New and looking at 8.0/8.1

[kyle]

[p]Hi Everyone,[/p][p]
[/p][p]I went tent-camping as a kid with my family all over NC and SC. My mom eventually had enough of sleeping on the ground and we got a coleman popup camper. I loved camping and now would love to experience that with my 2 kids. However, I really don't have much to speak of when it comes to towing a popup. We have a Honda Accord (no towing anything there) and a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS AWD. If I'm correct, the towing capacity on the Santa Fe is only 1650 lbs. It's only got a 2.7L V6. I can't sell the idea of buying a popup AND a tow vehicle to my wife so I was looking for the lightest weight camper that I could find and it led me here. [/p][p]
[/p][p]I'm exploring the idea of getting an 8.1. It looks large enough for the 4 of us but not more than we need. I see that the dry weight is 865 lbs standard. I would have to get A/C. I know from growing up in NC, A/C for our popup made a huge difference in the summer. I would also like to get the off-road package for the bigger tires but it's not a deal-breaker. Is it feasible to tow an 8.1 with my Santa Fe? It would be me, my wife, and 2 kids (8 and 10). Needless to say, I would try to pack as light as possible and probably would be using it mostly for long weekends and not so much for long family vacations. I live in CO and would love to take advantage of all our great state has to offer. [/p][p]
[/p][p]Thanks in advance for any advice.[/p]

[charleschapman]

You will need to add up the weight of your loaded camper and passengers to determine if you do not exceed the GVWR of your tow vehicle. Livin Lite has a link on their web site that helps you figure out your TV capacity. Others will chime here too if I am not giving good advice.

[offroadgirl]

Hi Kyle, I live in Denver and tow my 8.1 with my 2-Door Jeep Wrangler all the time.  I've taken it to Utah (I-70 passes) as well as on the winding roads that have tight curves.  It does really, really well, and I am always faster than the other vehicles towing the big trailers.  I really don't even notice it's back there.

I have A/C, but it doesn't help much when the sun is beating down on the top.  I rarely use it -- it's chilly in the mountains so you don't need it often.  I don't have the offroad package, even though I have a lifted Jeep.  It does just fine on bumpy, washboard, dirt roads.  If you need to take it on something more technical, you'll end up having issues on switchbacks long before you have issues with clearance, I think.

I regret not getting the propane stove option that is inside the camper.

If you want to chat more, just let me know.  I've learned a lot over the last couple of years, and I would recommend the 8.1.

[walt3]

Looks like your Santa Fe is good to 2000 pounds. I'll put the link below. To a tow guide I use all the time. It does say you will need trailer brakes.  With it being good to 2000 pounds and going with the 8.0 or 8.1 I don't think you will have any problems. I  http://www.trailerlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Trailer-Life-Towing-Guide-2009.pdf

[jammydee]

Our 10.0 fully loaded out (propane tank, stove, ac, rear deck with yeti cooler and screentent and all our camping gear) weighs only 1460 lbs (just weighed it at the CAT scale near our house as we were leaving on our last trip) so I think you'll be fine with the 8.0/8.1.