There are many formulas and rules of thumb, based on a little more science then "it tows good" xx length. For instance, one is wheel base of the vehicle, starting at 114" equals a 20' trailer measured tongue to bumper, add 4" wheel base for each additional foot of trailer. We are talking travel trailers here, not boat trailers. Standard expy wheel base that's around 22', a max would be 24'. Now, do people exceed those, all day long, is it safe, depends. I don't why a 10% fudge factor wouldn't work. Another number to remain in the green, is stay under your maximum tow weight by 20%, so for round numbers, at #9,000 tow weight, #7,800 fully loaded. You can not believe one word of manufacturer weights published in brochures, those are mostly marketing numbers. Go look at the sticker on the drivers side of the trailer, it will tell you it's gross weight and the trailers true weight that's going empty out the assembly door, subtract to get your carrying weight, you might be surprised to see how low it is, anywhere from #750 to #1000, goes fast. That total weight, which should include some fresh water so you can use the bathroom while traveling, should remain at 20% below our maximum towing weight. Now take a look at tongue weight, for safe towing the TW should be between 10-15% of the trailer total weight. The TW can be effected by the trailer configuration, axels further back from the tongue will have heavier tongue weights. This TW comes off your payload max. Look at your drivers side door jamb, you can find your payload. This usually is in excess of a #150 driver and full tank of fuel. We have a '19 expy limited max, with HD tow and 4x4. Our payload is a respectable #1,686, higher then some F150s. I've seen some XLTs over #1,800. Subtract all the additional weight going into the expy, what's left has to take not only the TW, but also the heavy weight of the weight distribution hitch on the tongue, another #50+. Find a trailer within these guidelines, loaded properly and you should be safe towing and stopping. Once you find your weights, based on numbers above, then go to the forums of those trailers you like, and you will find true tongue weights and carrying weights. Once armed with true numbers, go look at them, sit in them, imagine being in them on a rainy day, then it will start to come together. I would strongly recommend dual axels on your trailer with so many "littles" depending on you not being stranded on the side of the road, fortunately most trailers in your needs/weight level will be tandem. Another advantage to the smaller trailers are you can find sites that are readily available at 24' and less in the national and state parks. Remember, needs vs wants, helps tone it down in a travel trailer with an expy as the tow vehicle. If you ask many adults, you will be surprised how many have happy family camping days, not many recall last weeks soccer score. You have so many fantastic camping opportunities being in Colorado it's amazing, and the season is much longer then 2-3 months in the summer. HaPpY Rving, take your time, and as Nike says, "Just Do It"
