Confused to Tow

I have a Nissan Quest MiniVan, rated 3500#. I went to a dealer today, and they basically told me that I would not be able to tow a Trail Manor, not even the 2619, that basically all I would be able to tow would be a pop up. I am new to trailering, so I am a bit confused what I can really tow.

In simple terms, does anyone have any suggestions for what to look for in a trailer weight that I can tow with my Quest?

Also, does anybody have any experiences of towing Trail Manor trailers, possibly the 2619, or 2720, with vehicles rated at 3500# such as mini vans?

We really like the design of the Trail Manor Trailers better than the Pop Up Trailers, but if we really shouldn't tow them with our Quest, then we will have to begin searching other options.

Thanks for any ideas or help.

Whatever the base weight of the trailer is.figure about 10,000 pounds for "stuff"

My 2720, only a foot longer than the 2619, weighs about 4,100 when I tow it wet and loaded.

I can't comment about the Quest.

[wbmiller3]

1000 pounds for stuff?

I tow a 2619 with toyota sienna that has the 3500lb towing rating. I do have a weight distribution hitch and tow bars and brake control. I pull the camper fully loaded with 2 kids and 2dogs and a lot of stuff. When pulling the trailmanor, the minivan rides very low in the back, it would be nice to have an suv so it would be higher up in the rear. It does tow nicely at speeds of 65, and we get about 16 mpg. I have had to replace the front and rear brakes and the rear shocks on the minivan after i have started towing it, but the minivan had 70,000 miles on it. I have traveled about 10,000 miles cross country with the trailmanor over mountains and have not had any problems with the performance of the minivan itself. That is the reason we bought the trailmanor so we would not have to change vehicles.

[Bill]

I do have a weight distribution hitch and tow bars and brake control.

Serious question. I know what a weight distribution hitch is, and I know what a brake control is. I hear a lot of people refer to "tow bars", but I don't know what they are referring to. I always think of a tow bar as being the thing you bolt to the front of a small car (a "toad") so you can tow it behind a motor home, but clearly that's not what's going on here. Can you straighten me out? Thanks.

Bill

[Wavery]

Be sure to read the towing section of your Owners Manual very carefully. It may contain language like, "Any weight added for passengers and cargo must be subtracted from the tow rating".

Remember, ratings are "maximums". That means when you see a "Tow Rating" that rating is typically the maximum amount of trailer that the vehicle can tow with a 150# driver only. Some people actually tow that way for various reasons and therefore, the number is relevant. However, most people that pull a camper, also carry passengers and a substantial amount of cargo. Therefore, that circumstance is different and must be taken into account on most vehicles.

[jerry kovacs]

I just purchased a 2010 TM 2720SL and tow with a Toyota Venza with max weight of 3500lbs. With weight distribution hitch, it does just fine. I tow with my fresh water tank empty.

Originally Posted by wbmiller3

1000 pounds for stuff?

2005 TM 2720.

Measured weight on the axle, 3,380 pounds.

Estimated total weight, wet and loaded, 4,100 pounds.

Factory base weight 2,742 pounds.

4,100 - 2,742 = 1,358

1,380 pounds of stuff. But that includes the awning, air conditioner, two full propane tanks. two group 24 batteries, over sink cabinet, 40 gallons of fresh water, charged toilet.

Anyone that has a 2720 that weighs less than that either has fewer options or doesn't take much for personal stuff. Just the food for five adults is a bit of weight. Not to mention the cold beverages of my choice.

I do have more stuff, but that is in the truck.

My 2002 Chevy 1500HD was so low to the ground that I was unable to remove the front wheel on the tongue. But instead of adding a weight distributing hitch, I just bought a 2008 GMC 2500HD and that solved the problem. This problem was caused by two motorcycles, gas for them, tools, etc.

I stand by my estimate of 1,000 pounds of stuff, but that includes optional equipment, food, water, dishes, and clothes.

If you always have hookups and very frequently eat out, then you can probably save almost 500 pounds.

Originally Posted by seandunn1020

When pulling the trailmanor, the minivan rides very low in the back,

Does that include the front running high, meaning your headlights no longer meet specifications for aiming?

Perhaps you have air bags to compensate for the vehicle no longer being level, Or your WD hitch can get your minivan back to level.

You didn't say how you overcame the sagging rear problem.

Originally Posted by jerry kovacs

I just purchased a 2010 TM 2720SL and tow with a Toyota Venza with max weight of 3500lbs. With weight distribution hitch, it does just fine. I tow with my fresh water tank empty.

40 gallon fresh tank, 6 gallon water heater, plus perhaps 1 gallon for the toilet is 47 gallons. That just shaved off 390 pounds from what I travel with.

I have gone to county parks and found out that they did not have potable water. When traveling dry, call ahead to be sure that they have potable water available when you arrive.