Getting ready to purchase....questions...

[JungleJim]

I apologize for such a long first post. My wife and I have been considering a popup for a few years. Now that our son is 5 yrs old, we are serious about getting one prior to the summer.

We just drove up to the RV show in Novi, MI on Saturday. We're looking at the Fleetwoods.

I'll be purchasing both a new vehicle and a popup this Spring. We have a CRV and a Golf now, neither of which can tow anything (well, maybe a breadbox). I'm going to get a new Toyota 4Runner V6. Now before anyone begins telling me to get the V8, this vehicle will be my everyday driving vehicle. I'm not purchasing a tow vehicle....I'm buying a vehicle that I will occasionally tow with. The V6 is a 4.0 liter with 236 hp and 266 lb-ft torque. It comes standard with a 5000 lbs towing capacity, or 6400 lbs if you install the hitch that comes on the V8 version.

I've been thinking that we'd end up with the Cheyenne, yet I've been reading about the Sun Valley here on the forum. (I've spoken to people who towed a Cheyenne out West through the mountains with a Honda Pilot and three kids with no issues.) At the show, I think my favorite of all is the Utah (although the Bayside is a close second). I don't want to have issues towing whatever I end up with.

The difference in base weights between the Cheyenne and Sun Valley is 150 lbs.. I figure that shouldn't be a problem if we decide on the Sun Valley. The Utah is 455 lbs heavier than the Cheyenne, but it does come with things that are options on the Cheyenne (hot water, etc.) which account for some of that weight.

The Cheyenne and Sun Valley are the same towing length. The Utah is 2 feet longer. I don't know if that's a big deal or not.

3500 lbs is 70% of the 5000 lbs towing capacity of the 4Runner, which is the GVWR of both the Sun Valley and the Utah.

Am I worrying too much about the few hundred pounds? There is just myself, my bride, and our 5 year old son.

I appreciate the input (especially anyone who has towed with a 4Runner).


[I'll probably have many more questions during our decision making and purchase. I hope the members here don't get tired of me!]

[fritz_monroe]

Welcome to the forums and good luck with your shopping.

We ahve a Bayside and love it.  I didn't look at the Cheyenne but did look at the Utah.  The extra cabinets and the direction of the couch were the deciding factors for us.  Let's not forget the huge amount of floor space that's available in the Bayside.  I sat in it and imagined us being stuck in the pup with our 2 kids and the dog during a torrential downpour.  That pretty much did it for us.

I've never towed with a 4Runner, but I think you will be fine.  You may want to look into if you need a WDH.  I don't think you will have much problem with any of your choices.

As for the weight of the pups, keep in mind that the Cheyenne is a 10 foot box, that would make the difference in weight.  The Bayside and Utah both have a slide, so that would be a big part of the weight difference.

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT!  To make the decision go and spend some time in the campers you are considering.  Spend an hour or more in each one, with the whole family.  Sit at the table, lay down on the beds, play a game, anything you would do while camping and see how they "fit".  Some options are harder and more expensive to add after the fact, like the hot water system.  If you think you want it then get a trailer with it.  It is a hard decision to make.  Good luck and if you have more questions ask away.

[JungleJim]

I want to stress that our main concern is the ability to tow the camper.

Like I stated above, our first choice would be the Utah.

[tlhdoc]

I want to stress that our main concern is the ability to tow the camper.
 
Like I stated above, our first choice would be the Utah.

With a 5000 pound towing capacity you will be fine towing any PU.

[Porfolks]

With a 5000 pound towing capacity you will be fine towing any PU.

 We have a V6 4 runner 2004 and a 2001 Fleetwood Coleman Niagara have towed the PU from Florida to Texas with no problem and got average 20 MPG.. i would recommend the stablizer brake tho regardless of what you pull or pull with,,its just safe.

Good Camping;
  Porfolks

[Porfolks]

I apologize for such a long first post. My wife and I have been considering a popup for a few years. Now that our son is 5 yrs old, we are serious about getting one prior to the summer.

We just drove up to the RV show in Novi, MI on Saturday. We're looking at the Fleetwoods.

I'll be purchasing both a new vehicle and a popup this Spring. We have a CRV and a Golf now, neither of which can tow anything (well, maybe a breadbox). I'm going to get a new Toyota 4Runner V6. Now before anyone begins telling me to get the V8, this vehicle will be my everyday driving vehicle. I'm not purchasing a tow vehicle....I'm buying a vehicle that I will occasionally tow with. The V6 is a 4.0 liter with 236 hp and 266 lb-ft torque. It comes standard with a 5000 lbs towing capacity, or 6400 lbs if you install the hitch that comes on the V8 version.

I've been thinking that we'd end up with the Cheyenne, yet I've been reading about the Sun Valley here on the forum. (I've spoken to people who towed a Cheyenne out West through the mountains with a Honda Pilot and three kids with no issues.) At the show, I think my favorite of all is the Utah (although the Bayside is a close second). I don't want to have issues towing whatever I end up with.

The difference in base weights between the Cheyenne and Sun Valley is 150 lbs.. I figure that shouldn't be a problem if we decide on the Sun Valley. The Utah is 455 lbs heavier than the Cheyenne, but it does come with things that are options on the Cheyenne (hot water, etc.) which account for some of that weight.

The Cheyenne and Sun Valley are the same towing length. The Utah is 2 feet longer. I don't know if that's a big deal or not.

3500 lbs is 70% of the 5000 lbs towing capacity of the 4Runner, which is the GVWR of both the Sun Valley and the Utah.

Am I worrying too much about the few hundred pounds? There is just myself, my bride, and our 5 year old son.

I appreciate the input (especially anyone who has towed with a 4Runner).


[I'll probably have many more questions during our decision making and purchase. I hope the members here don't get tired of me!]

about your purchase of a Utah,, you might consider a bayside with a slide out,,the slide out makes all the diff in the world and you'll love the room,,as far as towing like i said in a previous reply (that i mistakingly put in wrong place) we own a 4 runner V6 same engine as other toyota v6's  have no problem what so ever pulling the Niagra,,up and down hills also havn't tried it in large mountains yet tho.

Porfolks

[fritz_monroe]

With a 5000 pound towing capacity you will be fine towing any PU

Well, almost.  The Avalon  would be pushing it.

But I agree that just about anything else would be fine.

You should really think about it.  If you really would rather have the Utah or Bayside, then really consider them.  You are buying something that will hopefully last you a long time.  You don't want to compromise unless you have to.

[JungleJim]

We have a V6 4 runner 2004 and a 2001 Fleetwood Coleman Niagara

What is the weight of your Niagara? I don't think the Niagara was a highwall yet in 2001?

about your purchase of a Utah,, you might consider a bayside with a slide out,,the slide out makes all the diff in the world and you'll love the room,,
Porfolks

The Utah does have a slide out.

You should really think about it. If you really would rather have the Utah or Bayside, then really consider them. You are buying something that will hopefully last you a long time. You don't want to compromise unless you have to.

I guess that's the purpose of my post. I would like to get the Utah, but only if I can tow it comfortably. That includes a couple of future trips out West through mountains.

I appreciate the input from everyone!

[rsm8]

This thread is similar to one on PUX.  I replied to that post and will do the same here.  I have owned three Coleman/Fleetwod trailers over the years, upgrading in amenities and weight each time.  Started with a Chesapeake, moved up to a Sun Valley and recently upgraded to a Highlander Arcadia.  If you are looking at the Utah you will be very happy.  I would opt for the Utah over other similar models in the series because of the toilet/shower and the dinette slideout.  You may never use the shower, but you will use the toilet, especially at night.  We try to limit the bathroom use in the trailer to #1 and at night so our kids don't have to leave the trailer.  During the day we use the campground facilities.  Most campgrounds have toilets and showers, even state run campgrounds in CA.  We made a mistake with the Sun Valley only because it did not have a toilet inside.  At the time we were somewhat constrained by weight and the Utah was just a little to heavy for the vehicle we had at the time (95 ford Aerostar).  I wish we had purchased the Utah, I would not have had to upgrade now and would have saved a lot of money.  If you are going to tow with a 4runner you will have no trouble with the Utah.  Install a sway controller and the Utah will be easy to tow.  You will never regret having the toilet, and the slideout will give an open feel to the trailer that you won't get in a trailer without it.  Good luck

[JungleJim]

I would opt for the Utah over other similar models in the series because of the toilet/shower and the dinette slideout.  

The Utah does have the slideout and optional toilet, but no shower.

If you are going to tow with a 4runner you will have no trouble with the Utah.

Does your opinion include the V6 4Runner?

Good luck

Thanks!

[rsm8]

The Utah does have the slideout and optional toilet, but no shower.


Does your opinion include the V6 4Runner?


Thanks!

Yes, the v6 4runner should have no trouble with a Utah.  I apologize for stating it had a shower.  I thought that was a combo deal in those trailers.  Just make sure you install a sway contol bar and you will have a great setup.