Need Advice

[moondancer5]

I have a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo 6 cyl with about 105,000 miles on it.  I am wondering what advice would be about the idea to pulling a 5 x 8 enclosed cargo trailer with it . All input welcome.

 

[jimindenver]

The first to be addressed is the weight of the trailer plus cargo and the capacities of your vehicle. Second is the over all condition of the vehicle and where you intend on taking it. Were the vehicle in good shape and the load within its capacity, I'd say go for it. MPG and performance will drop considerably because you will not only have the weight to pull but a wall being pulled through the air as well. It's much harder to pull a enclosed trailer than it is say a boat of equal weight.

 

[sephson]

A quick search for towing capacity of a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo with the 6 cylinder engine comes up with a 4,500 lb. towing capacity.

http://trailers.com/tow-capacity/in...r=2001&make=Isuzu&model=Rodeo&template=normal

This is a good starting point, but you should do a bit of research to verify whether or not this is correct. If you have it, your owner's manual would be a great place to begin. Plus, as jimindenver said, there are other factors that come into play. Others who are more experienced with towing than I am should be able to help you figure out the other factors.

 

[steamjam1]

As with towing any trailer with any other vehicle, your going to have to consider the weight of the vehicle, the weight and size of the trailer, and where you'll be going with it. An Isuzu Rodeo won't able to tow too much. Its not that the Isuzu won't have the power. Instead its the capacity of the transmission, and the brakes to handle all that extra weight that matters most. (Having a cool trailer is pointless if you cant stop with it attached)

 

[ArtW]

My Ranger will pull my 16x8 travel trailer...up to about 60 mph
if the tow capacity of the Rodeo is actually 4500lb, a 5x8 shouldn't be a problem, so long as you keep the weight down, especially if it's not 'standing height'
A friend of mine has a 4x6 he hauls his motorcycle in, (and sleeps in) with a small car, in KY, TN and NC areas
if you get over 1000lb, you'll want trailer brakes

 

[29chico]

I second the idea of having brakes even on a smaller trailer.  Sure it is a bit more expensive and complicated.  I'm just a big fan of the trailer staying behind the tow vehicle.

 

[moondancer5]

Thank you all for your input. I was kinda thinking that the Rodeo could not handle a small pull bedhind trailer, but was not sure.I was hoping to be able to live in the trailer as the space  in the Rodeo for living is 52 wide by 60 long. Not  sure that I can make it in that space. Replacing the vehicle on SS is not an option.  But I am much in need of some freedom and do not want to end up in senior housing.  I have  looked and looked,and measured and measured and watched every video that I can find, but every idea I seem to think will work out fails when I put the layout in the Rodeo with cardboard templates.  I guess I  am overwhelmed or just am not seeing the possibilities.  Not giving up, praying for inspiration. Thank you all for your input. It is nice to have some friends here on this forum that do not think that I should just get into senior housing and a recliner and veg out until I die. That is not my idea of living.  For what time that I have left I want to be free.

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard moondancer..
If you want to do it , you'll find a way !

 

[LadyJo]

the space  in the Rodeo for living is 52 wide by 60 long. Not  sure that I can make it in that space. Replacing the vehicle on SS is not an option.  

I'm getting my Honda Element ready and also trying to figure out how I fit in just the simple needs I have. The element has 43 inches for floor space and is also just about 60 inches long. Very small SS check for me as well.

Will your Rodeo handle a hitch cargo carrier? That was my solution. I can't put the weight it will hold on it, but it is space. There are also cargo holders, light weight and water proof. Another great idea, given to me by someone here, was to use the passenger seat, which folds down almost flat as a bed. I will put a box in the space your feet / legs would go to make it longer.

Not sure any of this will work for you, but thought I would throw it out there.