Van or truck / plus cargo trailer pros cons & your experience needed

[TMooney]

I'm thinking about setting this up . All your thoughts?

 

[trailer-t]

Don't forget about the the big SUVs-- like Excursion or Suburban as a possibility. It might help if you said how big the cargo trailer is (and how it is set up) and what you want to do from the tow vehicle. I just camp for now in my '99 suburban with a 7' by 12' cargo trailer (with a stretch 3 foot v nose). I have never owned a van so I can't comment on that option except headroom would definitely be much better in a van than in an SUV as far as I can tell.

t

 

[highest_vision]

I used a compact pickup with a tall camper shell for several years. I couldn't stealth camp in it because I had to remove some items to stay in the back but it worked for me. I was recently thinking about a van or something with more space for some comfort items and that stealth option. I personally wouldn't want to pull a trailer all the time.

 

[TMooney]

I've got a pick up now that I like and trust. So I was thinking about a cargo trailer to go with it . I guess 6 or 7 x 12 at least 6 high. That's my first plan. I'm looking for the trailer now. No stealth bothers me so part of my question about it. Im thinking stealth will just be out of the question. Wondering how big a deal that will be for one thing. I know that will depend on where I go but I hate being restricted. I lived in a truck for two and a half years . I parked where ever I wanted just about in the South. I know Van's had the same deal and better than me. Suburban type as mentioned has 4wd but that's another question of mpg. I'm a cowboy cook when I'm on the road so SUV I wasnt thinking about but i will. One might choose me as i always said about the properties i bought in the past to make a living. Thanks for the replies.

Sent from my SM-J727T using Tapatalk

 

[TMooney]

Funny you mention weight . I have been laying with my eyes open at night thinking about that for one thing lol. I know it's not much but have you thought about not carring water till you get where you're going? I may be pushing the weight thing too as well. I can pull what I'm thinking about down I40 but maybe not Colorado. Lol

 

[trailer-t]

No I am talking about overweight on the "legal" trailer weight specs for my single axle cargo trailer. I am not overweight on what I can physically tow with my vehicle--that is not an issue for me in the area I tow in. I use very little water, but generally I like to carry my tank at about 15-20 gallons just in case I can't find a faucet. I have a "no build" trailer with very little permanent stuff built in, but the various "cargo" + trailer all add up to near (or +) 3000 lbs which is pushing my single axle legal specs. If I started again from a blank page I would do a tandem 7' by 14' cargo T with 6' 6" ceiling + ramp + 36" side door. Cargo weight then would not be anything to worry about-with the tandem axle-as long as the tow vehicle is adequate. But this is just my rig--others would have to consider different stuff. T

 

[B and C]

Pulling is easier than stopping unless the trailer has brakes too.

 

[swlands]

How do you keep a trailer secure if you head into town in your truck? I like the idea, but I worry someone will take my trailer while I am gone.

 

[trailer-t]

Not sure who this is directed to-- but I suggest: 1. Insure the trailer for theft (the contents are a question mark and that is discussed on another thread). 2. put a padlock in the hitch closed with safety chains also locked and unusable. 3) leave the lights on outside and radio blaring inside. 4. Stick a bunch of crap under the trailer and the wheels. 5. Fake sign "video camera on site" ( I don't have that one yet) or real video camera. There are other more aggressive things I have seen on other posts.

If someone wants it, they can still steal it, but it would take some thought and effort. Theft risk exists for everything.. Why steal a $4000-$6000 cargo trailer vs any other thing--like a $20,000 camper. T