Too much trailer??

[K9CCH]

So we're looking at travel trailers. Until now we've been looking at new trailers because I did not want to buy used.

Well today we were presented with a deal too good to pass up. A 27' Mallard 26E by Fleetwood. Its a 2000 and is in impeccable condition. It has a 12'x32" slide, and all the amenities. Current NADA values are anywhere from $6K to $8K, and they want to sell it to us for $4500 and they're even including the weight distribution hitch, and sway bars.

Too good to be true right?

Well the dry weight is 5800. Our brand new 2014 GMC Sierra with the 4.3L V6 is only rated at 6500lbs.

We aren't going in mountains, we aren't pulling across country, its mostly going to be local trips to state parks or down to the beach for a weekend.

So. Would you pull it, or do you think its a safety issue being so close to the mac tow rating?

Dry weight is 5800
GVWR is 7500

[K7SGJ]

I think towing specs have some head room, and I don't think I'd be too concerned. Especially since you aren't going long distances, and especially not in mountainous terrain. I'd make sure your vehicle has the towing package that has HD radiator, oil cooler, and all that stuff.

Does your vehicle have a switch for towing or do you just take it out of overdrive? Also, does the trailer have brakes that require a controller in the towing vehicle?

[K9CCH]

Yes. I have a full factory towing package on the truck, with a factory receiver. The trailer is coming with a weight distribution hitch and sway bars, and it has trailer brakes.

The truck has a 7 way connection in the back, but I will be putting in a brake controller box as well.

[NQ6U]

Yes. I have a full factory towing package on the truck, with a factory receiver. The trailer is coming with a weight distribution hitch and sway bars, and it has trailer brakes.

The truck has a 7 way connection in the back, but I will be putting in a brake controller box as well.

You're golden. Go for it.

[K9CCH]

This thing is impeccable. It's really one of those too good to be true deals....

The only reason I'm buying it is because this 80 year old man is picky picky picky and has kept it in immaculate condition. The only thing I can find wrong with it is a cracked vent cover on one of the air ducts. Thats it.

Other than a layer of dirt, there isn't a thing wrong with it.

[K7SGJ]

I agree, you should be good to go. Absolutlely get a brake controller. I use a Curt TriFlex which is good for 1 to 4 axles, and it is a proportional unit. They are only around $100, and well worth it. When I tow my 20 foot dual axle trailer with the fork lift on it, I'm very close to max specs for the Tundra. But I just take it easy, and haven't had any problems. When I tow the tractor, it is a lot easier since it doesn't weigh as much. Brake controllers makes all the difference when stopping or just slowing down. A breakaway kit on your trailer would be another good investment if it doesn't come with one.

[KK4AMI]

Generally, you only have too much trailer when you can't figure out where to put it when you aren't using it. Or the neighbor tell you it's an eyesore. ;)

[K7SGJ]

Generally, you only have too much trailer when you can't figure out where to put it when you aren't using it. Or the neighbor tell you it's an eyesore. ;)

That's when you leave the last 3 or 4 feet hanging in their yard.

[n0iu]

I don't know if its on Netflix, but try and find "The Long, Long Trailer" with Desi and Lucy. Now that was a story about too much trailer!

[K9CCH]

Generally, you only have too much trailer when you can't figure out where to put it when you aren't using it. Or the neighbor tell you it's an eyesore. ;)

We're going to have to keep it in the driveway for a little while anyway, while we search for storage lot. If we back it up to where the rear spare is within an inch of the house, the tongue will be about 4 feet from the street!!