What do I need to know?

[I*<3*the*Mouse]

I've been tent camping for years now and I would like to make the leap into a travel trailer..
Here's what I know,
my santa fe can tow up to 2700lbs with 270lbs for the hitch...
after that nothing..

I am looking at the T@Da's it says they have cassette toilets what does that really mean? Can they not be hooked up to the sewer hookups?

Other then insurance and getting a hitch on my trailer what else do I really need to do/know/have to worry about?

Thank you!

I've lurked on the disboards for a year and I figured I'd make the plunge and post since you fine folks have tons of knowledge I could hopefully pick your brains..

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Not wishing to be a wise guy, but I'm thinking you should look into a larger tow vehicle.

 

[stacktester]

Not wishing to be a wise guy, but I'm thinking you should look into a larger tow vehicle.

If that's not an option I would look into the small pop up campers that fold out to 2 queens. That's about all you're gonna haul with a Santa Fe and have room to carry gear.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Gross weight on the trailer you are talking about is 3300 lbs. That alone will put you way overweight. Add any passengers an luggage and you won't make it out of the parking lot.

 

[clkelley]

Yep, I agree on the towing. Me personally, I would never go over 50% of my tow capacity, but most recommend no more than 80% of your tow capacity.

Do NOT look at empty weight on your trailer, look at gross weight. That's the weight of the trailer with your "stuff" inside. Believe me, it can add up quickly!!!

I have a T@B, which is made by the same folks that make the T@DA. It think T@DAs are GREAT trailers and you will enjoy it, but it is too heavy for your vehicle.

 

[Judy in Texas]

First off, I am not an expert on tow capacities and am new to pulling a trailer... but we drove from Fort Worth, TX to WDW last week pulling our Aliner Sport Weekender with a Subaru Forester. Its tow capacity is 2,500 lbs. The Sport is listed as 1,100 lbs with a gross vehicle weight of 2,000 lbs. We do not typically pack heavy. Pack the necessities and then if you need something, there is always a Walmart or Target close by.

There are a surprising number of long ups and downs in east Texas and the Florida panhandle. We had no trouble at all as long as we understood that we might slow down by 5 mph on the long uphill grades. Our aliner does not have a bathroom; but, then we don't plan on camping where there aren't facilites. We do have an air conditioner, 3 burner stove, sink, fridge, and microwave. The air conditioner sure was great last week!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

First off, I am not an expert on tow capacities and am new to pulling a trailer... but we drove from Fort Worth, TX to WDW last week pulling our Aliner Sport Weekender with a Subaru Forester. Its tow capacity is 2,500 lbs. The Sport is listed as 1,100 lbs with a gross vehicle weight of 2,000 lbs. We do not typically pack heavy. Pack the necessities and then if you need something, there is always a Walmart or Target close by.

There are a surprising number of long ups and downs in east Texas and the Florida panhandle. We had no trouble at all as long as we understood that we might slow down by 5 mph on the long uphill grades. Our aliner does not have a bathroom; but, then we don't plan on camping where there aren't facilites. We do have an air conditioner, 3 burner stove, sink, fridge, and microwave. The air conditioner sure was great last week!

The difference here is your trailer's gross weight is still 500 lbs under your TV tow rating. The OP is starting out with a trailer that grosses out at 600lbs OVER the TV's towing capacity.