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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / RVs / August 2007

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Advice on perfect first camper for 2001 Honda Odyssey

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brashier@gmail.com - 02 Aug 2007 18:39 GMT
I'm hoping to tap into the collective wisdom of this forum.

My kids are at the age where I want to start taking them on some
adventures away from home.  I have a 9yr old biy, 7 yr old boy and 6
yr old girl.

anyway, I would love to get a camper and have some great vacations.
My car is a 2001 Honda Odyssey.
I need something big enough for 2 adults and 3 kids. A/C is mandatory.

Due to my tow capacity I would probably be best served by a pop-up.
I value  quality over price.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
tobe - 02 Aug 2007 20:24 GMT
As I understand it, that vehicle has a tow 'rating' of 3500 pounds.  It
also has a Gross Combined Weight Ratio [GCWR] of 8410 (This is the
maximum amount the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer combined can
weigh).  You owners manual should have these numbers somewhere...

Also, the 'curb' weight of your (empty) vehicle is around 4250 pounds.

Subtract that 4250 from the GCWR of 8410 leaves 4160 pounds maximum you
can load and haul.  Two adults plus three kids would be perhaps 650
pounds, leaving 3510 pounds remaining maximum.  Now take the weight of
all of your gear that you will have in the back of your Odyssey. I'm
talking clothing, food, toys, bikes...lots of stuff.  You might be
surprised, but these will likely be another 300 pounds.  That leaves
3210 as the maximum loaded weight of whatever you will be towing.

There is a general rule that, for safety purposes, one should not tow
something that exceeds 75% of the allowable towing weight.  75% of 3210
pounds is 2633 pounds.  This is the maximum loaded weight of any thing
you should haul.

NOW you can start looking at pop-ups and what they weigh.  Remember to
see if the advertised weight includes things such as a full propane
tank, the air conditioner, the fridge, any other add-ons such as a
canopy, etc.  Often it does not.  Also remember that you WILL be putting
gear in the camper.  We have lots of stuff in there:  cooking utensils,
a coffee pot, a microwave oven, life vests for if we go boating, plates,
silverware, tools, wood blocks to put under the camper stabilizer jacks,
 and on-and-on.  I would guess that out 'stuff' in the camper weighs at
least 200 pounds.

That would limit the trailer unloaded weight - but including all the
add-ons mentioned above, to 2433 pounds.

Yes, you can find pop-ups in this range.

Does your tow vehicle have a factory installed towing package.  On some
vehicles this includes an extra transmission oil cooler, larger
suspension, larger battery, larger wheels and/or larger brakes.  I do
not know about the Odyssey.  If not, you will have to look into at least
adding the transmission cooler (and of course, the hitch and wiring).

You will need a trailer with brakes, and a brake controller for your
Odyssey.

HTH

> I'm hoping to tap into the collective wisdom of this forum.
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> I value  quality over price.
> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
michaelb1 - 02 Aug 2007 20:34 GMT
> As I understand it, that vehicle has a tow 'rating' of 3500 pounds.  It
> also has a Gross Combined Weight Ratio [GCWR] of 8410 (This is the
[quoted text clipped - 56 lines]
> > I value  quality over price.
> > Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Man thanks a lot for that very informative post.
I had not considered all those weight restrictions.
Maybe I should buy a new vehicle first to give me more options.
My current Ody is getting old anyway.  I really wish they made an
economical diesel or hybrid van for everyday use that could also pull
a heavy load when needed.
tobe - 03 Aug 2007 00:46 GMT
If looking into a new vehicle for towing a pop-up, get one with a tow
rating of at least 5000 pounds, and a factory tow package.  As time goes
by, pop-ups seem to be getting heavier and heavier!

The other choice is to start with tent camping, as our family did for
many years before getting a pop-up.  One summer we had 6 kids ages 11
months to 15 years, plus an exchange student!  We had one large tent (10
X 12, I think) plus two smaller 'pup' tents for the older kids.  A
port-a-crib fit in the large tent with the adults and the three younger
kids.  I strategically rigged a large tarp over the tents, but I don't
remember much rain on THAT trip.  Great memories, though.

> Man thanks a lot for that very informative post.
> I had not considered all those weight restrictions.
> Maybe I should buy a new vehicle first to give me more options.
> My current Ody is getting old anyway.  I really wish they made an
> economical diesel or hybrid van for everyday use that could also pull
> a heavy load when needed.
miles - 03 Aug 2007 05:25 GMT
> If looking into a new vehicle for towing a pop-up, get one with a tow
> rating of at least 5000 pounds, and a factory tow package.  As time goes
> by, pop-ups seem to be getting heavier and heavier!

Which makes no sense to me.  The reason people buy a popup is to tow
with smaller vehicles.  My first popup was a 1991 Coleman Roanoke.
Loaded it was about 1200lbs.  It was great but lacked a shower and
potty.  So I bought a 1991 Coleman Shenendoah.  One of the largest
popups at the time.  Had a shower, potty, inside and outside stove.
Really nice and roomy.  Loaded it weighed 2000lbs.

Lately it seems very difficult to find a popup with shower and toilet
under 2500lbs.  I've since gone to a 25' hybrid thats about 4500lbs
loaded and has a large slideout.

The other issue with current popups is the absurd price.  Besides low
weight people also choose a popup for its low cost.  Not so any more.
They typically run over $10,000 new.  For that price you can easily get
a small TT or hybrid.
Wesley - 04 Aug 2007 03:11 GMT
And might I add AMEN and AMEN!  That's just craziness...  I've got an 83
model 18' travel trailer (that I'm getting ready to sell) that is titled at
just under 2500lbs empty weight.  Just bought an 89 Sunline 20' that's
titled at 3000lbs.  And after putting new tires on it and some money into
other minor repairs, I've still got less than $3000 in it.

I'll grant you that a pop-up has less wind resistance while towing...but gee
whiz!

Wesley

> Lately it seems very difficult to find a popup with shower and toilet
> under 2500lbs.  I've since gone to a 25' hybrid thats about 4500lbs
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> They typically run over $10,000 new.  For that price you can easily get
> a small TT or hybrid.
Jim Redelfs - 04 Aug 2007 05:07 GMT
> The other issue with current popups is the absurd price.  Besides low
> weight people also choose a popup for its low cost.  Not so any more.
> They typically run over $10,000 new.  For that price you can easily get
> a small TT or hybrid.

...and buy an ever MORE capable tow vehicle.  I have seen a couple of
front-drive "mini" vans pulling a full/high-profile travel trailer
(conventional or hybrid makes no difference).  They *HAD* to have had "their
foot in it" to just keep going 55 MPH.  I've BTDT - with a V6 S10 Chevy.

I really miss the relative economy of towing a popup and those too few
occasions when it's all unzipped and I'm sleeping with my nose pressed to the
screen.  Only a popup and hybrid can do that.
Signature

           :)
JR

AustinMN - 03 Aug 2007 19:30 GMT
<snip good math>

> > There is a general rule that, for safety purposes, one should not tow
> > something that exceeds 75% of the allowable towing weight.  75% of 3210
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> > Yes, you can find pop-ups in this range.
<more snippage>

> Man thanks a lot for that very informative post.
> I had not considered all those weight restrictions.
> Maybe I should buy a new vehicle first to give me more options.
> My current Ody is getting old anyway.  I really wish they made an
> economical diesel or hybrid van for everyday use that could also pull
> a heavy load when needed.- Hide quoted text -

Don't despair!  There are lighter weight pop-ups to be had that are
easier to set up and more comfortable than a tent.  Keep in mind that
when you sacrifice ammenities, you also cut both weight and price. A
pop-up with a/c, shower, and potty will weigh 500 lbs more, have less
floor space, and cost (new) $3,000 more than an equivalent unit
without.  You would still be off the ground, sleep in your own bed,
set up in 20 minutes, and have heat to chase away the chill on cold
mornings.

In addition, all those ammenities come with another price - more
work.  A potti and shower have to be drained, cleaned, and
winterized.  An air conditioner has to be cleaned occasionally, and
the unit will eventually fail (though it may outlast the pop-up, that
is by no means guaranteed).

A pop-up can also expand the camping season.  Depending on where you
live, it is possible to go out to 12 full months of camping.

I agree with the poster who said buy a small, cheap, used pop-up, use
it for a season (or, if you buy one now, a half-season), and figure
out what you like and don't like.  Then you can more intelligently
decide what you want long-term.

Austin
Jim Redelfs - 03 Aug 2007 02:29 GMT
> I'm hoping to tap into the collective wisdom of this forum.

Without first reading the current replies, I'll chime in...

> My kids are at the age where I want to start taking them on some
> adventures away from home.  I have a 9yr old biy, 7 yr old boy and 6
> yr old girl.

Hells bells!  You're behind the curve!  We started in a tent, bringing along a
porta-crib, potty chair and two high chairs.  We moved up to a new, BIG popup
when the youngest was 6-1/2-years old.  The oldest - of the three - was 9.

> I would love to get a camper and have some great vacations.

With the exception of attending church, there is no better family activity.

> My car is a 2001 Honda Odyssey.

Oops.   :(

> I need something big enough for 2 adults and 3 kids. A/C is mandatory.

Stay home.  Otherwise, motels have mandatory A/C.

Remember:  A popup camper is just a tent on wheels.  A/C is nice but requires
an electrical hookup.  That excludes a LOT of nice venues.

> Due to my tow capacity I would probably be best served by a pop-up.

Since you didn't mention the rated towing capacity specifically, try this:  
Due to the tow rating, you would be LEAST POORLY served by a popup.  Any other
towable capable of accommodating your family is probably out-of-the-question.

The maximum tow rating for your vehicle is 3500-lbs.

<http://www.trailerlife.com/downloads/01towingguide.pdf>

To achieve any meaningful margin of safety and capability, the popup would
have to be rather small, probably no bigger than a 10-ft box, perhaps even an
8-9-footer.  Family togetherness will take on a whole, new meaning during
inclement weather.

> I value  quality over price.

Folding camping trailers are the entry-level of entry-level RVs.  Quality is
not a word often associated with even new, "high-end" popups.  That said,
Jayco and Starcraft and often considered "top of the line".  Fleetwood
(formerly Coleman) may, or may not, belong in that group.

You would do well to choose a reputable, conveniently located dealership and
purchase from them.  That, to me, is more important than brand, particularly
with popups.

> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Remember, you asked!  Good luck.  You'll have a BLAST!!
Signature

           :)
JR

miles - 03 Aug 2007 05:28 GMT
> Since you didn't mention the rated towing capacity specifically, try this:  
> Due to the tow rating, you would be LEAST POORLY served by a popup.  Any other
> towable capable of accommodating your family is probably out-of-the-question.
>
> The maximum tow rating for your vehicle is 3500-lbs.

There are many popups that would be well under 3500lbs, most some of the
late 1990's models and they are by no means small.  My 1996 was a 12ft
box and was only 2000lbs loaded.
Jim Redelfs - 04 Aug 2007 05:01 GMT
> My 1996 was a 12ft box and was only 2000lbs loaded.

That's impressive.

My '87 Starcraft Galaxy weighted around 3500-lbs, loaded for bear.  This was
their top-of-the-line, 12-ft box but one "notch" down - no shower.  Oh, and no
A/C.  (A/C wasn't the big deal that it is today and I was already spending a
big chunk of change getting this special-ordered camper.)

Once, within three miles of our house, after departing for a camping trip, I
detoured to a local grain elevator's certified scale.  The three girls and
wife were most patient.  This was the real deal.

(OK, honey, you and the girls get out and stand over there.  I'll reweigh,
then drop the camper and weigh the car by itself.)

...and they say these rigs are getting heavier over the years.  I'll have to
look into that.

The OP's prompt observation that a "bigger horse" might be in order was an
encouraging sign.  He'd be a LOT happier pulling a top-of-the-line popup with
something rated to tow at least 5k-lbs.  In this day and age, that virtually
requires a full-size SUV or 1500-series pickup.

A four-door pickup with a (reasonably) weatherproof topper over a rubber
matted 8-ft bed would be the IDEAL, large popup, family camping tow vehicle,
IMHO.  Just go out to the money tree and grab a handful.  (Screw that, take a
laundry basket! <g>)

Part of the "price" many pay for participating in the world of towable RVing
is accepting the CO$T of using their tow vehicle as their "daily driver".  
This big block Chevy is KILLING me at the gas pump.  Thankfully, it is a NICE
ride and, so far, worth the expense.   <sigh>

Anyway, I love to "camp"...
Signature

           :)
JR

2000 Skamper Ultra 249 TT
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Vortec 8100 - Allison 1000

Andrew - 03 Aug 2007 04:47 GMT
> I'm hoping to tap into the collective wisdom of this forum.
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> I value  quality over price.
> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 After reading the other replies I'll add this.

You'll most likely want a 10' pop-up to keep the weight down. Try to
find one that has the normal two beds on the end plus some sort of fold
out bed such as a gaucho (couch that folds out into a bed.) Tables that
drop down and turn into beds are a bit more of a pain in the butt.

Older pop-up are definitely lighter. They keep getting heavier every
year. Used pop-ups can be fantastic deals. I would stay away from any
used Coleman with an ABS (plastic) roof. They are notorious for
expensive roof problems.

Don't forget to have a transmission cooler installed in your van. The
cost is a little over $100 and provides cheap and excellent protection
for your very expensive transmission.

So with your new trailer and all your gear and family you'll be hauling
quite a load. You may want to invest in some sort of weight distribution
system such as a weight distributing hitch. This helps to keep the rear
of your van from sitting too low and affecting your handling and ride
quality. To use such a system you'll most likely need a class 3 receiver
hitch and a trailer that is able to accommodate such a system. Many
trailer manufacturers forbid the use of a weight distributing hitch.

You mentioned that you appreciate quality. I'm sorry to say that pop-ups
just aren't built that well. They are on the very low end of the
spectrum for camping rigs. In my own experience I've found that a used
trailer will show all it's faults readily while brand new campers can
have hidden problems waiting to pop-up. If you decide to buy new your
choice of dealer is at least as important as the model or brand you
choose. Around here the camping season is less than 4 months long. If
your camper's in the shop waiting for repairs for 5 weeks it can really
take a bite out of your summer fun.

I would recommend that you do what we did. We bought an older pop-up
(1987 I think) and used it for a year. After we learned our likes and
dislikes we went ahead and made an informed decision and bought a brand
new model. We've since gone back to an older rig due to quality issues.

Good Luck,
Andrew
michaelb1 - 04 Aug 2007 06:48 GMT
Thanks for all the great advice.
I think I am going to replace my van next year and get a Toyota
Highlander Hybrid or one of the many diesels coming out next year.
Diesels have that extra torgue and gas mileage I need.

Today I was looking at the Dodge (Mercedes) Sprinter Van.  It has HUGE
storage capacity and at least 5k lbs tow capacity.
http://www.dodge.com/en/2007/sprinter/models/psngr/index.html

Anyway, that buys me some time to find a pop-up.  I definitely need A/
C.  We will going to some pretty hot places and none of us like to
sweat while trying to sleep.
Jim Redelfs - 04 Aug 2007 13:48 GMT
> Thanks for all the great advice.

You're welcome.  Just remember:  It's worth what you PAID for it.   :)

> Toyota Highlander

Nice.

> Hybrid

Recinded.   <sigh>

(You want to haul a CAMPING TRAILER around, not a bunch a BATTERIES.)

> or one of the many diesels

Now you're talking.   :)

> coming out next year.

I don't like the thought of acquiring "first year" stuff.

>  Dodge (Mercedes) Sprinter Van.  It has HUGE
> storage capacity and at least 5k lbs tow capacity.
> http://www.dodge.com/en/2007/sprinter/models/psngr/index.html

A five-cylinder Mercedes diesel (I think).  It's becoming the platform of
choice for many Class B motorhome builders.

Outfitted up front to accommodate a family of five (if even offered) would
make it a rather expensive proposition.

If one really loaded-up a Sprinter (bikes, grill, coolers, etc) I bet it's TOW
RATING would be seriously reduced.

> Anyway, that buys me some time to find a pop-up.

I started with a brand new, LARGE (heavy) popup.  I pulled it with a
rear-drive Chevy Caprice station wagon with 305 cid (5.0L) V8 rated to tow
5,000-lbs.  It was a near-perfect match.  We had a GREAT time.

The linked photo is of a brief [let the transmission cool and take some
photos] stopover in the Big Horn mountains in Wyoming, enroute to Yellowstone
- the Really Big Thing<tm> that we did, camping-wise, while the three girls
were growing up.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1006/836458865_daa4edb663_b.jpg

> I definitely need A/C.  We will going to some pretty hot places
> and none of us like to sweat while trying to sleep.

One would probably be ill-advised to acquire a top-of-the-line, new popup
WITHOUT A/C if for no other reason than the resale value of the camper.

Get a tent.  Rent a camping cabin.  Just go camping NOW.  You or one or more
members of the would-be camping group may discover that such "recreation" is
not for you/them.  Learning that BEFORE you spend big bux to do it in an RV
would be a GOOD thing.  Just make the effort to go camping NOW.  You can use
all of what you learn and much of what you purchase if you get an RV later.  
(There's a special place in heaven for WIVES that camp.)  Go camping.
Signature

           :)
JR

2000 Skamper Ultra 249 TT
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Vortec 8100 - Allison 1000

michaelb1 - 04 Aug 2007 19:27 GMT
> (You want to haul a CAMPING TRAILER around, not a bunch a BATTERIES.)
I don't mind hauling batteries when they add 7 mpg.  Thats about
100miles extra per tank which is about $15 in gas where I live.
That $15 savings will buy me more camper or toys.

Still I prefer a good deisel for durabilty and high reliability.

> Get a tent.  Rent a camping cabin.  Just go camping NOW.  You or one or more
> members of the would-be camping group may discover that such "recreation" is
> not for you/them.  Learning that BEFORE you spend big bux to do it in an RV
> would be a GOOD thing.  Just make the effort to go camping NOW.  You can use
> all of what you learn and much of what you purchase if you get an RV later.
> (There's a special place in heaven for WIVES that camp.)  Go camping.

I've been camping many times in tents and RV's so I already know what
to expect.
Thats why I am excited about getting a camper.:)
Tomes - 05 Aug 2007 06:03 GMT
"michaelb1" ...

>> (You want to haul a CAMPING TRAILER around, not a bunch a BATTERIES.)
> I don't mind hauling batteries when they add 7 mpg.  Thats about
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> to expect.
> Thats why I am excited about getting a camper.:)

What has been said here thus far is good stuff.  I will just add my
opinion which is to buy a used pop-up as a first one and use it for a few
years at least.  We bought our used Coachmen Clipper (a good popup that we
are quite happy with as our 2nd popup <as our first one, a Coleman Destiny
Rio Grande was rear-ended> for $2500 a couple of years ago.  If you don't
like it you will then know why and can sell it likely for at least what
you paid for it.  Buying new without experience I feel can lead one into
buying something that does not quite fit the needs, and it loses _a lot_
of resale value rolling off of the lot.

Better yet, borrow one for a few excursions so you know what you really
want (we just loaned ours out to our trusted neighbors for a weekend).
Tomes
Mike - 05 Aug 2007 07:37 GMT
With my Toyota Sienna van I am currently hauling a Rockwood high-wall
which is as tall as the van itself.  I get about 12 mpg but find it easy
to drive well over the speed limit, so I have to still watch the
throttle.  We added air-lift bags to the rear axle to lift the rear of
the van a bit more off the ground (before, we just had a measly 5" of
clearance!).  If we were to go through it all again we would have the
rear suspensing permanently raised 6" off the ground so we do not have
to worry about the air bags since they are a component capable of
failure and also require a compressor under the hood plus a couple
switches that sometimes grind into my left knee when getting out of the
van if I am not paying attention.  Still, it is a rare thing to own a
van with air lift bags and there is some distinction in that :-)   As
for the Rockwood high-wall, I would say it tows just fine no matter what
the pros might say.  We wanted a high-wall for the nice oven, but it
turns out that we really never use the oven at all.  The microwave is
overkill also, since we only like to camp at very natural California
state parks with hot showers and flush toilets and no hook-ups -- so
even our toilet/shower was overkill.  I say get a basic pop-up that
hauls a bit lighter, stay at state parks with flush toilets and hot
showers, and forget getting anything with a toilet that you would have
to clean up after using anyhow.  The good thing about forfeiting the
toilet is that your popup will then most probably have more seating
area.  The high-wall type trailers haul a bit heavy and the only real
feature that we benefit from is they have an extra high ceiling and a
bit more storage capacity.  Ours cost $14k plus taxes so they run a bit
high of price as well.

> I'm hoping to tap into the collective wisdom of this forum.
> My kids are at the age where I want to start taking them on some
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> I value  quality over price.
> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Jim Redelfs - 05 Aug 2007 10:17 GMT
> With my Toyota Sienna van I am currently hauling a Rockwood high-wall
> which is as tall as the van itself.

My daughter and SIL just bought a new Sienna.  It is certainly possible and
even bit likely they will use it to pull a popup, too.

> We added air-lift bags

Was that a big deal?  Would it affect a factory warranty?

> rear suspensing permanently raised 6"

How would THAT be accomplished?

> worry about the air bags since they are a component capable of
> failure

Probably no more and no less reliable than were the different sets of air
shocks I used over the years.

> compressor under the hood

That would be a luxury and worthwhile only if it could also be used to inflate
tires and other items.  Otherwise, I would set-up such a system to inflate
(and deflate) via a Schrader valve mounted in a good place on the vehicle -
just like my air shocks - and use a cigarette-lighter-socket-powered
"compressor" to inflate the system.  My knees might appreciate it, too.

> the Rockwood high-wall, I would say it tows just fine no
> matter what the pros might say.

What might "the pros" say?  (I've not heard that the high-wall popups tow any
differently than the shorter-wall units.)

> We wanted a high-wall for the nice oven, but it
> turns out that we really never use the oven at all.

For the oven?  How about the larger refrigerator with storage in the door?  
Countertop heights that don't kill your back stooping over to wash the dishes?
Heck, I could've saved you some $ by telling you that the oven was probably
going to be seldom used.  We rarely use the one on our travel trailer.   All
they do it heat-up the camper.  We came to camp, not bake.

> The microwave is overkill also

Not I, said the duck.  Especially now that we have a Honda EU2000i Ultra-quiet
generator, we judiciously use the microwave to reheat our (late) morning's
coffee.

> since we only like to camp at very natural California
> state parks with hot showers and flush toilets and no hook-ups -- so
> even our toilet/shower was overkill.

Unless you are SERIOUSLY more energetic than I was when we were popupping,
you'll find the toilet is too convenient to forgo its use.  We used a
top-of-the-line Thetford Porta Potti in our popup.

> I say get a basic pop-up

It was also suggested to borrow one for a couple campouts before buying.  A
more likely thing would be to RENT one for a couple weekend outings.  A used
popup is always cheaper than a new one.

> forget getting anything with a toilet that you would have
> to clean up after using anyhow.  The good thing about forfeiting the
> toilet is that your popup will then most probably have more seating
> area.

I wouldn't have a popup WITHOUT a toilet or Porta Potti.  Different strokes...

> The high-wall type trailers haul a bit heavy and the only real
> feature that we benefit from is they have an extra high ceiling and a
> bit more storage capacity.

Are they rated to CARRY any more than the traditional-height models?

> Ours cost $14k plus taxes so they run a bit
> high of price as well.

Ouch.  That is close to, if not within, the price range of an entry level,
conventional travel trailer.  The BIG difference, I'm sure, is when you are
towing.  A full-height towable takes TONS of gas to motivate down the road.
Signature

           :)
JR

2000 Skamper Ultra 249 TT
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Vortec 8100 - Allison 1000

Mike - 10 Aug 2007 00:27 GMT
> > We added air-lift bags
> Was that a big deal?  Would it affect a factory warranty?

Probably voided some warranty.  I do not live my life by warranties,
though.

> > rear suspensing permanently raised 6"
> How would THAT be accomplished?

I do not know the proper terminology, but it is doable.  I have a tire
shop do all the suspension work.

> > the Rockwood high-wall, I would say it tows just fine no
> > matter what the pros might say.
>
> What might "the pros" say?  (I've not heard that the high-wall popups tow any
> differently than the shorter-wall units.)

The pros would say do not pull that heavy of a load with my van that is
just rated to pull 3500#.
Frank Tabor - 05 Aug 2007 13:08 GMT
> With my Toyota Sienna van I am currently hauling a Rockwood high-wall
> which is as tall as the van itself.  I get about 12 mpg but find it easy
> to drive well over the speed limit, so I have to still watch the
> throttle.  We added air-lift bags to the rear axle to lift the rear of
> the van a bit more off the ground (before, we just had a measly 5" of
> clearance!).

I'd say that the rear of your van is overloaded if you had to do that.  
You need a load equalizing hitch.  If you already have that, then either
it's improperly set up, or you have exceeded the tongue weight of your
vehicle.  Either way you have a problem.

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Frank Tabor
A man without a woman is like a fish without gills.

 
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