Tow Vehicle for Fun Finder X-210

[alfresco4]

I have been towing a 2010 Fun Finder 189-FBR with a 2011 Toyota Highlander (4WD, 3.5L V6, 270HP), which has a 5000 lb towing capacity with a 500 lb tongue weight limit. I have also been using a Reese sway control WD system. This TV/TT combination has worked well.

The problem is that hurricane Irene deposited a large oak tree on my TT and it was totaled. I'm now considering the purchase of the larger and heavier X-210 (the model without slides). The dry weight (3450) and hitch weight (380) of the X-210 are within the Highlander limits. Even with the addition of gear, food, fuel, etc., I don't believe the TT weight will exceed the TV limits.

I would greatly appreciate hearing some experienced opinions about the capability of the Highlander being able to tow the X-210. I would also like to know what others are using to tow an X-210.

[fourfourto]

I would think it would be Ok
its only a couple of hundres pounds more then your 189

When the camper was totaled was that thru your camper/car insurance or homeowners ?

[LJAZ]

My thought is you will be very close if not over your 5000 lbs with this combination unless you are very careful. The trailer + tongue weight alone is 3830 lbs which leaves you 1170 for everything else, food, gear, passengers and water. Plus the 3830 dry weight doesn't include the weight of the 'accessories' like the awning, propane tanks or battery. You can probably do it if you are very frugal with what you carry.

Just for reference I estimate that my setup with trailer, water, dual propane tanks, battery, generator, other gear, passenger and dogs I'm pretty close to 6000 lbs. or so.

I currently tow with a 2011 Chevy 1500 crew cab 4X4 which has much more towing capacity than I need for the X210, but personally I like having that extra margin.

[webslave]

Originally Posted by LJAZ

My thought is you will be very close if not over your 5000 lbs with this combination unless you are very careful. The trailer + tongue weight alone is 3830 lbs which leaves you 1170 for everything else, food, gear, passengers and water. Plus the 3830 dry weight doesn't include the weight of the 'accessories' like the awning, propane tanks or battery. You can probably do it if you are very frugal with what you carry.

Just for reference I estimate that my setup with trailer, water, dual propane tanks, battery, generator, other gear, passenger and dogs I'm pretty close to 6000 lbs. or so.

I agree with LJAZ, but, your "saving grace" will be the fact that the 210 unit you are considering is the non-slide model. The slide probably adds 400 to 600 lbs to the weight of the 210WBS, which gives you an additional ~500lbs of "wiggle" room to play with. You should be just under your limits when loaded. My 210WBS comes in right at 5800 lbs when towing for a couple of months (we tow heavy), you should be just under 5000 lbs if you pack towards the light side.

[alfresco4]

Originally Posted by fourfourto

I would think it would be Ok
its only a couple of hundres pounds more then your 189

When the camper was totaled was that thru your camper/car insurance or homeowners ?

Thanks for the response. The trailer was on my car insurance policy and was subject to a $500 deductible.

[alfresco4]

Originally Posted by webslave

I agree with LJAZ, but, your "saving grace" will be the fact that the 210 unit you are considering is the non-slide model. The slide probably adds 400 to 600 lbs to the weight of the 210WBS, which gives you an additional ~500lbs of "wiggle" room to play with. You should be just under your limits when loaded. My 210WBS comes in right at 5800 lbs when towing for a couple of months (we tow heavy), you should be just under 5000 lbs if you pack towards the light side.

Webslave, I hope you're right. I'm expecting the dry weight of an X-210 with the optional equipment package (LCD TV, awning, etc.) to be about 3800 lb. Adding to that 100 lb for propane, 80 lb for a battery, 80 lb for the WD system, 100 lb for food, 50 lb for clothing, and 200 lb for other gear (chairs, kitchen equipment) would bring the total weight to approximately 4410 lbs. I usually travel with just a few gallons of water, so that wouldn't add much more weight. I may try to talk a dealer into letting me take a "test tow" to be certain.