When we were new to TMs, many years ago, we did exactly the same thing. We toured the country, with emphasis on the west, for several weeks each year. We spent time in almost all of the National Parks, and the TM was wonderful.
As for the towing capability of your truck. Consensus of the Forum over the years has been that a 5000 pound tow rating is the minimum acceptable number. You need to remember a couple things.
First, 3200 pounds may be the so-called dry weight of a 2720 QB Sport (I can't find a spec for the Sport model), but it is nowhere near what your trailer will weigh when it is loaded up and ready to camp. You need to be thinking around 4000 pounds, maybe a little above. And you need to be aware that the truck's tow rating includes any cargo that you load into the truck itself.
And second, many of the most beautiful National Parks in the west involve steep grades and high altitudes, both of which are stressy for your tow vehicle. I remember spending a lot of time in the high Sierras of California, and the Rockies of Colorado and Alberta. Extended grades of 6%, with very low road speeds, are common almost everywhere in the mountains, occasionally a bit steeper. And altitude decreases the horsepower of a naturally-aspirated engine by 2%-3% per thousand feet of altitude, since there is less air to use for combustion. (Turbo may improve this situation.) Climbing these mountains is a task - and don't forget braking as you come back down.
So pack light - leave your rock collection at home - take your time, and enjoy. You will love it.
Bill
|