Potential new owner. Need help.

[Overlander]

Thanks for the advice Villain. My wife and I just got back from the RV dealer. Our salesperson wasn't around so we took a quick peek around at some different models. I think we're seriously interested in the X19H (not the X18D as I wrote earlier). It's 700 lbs lighter than the X213. We really wanted to get away from the canvas but with 2 hounds and a baby on the way its the best way to have more space. The sales guy who was on shift told us that we wouldn't notice 700lbs when towing and that if we wanted the X213 and it was under our gross tow weight that we should get the one we wanted...I'm so torn!!!

[wiscampsin]

Tough decision as you want the best fit for your personal situation and budget. Go to the dealer and sit in each one for an hour and imagining how and where you'll keep your stuff. What's it going to be like spending a rainy day in it? Have you made a + and - list for each unit that interests you? Look at everything, even the little stuff, where will the dog dishes go, is there enough storage for you and the dogs, will you be stumbling on them when you need a trip to the head in the dark, where will you keep the dirty clothes, etc, etc, etc. The last thing you want is to say you wish you would've bought 'X' instead. Again, good luck with your decision.

[Overlander]

Hehehe thanks WISCAMPSIN but I think we've spent way more than an hour in each. We really prefer the X213 but this dang weight thing is really directing me to go with the lighter X19H...living in BC we're surrounded by mountains and my biggest fear is that we'll end up with the trailer we love but don't want to use cause its too heavy. Although I test towed the X213 I think I'll ask the dealer if I can take each out for a test tow this weekend for comparison before making my final decision...

[wiscampsin]

Originally Posted by wiscampsin

The last thing you want is to say you wish you would've bought 'X' instead.

OK maybe that's the second to the last thing. The last thing you want is towing something that's too heavy for your tow vehicle. I understand your concern, safety first.

[gilldawg79]

If your comfortable towing it, than get the one you want. However, you may be buying a new tow vehicle sooner, rather than later when towing at or close to your max, especially in the Rocky Mountains. Your V6 won't take too much of that. You could probably change oil and filter very often along with your tranny fluid once or twice a year and alleviate it.

I towed a 19BH with my 2005 Pathfinder V6 (6000lb) for a season and a half and it did fine, but that was in Alabama. I noticed strain on hills, not the Rockies. 600-700 lbs. is a big difference. We bought within our vehicles limits to try out camping again after our kids were a little older and then I bought a bigger TV knowing I would be buying a bigger TT.

If you are comfotable with it and its within the limits, go for it. Maintain it well, and if it meets your expectations brag about.

HTH

[SecretCoveDave]

I learned the diference between legal, and comfortable the hard way. That's just me.
More power, more brakes, more hitch, more tires.
More comfortable.
Dave

[villain2000]

Originally Posted by Overlander

Thanks for the advice Villain. My wife and I just got back from the RV dealer. Our salesperson wasn't around so we took a quick peek around at some different models. I think we're seriously interested in the X19H (not the X18D as I wrote earlier). It's 700 lbs lighter than the X213. We really wanted to get away from the canvas but with 2 hounds and a baby on the way its the best way to have more space. The sales guy who was on shift told us that we wouldn't notice 700lbs when towing and that if we wanted the X213 and it was under our gross tow weight that we should get the one we wanted...I'm so torn!!!

Wow. Easy for the salesman to say. Hes not be the one paying the $2500 to get the trans re-built. IMO, 600lbs IS a lot when your as close to your weight limit as you are. If your were 2000lbs below your weight limit, well, that's something else.

[clutch]

Any chance you can get a "practice/evaluation tow" from the dealer?

[Overlander]

Originally Posted by clutch

Any chance you can get a "practice/evaluation tow" from the dealer?

Yeah we test towed the X213 last week and I hope to test tow the X19H this Saturday.

[Quantum]

I know that I already replied to your PM to me, but I just wanted to re-iterate that our 2010 Traverse (V6, 281HP, 270lb-ft) tows our 213 very well.

We don't have mountains around here, just the Niagara Escarpment and other more minor hills.

We went with the 213 because of our family. We now have three kids, so the bunk beds up front are awesome. We also didn't want any canvas. The trailer stays far warmer with all hard walls, plus the kids can take nap in the afternoon while we hang out outside.

Personally, if you feel comfortable with it, go with the 213.

[Overlander]

Thanks a bunch Quantum! Appreciate the advice,

[cekkk]

Altar1is right. 5k lbs fills fast. Bigger TV & more space will make
The trips more fun. Not feeding the little one is another option, of course, if you're right at your weight limit. Welcome.

[MrKong]

If you did go with the bigger TT, I would plan to put an oversize transmission cooler on it, and try to find a larger capacity oil filter or pan. It won't help the power, but it will let it run cooler. That will save you some money in the long run. I own the X19. Are you looking at 12 or 11 model. The 11 model is heavier than the 12.

[murraygc]

We are looking at buying the x213. Does your ram have a hemi engine? What size wheels and gears do you have? We want to pull our trailer over the Rockies.