Is 5,000# enough for a 19T or 22T?

DI

Dia-HILO

Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2013
Messages
10
Hi, everyone!

I've been looking at 19 and 22 foot Towlites. I need to know if a midsize SUV with a 5,000 tow rating (e.g. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe) is big enough for these, please, or if I need to look for less trailer or more tow vehicle.

I *really* like the 22' with the drop down bunk, but I'm not sure I like it enough to go to a full size SUV.

The dry weight of both models is under 3500 lbs, so if I find the right trailer before I find the right TV, will my sister's Ford Edge (3500 lbs tow capacity) be enough to get the thing home empty?

I'm a complete newb at this, so please use small words, visual aids and lots of hand gestures wherever possible. :D

Many thanks!

Dia
 
Last edited:
Thank you, PappaP. I will look that over. I can already see it's more complicated than "my trailer weighs less than my tow rating, so I must be OK."
 
Dia said:
Hi, everyone!

I've been looking at 19 and 22 foot Towlites. I need to know if a midsize SUV with a 5,000 tow rating (e.g. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe) is big enough for these, please, or if I need to look for less trailer or more tow vehicle.

I *really* like the 22' with the drop down bunk, but I'm not sure I like it enough to go to a full size SUV.

The dry weight of both models is under 3500 lbs, so if I find the right trailer before I find the right TV, will my sister's Ford Edge (3500 lbs tow capacity) be enough to get the thing home empty?

I'm a complete newb at this, so please use small words, visual aids and lots of hand gestures wherever possible. :D

Many thanks!

Dia
Click to expand...

Page 26 has the tow rating for your TV.

http://dcd96xmek71bc.cloudfront.net/trailerlife.com/2013 Tow Guide_reduced file.pdf
 
Thanks, RCR. That manual may have been printed before the newest specs for the (non Sport) Santa Fe came out.

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/santa-fe/performance.aspx
This sophisticated V6 generates 290 hp and 252 lb.-ft. of torque. So you'll benefit from more V6 horsepower than the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.* The standard trailer-prep package, with flush-mounted tow hitch design and 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity, can help put all of that power to good use.

Click to expand...

I'm still not sure if 5,000 lbs is enough for the 22' but I'll keep researching. :) I haven't purchased my TV yet, so I have plenty of time to change my mind.
 
My 95 - 21ft weighs 3400lbs empty. My 2009 - 22ft weighs 3860lbs empty, a tow rating of 5000lbs is enough to pull either one. A WD hitch will be needed either class 3 or class 4.
Be sure that the tow vehicle that you buy comes with the factory tow package, as this gives you a larger radiator and a transmission cooler.
 
Last edited:
PopRichie77 said:
My 95 - 21ft weighs 3400lbs empty. My 2009 - 22ft weighs 3860lbs empty, a tow rating of 5000lbs is enough to pull either one. A WD hitch will be needed either class 3 or class 4.
Be sure that the tow vehicle that you buy comes with the factory tow package, as this gives you a larger radiator and a transmission cooler.
Click to expand...

We have a 2006 toyota tacoma V6 with a tow rating of 6500 lbs. We have a 2006 22ft towlite which weighs close to PopRichie's 3800 lbs.

Over the 4th of July, we towed our trailer to Mt Lassen park and went up some pretty steep grades. We had to drive with our truck in 1st gear most of the way up the mountaint. We would not have been comfortable with a lower tow rating on that stretch.

Our 21 foot 1997 Towlite was approx. 1000 lbs lighter than our 2006.
 
Thanks, everyone!

I think I'll focus on the 19 just to have some wiggle room. :)
 
Just in case you don't know

pulling horse power is only part of what you should be concerned with. You'll also need adequate brakes to stop.

I don't know if this is necessary, but I've heard it recommended NOT to exceed 3/4 of the tow rating - so as to allow for a safety factor. If that were true then 3/4 of your stated 5000 pound capability would only allow for 3750#. THAT recommendation is why I eventually upgraded to a stronger vehicle.
 
Last edited:
Wrascal said:
pulling horse power is only part of what you should be concerned with. You'll also need adequate brakes to stop.

I don't know if this is necessary, but I've heard it recommended NOT to exceed 3/4 of the tow rating - so as to allow for a safety factor. If that were true then 3/4 of your stated 5000 pound capability would only allow for 3750#. THAT recommendation is why I eventually upgraded to a stronger vehicle.
Click to expand...

I've towed two trailers, including my Hi-Lo, with three tow vehicles. All have been pretty much at max capacity. I've never had any issues. This include driving pretty fast, towing on mountain roads, in the snow, and deserts.
 
My explorer only has a tow rating of 4500lbs and I am getting by. I towed the 95 about 90,000 miles with no problems at all. It does have the factory upgrade of a V8 radiator and a trans cooler. We took several trips to the west lots of mountains in Co., Alaska, many trips to Florida, mountains in Va., Tenn., Ga. The 2209 does load it, but it has never went lower than 2nd gear, it is a 5 speed auto, I did install another stock trans cooler when we got the 2209. Point is you can tow close to the max tow rating but don't expect to fly up mountains. My engine never overheats but trans temps soar up on mountains.
 
Last edited:
I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra with a tow rating of 5000. I have been towing a 2208t without any issues. Just got back recently from Wyoming and it handled the 2500 mile trip flawlessly with Kayaks on top and bikes on the back. I always travel dry, however.
 
Thanks, everyone! I'm still on the hunt for the right trailer and the right TV. :) Fortunately, I've got time on my side.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New posts

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top