Will our new TV push the beloved Mesa into retirement?!

[campingeyedoc]

Is my 2000 Mesa up for sale? We are about to replace our '01 Astro van with a 2006 Buick Rendezvous. I thought 3500 lb tow capacity would be adequate, forgetting that I have to include 600lbs for passengers plus whatever we bring with us. We wanted to downsize the vehicle anyway, so we're going with thr Rendezvous, but do I need to downsize the camper? And if so, what is a good lightweight alternative with space for 2 adults and 3 teenagers? And if I do downsize, who wants to buy a 2000 Coleman Mesa in great shape, or trade for something lighter?
Any and all opinions appreciated. Thanks.

[edwardr132]

How much does the Coleman Mesa weigh?  One thing you could do to "stretch" your towing capacity is to bring two vehicles.  One that tows the popup and one that carries everyone else including coolers and such.

[hoppy]

Sounds like it's time to look at down-sizing the Mesa.

  My 2001 Mesa all loaded up and ready to go weighs in at just a tad below 3,100 #. The base weight / dry weight of the Mesa if I recall correctly is around 2,450 #, and that is without any of the options like A/C, furnace, 3-way fridge, water heater, awning, propane tanks, battery, spare tire, etc.

  I tow mine with a Silverado that has a tow capacity of 6,200 #, and it struggles at times if I'm going up hills in the mountains.

  There is a general rule of thumb for playing it safe to determine the tow capacity. Try to keep the tow weight within 75% of the stated TV tow capacity.

  The Astro van I believe had a tow capacity of 5,500 #, making it a very good tow vehicle.

[flyfisherman]

Just so happens I was in the market for a new PU in early 2000 and still have all the sales brochures for that year. The specs for the 2000 Mesa say:
base axle wt = 2104
hitch wt = 145        
Base Vehicle Wt = 2249
GVWR = 3250

I, too, was downsizing. Had gone previously from a TT to a large PU and had just sold that for a small 8' box Starcraft. Since there's mostly 2 of us (one time we did do a three adult trip and that was cramped!) and quite often I go on fishing trips alone where I meet up with others who have their own RVs or whatever, so the smaller unit is perfect for me. The Starcraft literature for my eight footer says it will sleep "6" but they must have been talking about midgets! However, you only sleep in the PU so it could very well work for 2 adults and 3 young'uns.

I have a full sized pick'em up for a TV so I could really pull your Mesa AND my Starcraft and still have tow capacity left over. I like having a more than an  adequate TV for the job. In times past I've known all about white knuckle towing and that sure takes the pleasure out of a trip.


Fly