Hello,
Me and my wife want to buy a TT soon. We have a 2019 SCREW 5.5’ box Max Tow 3.5EB. Not a weight question, but it is relatable.

For reference: Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 31BHKWE vs Rockwood MiniLite 2509S. Huge difference, I know.

I want to buy something close to 34’ (overall) range because we want to live in it short-term. I have a decent amount of towing experience with half-tons.

She wants it under 30’ for long-term ease of use, spur of the moment type of camping.

In your experience, how practical is it to tow around a 30’ to 34’ TT vs something under 30’? Is it really that much more of a pain to drag around and find somewhere to park it for camping?

Is it tougher to find the will power to drag it out for the weekend? I see her point, but also want to be comfortable to live in, but we want to use it regularly. I would like to do dispersed camping because I don’t like people. She might want to be in KOA or designated camping areas; at which point doesn’t matter the size, or does it?

We live in Utah and like to tent camp. It’s been easy to do that, but pulling a big trailer around is something that might be harder to find space to park it and get to that camping spot that we want.

Any experience with larger-framed TT’s out there? TIA!

 

For something as big as a 34’, you want a super duty. The half ton isn’t practical once you get close to 30’ and above. Obviously weight matters too, but that large of a camper is a giant sail and will push you all over the place.

 

Thank you! I will consider up sizing vehicle, too.

 

Not sure my experiences are relevant to what you are looking for but here goes. My wife and I TRAVEL. We don't long term camp in any one spot. We pulled my small 19', 3500 lb trailer from GA to Maine and back last summer. We were gone 17 days and didn't stay in any one spot more than 2 nights. There were many nights when I never unhitched the trailer from the truck. Hooked up the power, went to bed, then pulled out before daylight the next morning.

For me something that is easy to pull and maneuverable is important. We spent one night in Delaware and the next day were close to DC, Philadelphia and NYC crossing the George Washington bridge. I was glad it wasn't any bigger in that traffic and on those roads.

The elevation in Utah is something you need to consider. Most gas engines lose about 3% of their power for every 1000' above sea level. Crossing a 10,000' pass with only 70% of your engine's power available is something to consider if you're towing close to the max tow rating. The EB engines are less effected by the altitude, but it is a factor. If you want to go that big, and tow at altitude a 3/4 ton with a diesel makes sense.

Next summer we plan on going pulling it from GA to Glacier, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and back to GA through Colorado. In the high elevation I'll also be glad I'm not pulling any more weight.

My little trailer on the Virginia coast. I realize this is way smaller than you want, but my vote is with your wife for smaller rather than larger. But then YOU will be pulling it. If you don't mind, then go big.

 

My opinion is similar to others insofar as size for a 1/2 ton - stick to 27' or so for a FAR more comfortable towing experience.
As for the question of 'is bigger better' (when it comes to campers!), one certainly has more room to roam and not feel claustrophobic in a larger TT. But generally speaking, one only sees these large ones in carefully groomed, antiseptic, paved lots where there are 64 others just like you or bigger, and they are 6' away. To me, this is NOT camping by any means. Personally I like taking my little 17' trailer down right next to the lake, where no one is within 100' of you, on spots that have water and electricity perhaps but not sewer hookups often times. Of course, the size of your camping party factors in, and if 4 or more in your group, bigger is good.

 

Thank you! I’m glad someone pointed out elevation. I think I understand this. -2% de-rated every 1000ft above sea level, starting at 1000ft, deducted from GCVWR or GVWR.

I wish we could afford to travel the way you do! We have a baby and we’re looking to stay stationary for a bit and save our money. That looks like fun!

Thank you for your input. 1 point for smaller trailer.

 

Thank you! I agree, I don’t like being next to so many people.

We’re planning on 4 total eventually, camping, but not living in.

Another point for small trailer.

 

I agree with what has and probably what will be said by others. Under 29-30 feet for your wheelbase is best and the less weight, the better. We found a compromise for a family of 4. A 24 foot trailer with 28 feet of space. Today’s trailers are very efficient. Grand Design makes some innovative small trailers that may also work.

Below is my setup. We love the tent beds but are admittedly getting too old to climb over one another out of bed. It still is nice as it maximizes the floor plan as our beds are out of the way. Every advantage has its drawbacks though. We go on short trips about 20 miles away to long haul month long trips (this was CT, PA, OH, MI lower and upper and Canada). The camper is great boondocking when we can open it up for airflow and decent if we need AC and have access to hookups. I have more truck than I need for this but better safe than sorry.

 

OP, can you rent one (or more) and try it for size?

 

Two very different scenarios. A camper to full time live in, vs camper to drag around and sight see our country.
I have no experience pulling that big or heavy with these F150s, although I have many years pulling trailers of various kinds, and I know my decent optioned, decent payload, short bed maxtow would not like anything over 25' ish, and 7k. Add the west winds and elevation, even less.