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Old 06-13-2018, 03:05 PM   #41
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I wonder if they updated the tread or rubber formulation - granted my Geolanders only have about 7,000 miles on them so far, but I have noted only a marginal increase in road noise compared to the very quiet Nokian Entyre I was running before, and the slightly harsher ride from the much more rigid sidewalls.
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Old 06-13-2018, 05:59 PM   #42
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The 2018 Highlander 3.5 v6 has 295 hp.
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Old 06-13-2018, 07:22 PM   #43
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torque is more important than HP for towing.
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Old 06-13-2018, 07:46 PM   #44
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Get a custom mattress. We found the ones supplied very uncomfortable. As you will be spending a lot of time in the camper get one made to your requirements, soft, hard etc.
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Old 06-13-2018, 08:05 PM   #45
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Originally Posted by Clack99 View Post
Get a custom mattress. We found the ones supplied very uncomfortable. As you will be spending a lot of time in the camper get one made to your requirements, soft, hard etc.

Are you talking about the cushions for the benches that can convert to a bed, or are you talking about a permanent bed mattress in your 17?
I lasted about four days in our 17B, using the cushions, before my hips start to hurt. Added a 2" topper so I can last a few days more.
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Old 06-13-2018, 08:11 PM   #46
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For a tow vehicle I think you were on the right track with a van except I would suggest a Ford Transit Cargo Van. Plenty of payload and towing with the right setup, options on height and capable of sleeping in at times as you indicated in your original post. I had a pickup and shell long before I bought my 19 but I would go the van route if I ever needed a new TV.
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:41 PM   #47
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You wouldn't need all the towing capacity but have you considered a Chev Express 1500?
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:42 PM   #48
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Quote:
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Get a custom mattress. We found the ones supplied very uncomfortable. As you will be spending a lot of time in the camper get one made to your requirements, soft, hard etc.
We use our Ikea double mattress (with springs). It's a squeeze since the 17 doesn't actually fit a double mattress but works for us!
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Old 06-13-2018, 11:52 PM   #49
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I was talking about the permanent bed. For the bench we use an inflatable mattress which makes it somewhat bearable for people with advanced age.
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Old 06-30-2018, 12:16 PM   #50
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Your original question was about the tow vehicle. I'd recommend nothing less than 5000 lbs capacity, but a little more would make a big difference. If you get a 19', the dry weight is about 3000 lbs. You easily add on your personal weight, propane, food, occasionally water, to get another 500 - 1000 lbs weight. Which gives you only about 1000 lbs leeway. Our first trailer (not an escape) was too heavy for our vehicle and we were almost maxed out on our towing capacity. Driving up hills meant putting the pedal to the metal just to go up them. Accelerating to merge with traffic was painful! Hated it! And we lived/traveled in the thing for over a year.

We then bought a 19' and spent 14 months out of 24 in it. We had a towing vehicle with 7,500 lbs towing capacity which meant that we didn't even feel like we were towing anything - rather overkill but rather nice as well. We're currently spending even more time on the road and going to, once again, be 'homeless trailer trash' in 2019 and living only in our trailer for an undetermined period - till we're bored of traveling about. For this reason alone, we just changed to the 5.0 TA.

But we're 2 people. For one person the 17 might be fine, but the 19' might give you just a little extra space which could feel really good if you're living in it full time.
And it's easy to park, you'll not find any campsites where you won't fit.

Enjoy the planning for your retirement!
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