suggestion for towing

[LFitzgerald]

hello all, I am purchasing a 2008 Keystone Outback 21RS and asking for help deciding what the best older model light weight or midsize truck would be good for towing the camper? I'd rather not get a full size or diesel, but appreciate all suggestions. Also, I'll be staying at one location for the entire summer, so I will not be towing it other then to its destination which is about 3000 miles. I'm looking to buy a used vehicle, can't afford the new ones ... thanks..appreciate the input !

[JRTJH]

The 2008 Keystone Outback 21RS is a 22'1" long trailer with an empty weight of 4720, a GVW of 6500 and an "advertised tongue weight of 375. You'll never see the empty weight or the tongue weight that low. Typically, tongue weight is 11-15% of total weight, so expect it to be around 650-975 pounds plus the weight of your hitch (usually around 125-150 pounds).

I see you live in Fort Collins, CO, so mountain towing will be in your "normal use profile"....

I don't know of any "mid size truck" that's capable of towing 6500 pounds at mountain elevations. You're looking at a full size pickup as a tow vehicle for that size/weight trailer, especially with much of your towing in the Rocky Mountains. Many people recommend the 3.5 EcoBoost in the F150. GM and RAM also have capable trucks that would handle that trailer well.

[LFitzgerald]

Thanks, John. Appreciate your knowledge..I'll look for full size pick up, then. Have a good evening....

[wiredgeorge]

Gosh, when I heard mid-size truck, I thought he was talking about a 3/4 ton. You would do well to ask about hitch types and what would be a good idea as far as your trailer and a 1/2 ton truck. I had a anti sway/weight distribution hitch for my last bumper pull and my receiver was welded to my frame. I wouldn't pull with a bumper mounted ball of course. Spending a few bucks with the right tow equipment make pulling that trailer a lot less of a drama.

[Kylemcmahon1]

If you are just going to tow it out there and leave it. You might check into an RV hauler. Yes expensive but so is a reliable half ton truck. Just an idea and something to look into.

[Ken / Claudia]

I would look at the last post as a possible solution. Why buy a truck if your only needing it to tow on 1 way trip. You know what trailer you want. Buy it near your location your staying at, have it towed to the site. Save a pile of money from buying vehicle as it sounds, you really do not need. On one of my RV purchases, a 28 ft TT was going on beach property. The dealer offered to tow it for free 140 miles.