jroc99

We went with a KZ but was seriously considering a 27' Jayco that had most of the same options just not the outside kitchen we really wanted. It was also under 4700 lbs.

HappyCamper123

which jayco - do you recall? we don't need the outside kitchen, but want to sleep many and avoid hybrids if possible (not looking likely)

jroc99

The Jay Feather 26BHSW

HappyCamper123

the jay flight 287BHSW is one we seriously considered but doesn't have all the options we really wanted. it's weight is 6030 so higher, but I would think ok with 7700 limit (if not great). the dry hitch though is less than the jay feather 26BHSW by 20 lbs. (still not grasping the dry hitch thing all that well) but maybe this is a better option for us. it doesn't have any bells and whistles but might work for us if we can tow it safely

Feathermerchant

First, dry means as you drove it home from the RV store. Options are there but no water, clothes, tools, accessories and whatever you will add to the trailer to go camping.
Wet is the weight ready to camp. So while dry weight is important because it gives you some idea of the camping weight, it must be remembered that the upper limit of towing weight is going to be the wet weight.

The tongue weight is just part of the total weight of the trailer that is carried by the hitch. It is normally 12-15% of the total trailer weight (dry or wet). It is required to have part of the trailer weight carried by the hitch to make the whole thing stable (read safe).

The truck has only a certain carrying capacity (known as payload).

As to your observation that a 2,000lb lighter trailer has only 80lb less tongue weight, I would think that if you find that to be the case when you weigh it, you could load it to achieve a lower tongue weight.

jroc99

I would recommend just looking at as many trailers as you can and you will probably stumble on something that fits your needs perfectly

dbfire2

We just purchased a new travel trailer in line with my 2013 5.0 scab 4x4 with 3.55's towing capabilities. We bought a 25 ft Rockwood Mini lite that's about 5600 lbs loaded for trips. With our other gear, ourselves and the dogs in the truck that's about all I want to tow with it. It stays in 5th gear most of the time and gets 10 mpg. I have wdh, heliwig overloads and sway bar on it too. I feel under control with it and while I don't do much passing you can run the speed limit. I towed my old camper a couple times with it which was a 32' 7500 lb TT and would absolutely advise you to stay 500 to 1000 lbs below max tow rating for your truck. I miss my 07 cummins for towing. Go ultra light if you have a v8 f150.

5.0GN tow

Not sure why you say that about ultra light for v8 f150. My 13 with 3.55s is a towing machine. I am at max on almost every tow and it handles the load like a champ, it winds up in 4th on big hills but maintains the speed limit no problems. The 5.0 likes to Rev it's not a diesel so let it wind up and she is a great truck. The 6spd really lets you keep the truck in its happy range pretty easily.

Loki 5.0

The engine is not the weak point in towing heavy, and I agree with his assessment.

LostSoul

If payload is your limiting factor, you can look into a Trailer Toad.