Anxiety by first time RVer

[FirstTimer329]

There are a lot of caveats to be aware of when towing with a Honda Odyssey. You don't have a Tow/Haul mode, so you'd have to use the paddle shifters and your 3,500 lb. capacity is predicated on keeping the payload in the van to a minimum. It likely has a tran. cooler, but in my opinion, dragging around 3,500 lbs with that vehicle is a transmission overhaul waiting to happen.

I plan to tow no more than 3200lbs which is 80% of max tow weight.

 

[Holdmybeer]

I plan to tow no more than 3200lbs which is 80% of max tow weight.

2800 lbs would be 80% of 3500. But 3200 would be better than 3500. Keep in mind as well your trailers tongue weight will count as payload. By keeping your trailer weight at 80% of capacity you'll more likely avoid the tail wagging the dog effect when towing at capacity and towing vehicle weight are as close as you'd be in the Odyssey.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

There are other factors.

HP determines speed, torque determines if it's even an option.


The frontal area is also something that needs attention.

The owners manual for a PTCruiser defines capacity including trailer frontal area.

Let me give you the reason this is important.

Your vehicle might haul a speed boat to the lake. Or maybe a flatbed trailer to get materials, but with all things equal, may only pull a travel trailer on sight due to wind resistance.

A molded trailer, because of well rounded corners,or an old airstream or the like, may pull well due to frontal area even if your gross weight was a little over spec.. Where a typical modern trailer it could not, even within spec.

This frontal area has nothing to do with how sleek the front surfaces are. It's about the amount of air being moved out of the way.

Back in the day (before I could legally drive, 1950's) many low HP, low torque vehicles pulled recreational trailers to favorite spots, many of those trailers were quite heavy. It worked because the drivers were not expecting to travel very fast. Interstates were few, and speed limits are not what set the pace, common sense did.

Suggestions for a lite travel trailer? I could not with a conscience offer a recommendation for any new RV. No matter the cost, quality just isn't there.

I Am in a cargo trailer. The build is My design, serving My needs. Cargo trailers are a commercial product. Even entry level (as mine is), are built to stand up in conditions that an RV won't. Even a rough build can make a modern RV look like trash.

Guess I do have a recommendation.