Biggest Small Travel Trailer the 3rd Gen Can Pull Comfortably

(I know there is a trailer forum but I'm specifically interested in what the 3rd gen can pull.)

I live in CO and am looking for a smallish travel trailer I can comfortably pull up into the mountains. By comfortably I mean maintaining a reasonable speed (60 mph or so on the freeway like up I-70 if anyone knows that road). Or must I resign myself to 40 mph on hills?

I'm thinking something around 3000 lbs dry weight (~4000 lbs loaded) and less than $20K new. Much less if possible.

I prefer more awake space and don't need or want a queen bed. Sleep one or two most of the time. Up to 4 in a pinch. Probably not pop up (or out) either. So far the Rockwood Geo Pro G16BH seems to meet my needs but I know nothing about these trailers and few real reviews (mostly just walk throughs) out there.

Anyone have or use one or similar? How does it pull up long mountain passes?

Any feedback on the Geo Pros?

Thanks.

 

Contact vendor or go the their website. Research on YouTube. A lot of good reviews.

 

I did all that. I haven't found a single review that isn't from someone selling them.

Bigger question is how well will the 3rd gen pull it or something similar in the mountains.

 

Have you considered a cab over?

 

I pull a Jayco 175RD thats very similar to the Geo ProG16BH in weight and size to the mountains - 55mph max by law for us, but its a windy road so I take it slower. We took it to Utah and it did very well pulling the trailer on the interstate. The only thing you wont like about towing with your Tacoma is the really bad gas mileage, and mounting towing mirrors to it sucks. Also, put a rear view camera system on the trailer.

 

Yes. Not what I want. I want more space and something I can leave behind while I take the truck and go exploring or whatever. Same reason I'm not interested in RTT either.

 

How bad? I guess bad a dozen or two times a year is better than bad every day.

ETA - also, how do you like the Jayco?

 

That's easy. It's gonna pull it but you will know it's there at 3K. Pulled several at that weight with my 3rd gen. You are not going to set any spped records with it and just get about 11-13 mpg. Any trailer guy knows that a high revving V6 is not the optimal choice
They also know that asking for 60 mph up a steep grade is for dull size diesels, not our little trucks. 50 mph is a good tow speed up a steep interstate grade. 45 is fine too. Number one rule of pulling a trailer: Don't get in a hurry. Number two: MPG's suck.

 

You are going to need a bigger gas tank. I carry 15 gals extra- I average about 11mpg’s, but it really gets better if you stay at 55mph max.

Love the Jayco, its lightweight but large (light construction inside). We chose it over the ForestRiver for its interior size and layout. Also my wife hates taking a shower on the toilet, the Jayco has a seperate shower stall.
(Edit- we bought ours new in early 2017, so all the models are updated since then).

 

Where I often go is up a windy two lane road with a speed limit of 45mph or less most places but was curious how it would do up interstate passes. Thanks for the tip on carrying extra gas.

 

We pulled ours on I-15 back and fourth between Cali and Utah- some pretty steep grades and 70 mph car limits - did very well but you know it was working.

 

Gen 3 towing thread here...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gen-3-towing-thread.413026/

 

Actually, I've looked at several A frames but it bugs me that half the space is wasted with a bed. I'm leaning toward bunk models since they waste the least amount of space and is still plenty of room to sleep.

On the other hand, I do like the smaller size and relative ease of use. Sounds like it pulls nice too. Everything is a compromise.

 

Thanks. I've skimmed that before. Good general info. Too much to skim for specifics.

 

The folks that tow watch those threads and if you ask your question there you might get some good info.

 

Lazy much? Lol work a bit and get good info.

 

I tow a X-lite 261 BHXL dry weight is close to 4900. I have towed through the mountains hear on the east coast in N Carolina, VA, TN, and Eastern KY. I can average 11-13 mpg when I am by myself but when I travel with my parents I average 9 or so, they have a Duramax and 5th wheel. I haven't had any issue with doing the speed limit but I do have manual.

 

A few more notes on my Aframe above.
Compromise, yes. Its all about compromising. Our model is with bed set up full time at one end; table full time at other.
No bathroom, but pull a Port a potty out at bed time. Ours is just for wife+me= 2 people total.
We concider our set-up more a "camp" trailer, as opposed to "travel" trailer.
The 16+ MPG I quote is while towing. Otherwise I get 18+ stop/go in town, 22+ @60-65 steady.