, so max gross weight should be used.

 

[DonTom]

Brand new. I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to read up on terms (GVWR, tongue weight, towing capacity, etc.).

So many things to consider, and many will not be known until you have it a while.

Two things I really like about this small Class A:

1. Large four-door Norcold absorption refrigerator. Keeps perfect temps, at least when it can get some propane or AC (see below).

2. Beds that can be used with all the slides in.

Thing I do not like:

Tankless water heater. Stay away from those!

No propane or Generator use when 110F outside.

Other things, such as not enough power to run the MW oven, hair drier, etc. on the inverter, I was able to add myself. I also made other small modifications here and there.

I think the only way to get the perfect rig is if you build it yourself!

-Don- Quartzsite, AZ

 

[tlmgcamp1]

Excuse me, but DRY WEIGHT is a useless figure. In use the trailer will weigh more than that when "empty," considering that there might be options not included in the DRY figure, as well as water, dishes, clothing, etc. added, so max gross weight should be used.

I believe that was my point.

 

[Larry N.]

I believe that was my point.

After rereading your post a couple of times I see that I missed the word "wrong" -- sorry about that.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I guess my question is - does that seem reasonable/safe? For a little car to pull that type of a trailer? Before I commit to a car (with a future hope of a camper) lol

At 5000 lbs curb weight, the X6 isn't exactly a little car. But it's not exactly a "hauler" either. Maybe step up to the V8 model at 5300 lbs and 523 horses on tap?

The Jayco you cited is probably within the X6 towing and cargo capacity, but is it suitable for your needs and comfort? I wouldn't sacrifice my lifestyle just so I can have a sleeker looking vehicle.

 

[Darty]

At 5000 lbs curb weight, the X6 isn't exactly a little car. But it's not exactly a "hauler" either. Maybe step up to the V8 model at 5300 lbs and 523 horses on tap?

The Jayco you cited is probably within the X6 towing and cargo capacity, but is it suitable for your needs and comfort? I wouldn't sacrifice my lifestyle just so I can have a sleeker looking vehicle.

This is alot of great information to read through (and watch) everyone, thank you so much.

Yes, I think so for the size - we aren't really out doorsy people... myself, wife, 6yr old. We normally camp once a year at a KOA... but I don't like tenting. This year we did the cabin. So I figure, what about a small camper (and up it to twice or three times a year)? But still probably KOA,Yogi Bear RV camp, etc. (places like an hour away... so I can give my kid "an experience" but with 1/2 comfort). KOA is at least in the woods for hiking and fishing. Then, if we like it this mini-attempt, my wife and I (42yr old) have discussed upgrading in retirement in 20 yrs.

(I will look into the V8 for sure...)

(I wouldn't ever do the 6000 lbs, but if I did the smaller 4500 camper with a smaller tongue weight, it would seem OK?)

(But some of the models I'm looking at only have a payload capacity of like
1320 lbs... if the tongue weight is like 650, and 3 of us are 500 (if 6yr grows in a couple years), that doesn't leave much room for anything else in the car. May need to look for a bigger car /sigh.). Thanks again all

 

[JudyJB]

A couple of things to consider--you do not tell us if you will be traveling just as a couple or including children. One important thing to remember is that when an RV says it "sleeps 5" they may mean two adults and three small children. Take your children with you and make sure they fit in the spaces they are supposed to sleep in. Also remember that the 12 year old who is now only 5' tall may soon end up being a 16 year old who is over 6' tall and whose feet will stick out of the bunks! (That happened to one of my grandsons, so his parents had to get a bigger trailer to fit him.) A couple of toddlers can sleep on the dinette, but will soon be as big as the 12 year old.

Also, a lot depends on how much you are planning on using your RV. People can be cramped for a weekend or possibly a week, but any longer, and especially if it rains and is cold, camping gets less fun.

 

[SpencerPJ]

If only camping a couple times a year, maybe just rent a class C rv. We had lots of fun with ours and state parks with the kids. They would bring a friend each.

 

[Oldgator73]

We purchased a little 17’ TT that boasted a “dry weight” of 2500lbs. Our 2015 Nissan Quest van had a tow rating of 3500lbs. After a few months of pulling the TT with that van I told my I needed something with a better tow rating. I purchased a Nissan Frontier. I think the tow rating was around 6200lbs. So much better experience.

 

[Kirk]

Then, if we like it this mini-attempt, my wife and I (42yr old) have discussed upgrading in retirement in 20 yrs.

If you want a 17' trailer that will last for 20 years with even light use, I suggest that you take a hard look at Casita RV, which is the very best quality small trailer, in my opinion. I really wonder if you would be happy in any 15' trailer now and really doubt it will be a good fit in a few years. If you only use it occasionally, I agree with Spencer that you would be smart to rent one and spend less money. At least consider renting one for a trip or two to make sure that you like it.

Have you spent any time inside of the small, lightweight RVs that you are considering? There are people who can be comfortable and happy in small RVs for many trips, but most would not be.

 

[Oldgator73]

Have you spent any time inside of the small, lightweight RVs that you are considering? There are people who can be comfortable and happy in small RVs for many trips, but most would not be.

Picture a scenario where you are with your wife in a 15’ TT and it starts raining and you are confined to the dinette or the bed. The rain continues for several days and you have switched places with your wife, from the dinette to bed, several times and the rain does not look like it will let up anytime soon. We’ve been married 52 years and we still love each other but we are about talked out. I tell my wife I have to go to the bathroom and I head to the other side of the house with my IPad. She might not see me for an hour and by the time I get back she is just waking up from one of her afternoon naps. A 15-17’ TT will get real confining real fast.

 

[JudyJB]

Picture a scenario where you are with your wife in a 15’ TT and it starts raining and you are confined to the dinette or the bed. The rain continues for several days and you have switched places with your wife, from the dinette to bed, several times and the rain does not look like it will let up anytime soon.

Don't forget that your group may include a dog or two--and these quickly become a couple of smelly, wet dogs. Spending two or three days in a small trailer with a couple of smelly wet dogs is not fun. Then throw in a couple of whining kids who really had planned on going swimming or boating that day.

Actually, one solution, besides hiding from your spouse, is to bring alone a fairly good-sized tent with a full canvas floor and some screened in windows that close. I have seen several couples where one of them stays inside, and the other has a TV going in the adjacent tent!