Well the factory hitch is rated at 4500# GVWR and 450# tongue weight (when used with a weight distribution hitch) and was looking at a 26' ultralight trailer that comes close to that. The trailer was the Forest River Surveyor. is the factory limit realistic?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by Jeff Mason:
<strong>Now, don't tell Michael this, but I don't have trailer brakes. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">OH MY GAWD, YOU ARE GOING TO KILL SOMEONE!! JK <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

At 1800lbs, brakes are not really needed and they are not usually found on a pop up trailer (smaller pop up trailers? How big do they get?)

The limit in those states requiring brakes is usually around 3K. Jeff, what is the max gross weight of your pop up? It should be on the data plate for the trailer. I would bet it is no more than 2k?

Michael

Well the factory hitch is rated at 4500# GVWR and 450# tongue weight (when used with a weight distribution hitch)

The weight rating of the hitch has little to do with the rig. It is important to know and pay attention to, but only if your rig is capable of towing a rig that is larger than the rating of the hitch. You can put a class VI on a Metro, but it does not mean that it can pull 10K. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

and was looking at a 26' ultralight trailer that comes close to that. The trailer was the Forest River Surveyor. is the factory limit realistic?

You need to do a bit of research. How much does the trailer weigh? What is it's distribution or how much of it is hitch weight? What is it's wet and dry weights? These numbers will be hard to find. Trailer manufactures do not seem to publish them and trailer dealers will lie about it. From what I have heard, they are more concerned with making the sale than making sure you are safe. Again, very important because by the time you add food, gear and water, you will add a good amount to the rig.

From a quick search on the internet, I am going to guess this trailer is around 4+k loaded.

You also need to see what the data tag on the driver's side door frame says on your Rodeo. There should be a front and rear axle rating along with a gross vehicle weight and a gross combined (vehicle and trailer) rating. Let us know, we can help you decode the meanings

Finally, you need to weigh your rig. You need to know front axle, rear axle and total weights. When doing this, you need to also account for a full tank, any passengers dogs and gear.

Once you know this information, you will know if the trailer is too much. My gut feeling is that trailer may be too much for your Rodeo when you are 100% loaded.

Good Luck,
Michael

I towed several times with my 95.5 rodeo V6 for military moves. Basically from 96-00, I towed from Cali to ND, ND to Cali, Cali to MT, MT to CAli. Every time I pulled a 5x8 trailer loaded pretty good. Ended up replacing my manual clutch at 57,000 miles. Brakes lasted very good though.

A

The best and possible the easier way is to have your trailer weight checked loaded and unloaded. I live close to a weight station and had my trailer's weight checked. hy I travel with about about 5 gallons of water in the tank to save weight. Enough to fill the radiator if needed and flush several times. If you have a RV dealer in your area or some of the truckers. Cost will be around $10 to $20.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by Iluvmud:
<strong>This is kinda going in a different direction but how does the Rodeo do being towed behind moter home? Do you have to disconect the drive shafts or anything?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Well, having towed my 93 Rodeo more than 50,000 miles I guess I'm qualified to answer this one. If you have a 5 speed you can pull your Rodeo as long as it's in Neutral. It will eventually take it's toll on the tranny, but it will be a long time coming. (just remember to always check it's still in neutral before driving off everytime <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> ) For example, I had 100,000 miles on my Rodeo driving it and 50,000 towed miles on top of that. The tranny developed a howl near the end. This is why I changed the tranny to Toyotas. (another long story)
If you've got an Automatic then your limited by milage and speed with the driveshaft still connected. Your factory manual spells this out. Not a good idea unless it's an emergency.UNLESS you disconnect the rear drive shaft for longer distances. You don't have to pull both ends. Just the axle end, but be sure you SECURLY tie it up out of the way. then put a piece of old carpet in the truck and the wrenches you need and you can re-attach it fairly quickly.
Now as far as the locking steering column: There is a position on the switch which will unlock the steering column with the electrics off. If you insert your key in the ignition and slowly turn it, you will feel several clicks as it goes through several different functions. To verify I have my trucks steering column in the right place for towing I turn the key forward until I see the radio and idiot lights come on the turn it back one click. This is kinda cool cause it does not drain the battery while towing and does not accumulate miles on the odometer either.

IF your going to tow your Truck, PLEASE use a Towing System designed for you truck. A cheapo clamp on bumper hitch may work in a short pinch, but how many times can you play Russian Roulette before it bites you? I use a Roadmaster Towbar that drops onto the front brackets designed for my Rodeo and are way overbuilt. And, I have a complete set of aux light on the rear of my Rodeo for tail lights. I use the Roadmaster Braking system to help apply the Rodeos brakes in conjunction with my motorhome. I can stop the Motorhome and Roedeo in almost the same stopping distance of just the Motorhome. Without the Air Brakes in the Rodeo it takes a lot longer to stop. A lot longer! This was not a cheap set up, but a very necessary investment in the safe arrival of all my toys. There are many good systems out there. Your local Motorhome parts outlet will have info on the different brands available. All those Retired RVers can't be wrong.

Now, for the record: Michael has some excellent points and safety should always be paramount. Needless and stupid risk taking not only put you and your at risk, but also those innocent who share the road as well.
When I towed double trailers, my Pop UP campers gross weight fully loaded was a maximum 2,300 lbs (that 1600lbs of trailer empty and 700lbs of gear, food, bicycles, kayack and water. Plus the second trailer was a special lightweight I built for that purpose that weighed in at 250 lbs. Designed to carry two light trail bikes or one street bike. Well it, plus the 350 lb Motorcycle behind the Pop Up trailer made my total towed weight under 3000lbs. All trailers had brakes for safe stopping and plenty of working signal lights and marker lights too. It was a long rig, but with a rated towing capacity of 3500 lbs on the Rodeo hitch, it not only worked well but was as safe as I could make it and get all my toys to the campgrounds. I wish I had some pictures of the system. I took a lot of teasing from Co-Workers. They teased me about looking like the Disney Cartoon, "Goofy goes on Vacation".
I was only stopped by the Department of Public Safety once in five years of towing this setup and all he wanted to do was look at how I had it put together so he could duplicate it for himself. The Officer gave it a very thorough inspection and said it was the safest he had seen. I was pretty happy about that confiration.
Oh and just so you know, I am not a Boy Scout! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> But, I believe in being prepared.
A long answer to a seemingly simple question ,I know, but I hope it helps you make a smart decision for your future towing. Feel free to contact me off line and I'll help all I can.