Thread: Off Roading
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Old 10-18-2013, 08:46 PM   #2
LoveToCamp
TrailManor Master
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Centennial, Colorado
Posts: 885
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Ned, some will caution about picking up lots of dust on the inside of your TM if you do much dirt-road towing. The seals around the bottom of the unit may not be snug, so you can get dust in that way. Also, the refrigerator vent allows some dust in. I don't have problems, and I do plenty of off-pavement travel, but each unit is different.

Some TMs have been "lifted" with a 2" or 4" steel lift kit. If yours has the lift kit (there will be an extra 2" square or 2" x 4" steel tube added above your axle on each side of the trailer), you may have room for larger tires. Make sure that there is room between the new tire and the trailer skirt and frame, as some wheels will be wider, and thus the tires will be wider, that the wheel well.

If you already have the lift kit, and 15" tires, you may not need larger tires. I have a 2417, and I only have 13" tires. I added the lift, and have been able to 4-wheel with my Grand Cherokee, and have not had problems. I do some rougher Forest Service roads in the Rockies, so you should be able to do your trips to the beach with little, if any, issue.

Basically, I look at the clearance of the tow vehicle, and if the trailer has at least 1" more clearance at the axle, you should be good. Yes, more clearance gives you more leeway for going through dips and over humps, but your TV may have less clearance that your TM already. Just be sure to tow the TM level; not nose-up or nose-down.

Good luck!
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