Take Ol's advice. My truck is rated for 7700 lbs I pull about 6000 to 6500 I also pull high mountains passes with summits over 7000 ft. It drags me down pretty good to go up these and I'm at least 1200 lbs under the rated max. I am going to get a 3/4 ton with a big block next year. I also thought I would be under 5000 when I bought the trailer and quads. Stuff adds up in weight real quick, I would consider getting a bigger rig to pull with unless your staying in pretty level country. Burned up trannys are way big $$$$. JMHO

 

Where I intend to ride is pretty flat, but there's the Cajon pass and Cajalco Summit (both top out at less than 5000' and they're on the freeway at about a 4-6% uphill grade. I don't want to burn out a transmission. There's only two of us that would be packing our ATV's and gear, anyone else would have their own trailers, etc., so I think I can stay with about 1000# of gear and water.

Recon - no, haven't looked at the Pack Rat yet, but I intend to. The Weekend Warrior was nice, but it seemd too long for my comfort level in hauling it. I may also pay a visit to Carson trailer off the I-10. I bought my utility trailer there and have noticed that on drive bys they have some short, stubby toy boxes. We don't need too much luxury other than a ladies room and a shower, the rest can be dealt with in a tent with an air mattress.

 

my dads buyin a 20 foot 2000 motorhome 350, and a cheap snomobile trailer to haul the quads on. We were going to build in a 12 foot enclosed trailer to sleep in, with fold down beds, but we descided not to. Althow, thows dam RV dealers r a pain in the ***. We gave them a week to get it ready, and they called today saying it woun't be ready for the weekend. Like crist, how long dosue it take. So now wa will probly cancel the deal and not go. We might still build in a enclosed trailer, or buy a motor home for alot cheaper in about a month.

 

Also, the pull up into the San Bernardino Mtns. is a tough one!! There are lots of ATV legal roads and trails up there, and camping. Especially good for beating the heat during the summer.

Another option might be a relatively light (enclosed) utility trailer. A 10' should easily hold your two bikes. You would have privacy, and can sleep inside for wind protection (wind protection is going to be VERY important for winter camping in the desert!!). But, you would have to do the port-a-potty and sun shower thing??????????

Unfortunately, I have to say that when the subject of heavy duty towing vehicles is mentioned, Jeep isn't a name that comes to mind!!

Have you ever heard of Ocotillo Wells? It is out in the low desert near Salton Sea (on the way to Glamis). Winter riding out there is beautiful! It has descent pit toilets out in the campsites, and flush toilets and showers (yes!!!) at the ranger station.

 

Here is Jeep reality. I have a 95 grand cherokee with only the 6 cyl but it came with the towing package. If yours didn't derate your towing ability, see owners manual. Here is what I pull and the end results. #1 24' flat bottom river boat w/140 hp out board, trailer and 50 gallons fuel plus 500-700 lbs of stuff ie 4 wheeler or hunting gear. #2 20' Range 4 place snowmachine trailer w/ 4 machines 3600# +/-. #3 19' I/O lake boat. My jeep is rated at 5000# tow capacity with a equalizing hitch (class 4 I think) The real problem is tonge weight, the two big trailers are both tounge heavy and really squat down the rear of the vehicle. Yes I can pull the load but it is tough even on level terrain not mountains. None of my trailers will accept a equalizing hitch so I have to find a 3/4 ton truck. Damage to the jeep is as follows, I destroyed the side walls in the original tires, even with extra air pressure. Now either the shocks or bushings are going as it rolls more than original (still researching the shop manual to define the true cause) Drive ability and handleing are no where near when it was new. Only 52K miles on it. I suggest if you get a truck pick a 3/4 ton, they don't mind the extra tounge weight like a 1/2 ton or suv will. Review your owners manual on towing lots of good info there. Also if you go the motor home route get a big block engine or diesel, up here the small blocks can't pull there own shadow up a hill. I saw a 4x4 motor home built on a dodge pick up chassis recentyl look for a Scotty brand, might be interesting. Good luck.

 

Toy haulers are rather tongue heavy. All the built in stuff is in the FRONT. You need the bikes in the back to even out the weight.