Tow an enclosed trailer with a 4 cylinder

[Timlh]

Hi, Presently I have a 2002 Toyota 2.7L 4x4 and I'm wondering if anyone has one already that they are using to tow a trailer that is set-up with A/C bath/ shower and double bunk. I have heard that the 2.7L is almost as powerful as the older six cylinders. The truck is rated to pull up to 3500lbs. I need the A/C as I'm an allergic asthmatic and if I'm going to ride an enduro I have to have a restful sleep the nite before which requires that I sleep in a non humid enviroment as free from allergants as possible (I also always clean the A/C filter in any hotel room I stay in first thing as none of them ever seem to do this, so they are loaded with mold spores and other allegants). I presently stay in Hotels which for many reasons is not desirable (travel to race the morning of, no shower after race unless you want to pay for an additional nites hotel rental). My second thought has been to get an older self contained RV something in the $3k-5k price range. I dont plan on doing anything until next year but trying to get as much info as possible before then. I also have a fullsize chevy van that I need to put a tranny in but I don't think I will go that route at this point.

[Andy Winters]

One thing to consider is that you will have to run a generator to power the A/C all nite. The people camping around you will lose their "restful sleep" with it running all nite! At ECEA events there is now a 10:00pm cut off on generators......just something to consider.

[CrazyTed]

Katoom, I'm curious. Does that apply to the whisper quiet Honda generators too? You know, the expensive ones that you can't even hear when your about six feet away? Just curious. Right now I don't have one so I'm just dreaming.....

[WoodsRider]

First off I don't own a new Toyota with the 2.7, but I do own a '92 4x4 P/U and a '95 4Runner Limited and both have the older 3.0 V6. I have been around RVs all my life and I would not tow a trailer, with the ammenities you described, with either of my vehicles. Even though Toyota makes an extremely dependable and reliable vehicle towing causes extreme wear and tear on the engine and drivetrain components. You'll probably be better off buying a used RV or converting an old school bus or panel truck.

Second, the 10 pm quiet rule is enforced at more and more events, thank goodness. I am "tent trash" at the races and don't care to hear somones generator running at 2 am. I'm not shy about telling someone to shut off their generator or even doing it for them. I don't know how quiet those new Honda generators are though.

Third, if you tent or stay in a hotel and want to shower after a race, go to the nearest truck stop. They usually have facilities that charge a dollar or two. Just make sure to lock everything down and wear sandals. Oh, and watchout for lot lizards. If the drive is a couple hours or less I'll wait and shower when I get home.

[Dave.Smtih]

Sound limitations at national parks follows:


TITLE 36--PARKS, FORESTS, AND PUBLIC PROPERTY

CHAPTER I--NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

PART 2--RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION--Table of Contents

Sec. 2.12 Audio disturbances.

(a) The following are prohibited:
(1) Operating motorized equipment or machinery such as an electric generating plant, motor vehicle, motorized toy, or an audio device, such as a radio, television set, tape deck or musical instrument, in a manner: (i) That exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels measured on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet; or, if below that level, nevertheless;
(ii) makes noise which is unreasonable, considering the nature and purpose of the actor's conduct, location, time of day or night, purpose for which the area was established, impact on park users, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances.

The Honda EU3000i is rated at 58dB and can be had for about $1800. You have to (not) hear one of these to belive they are running. A typical RV rooftop air conditioner will exceed the 60 dB limit - there may be quiet models available. I'm guessing that an A/C and generator combo that would satisfy the National Park standard would be OK with any race organizer.

[Timlh]

All please be assured I do not plan to sacrafice the comfort (quiet) of others so that I can be race able come the next morning. I had forgotten to include that in my original note I'm aware of the noise problem that generators present as well as an A/C unit itself. If I go the RV route I will not be the noisy neighbor I will either find a quite alternative solution or continue to use hotels. Does anyone know why they don't make A/C units that run on propane as some refrigerators are able to do.

[CrazyTed]

Yeah, the first time I heard the Honda generators I couldn't believe how truly quiet they are.

[Dave.Smtih]

Originally posted by Timlh
...Does anyone know why they don't make A/C units that run on propane as some refrigerators are able to do.

They do but, they are extremely inefficient, very heavy, expensive and noisey. For example a residential three ton unit weighs about 600 lbs, requires 58,000 btu/hr (that'll suck your propane tank dry in a hurry), needs 120V to run the condenser fan and power steering pump, and will set you back about $3500 uninstalled. I worked on these things in the '70s when natural gas was relatively cheap. The best thing I can say about them is they are quite a contraption.

[jeb]

I doubt that any rule excluding generators after a certain time will allow any of them to run, no matter how quiet. I almost bought the eu3000i a couple of years ago but, after going to some race, I realized that even a very quiet generator is very loud once camp settles down for the night.

I would not haul any kind of RV or large enclosed trailer with that rig. Manufacturers have a tendency to over rate the rigs a bit so they look better on paper. Savvy haulers never go beyond 80% of rated capacity and that's fully loaded. Generator, bike, water, gas, food, batteries, tools, parts, etc all add up very quickly. Plus the inability to plug in or run a generator so you could run an AC unit would probably take away the benefit of going this way.

Bummer about your allergies. One of the best parts of racing is sitting around the campfire the night before rather than traveling to and from a hotel.

[Timlh]

Yes my allergies definately suck, but at least I can still ride. I love to camp in a tent but I know from past experience if its you humid an/ or around fresh cut grass or trees or pollen or mold spores I will likely spend the night sitting up trying to breath or heading home. Oh well like I said many are much more handicapped if I end up having to use Hotels to race (particapate) its no big deal. Thanks for all the feedback.........Tim