My Actual RV Essential Weights in Our Coachmen Apex Nano 187RB

Introduction November 2019

     "My Actual RV Essential Weights in Our Coachmen Apex Nano 187RB" Webpage started after ordering our 2019 Subaru Ascent, with Premium trim and the towing receiver hitch installed, in August of 2018.

     I continued to research possible travel trailers that could be "reasonably" and safely pulled by the Ascent with its maximum 5000 lb. towing capacity and maximum 500 lb. tongue weight. I shared my findings, online, through May 16 of 2019, the date that we purchased our Coachmen Apex Nano 187RB from Haylett RV in Coldwater, MI.

This is a link to a LONG YouTube video with a lot of information, in minute detail, about OUR Apex Nano 187RB.

This is a link a Webpage that compliments and extends the information in the video. The page contains much, much information, including more problems and fixes, regarding OUR Apex Nano 187RB.

     Learning what "reasonably" and safely actual meant was completed by investigating what "experts" had to say online about this topic. The information garnered during the investigation played a large part in our final decision. On this page, and its linked pages, I shared my findings.

     The Webpages were frequently updated online when new information was found or modified.

     We also had to determine if this was something that we really wanted to do once again.

     During the thought and research period, I joined the Ascent Forums. I became very active in the Towing Forum using the user name of Ken Myers.

     The members of the Towing Forum were exceptionally helpful and welcoming. I shared my thoughts with them and they, in return, provided a lot of useful information about towing with the Subaru Ascent.

     At the beginning of November, 2019, I created a Webpage titled, "Subaru Ascent Real World Towing Examples". That page contains all of the trailers that have been reported as being towed by a Subaru Ascent on the Ascent Forums. Most of that information was originally posted to the Towing Forum. ALL TYPES of trailers are listed on that Webpage, not just travel trailers.

     The "Subaru Ascent Real World Towing Examples" page is a good place to start to get an idea of the type of trailers that the Ascent is actually reported as towing.

     The information found on all of my Webpages is also useful for people with tow packages on the Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer and other vehicles with tow packages and that are rated with a 5000 lb. towing capacity and 500 lb. tongue weight.

     The information on this page was left as is, so that anyone wanting more detailed information could still find it. It is also interesting to note that there are a few broken links, and yet the links were created only one year ago or less. That demonstrates how transient the information found on the World Wide Web actually is.

     The original, last updated, Webpage follows as an archival document, but it is still being updated as new purchases are made.

My Actual RV Essential Weights in Our Coachmen Apex Nano 187RB

Item(s)
Weight
Notes
Coachmen Apex Nano unloaded vehicle weight (UVW)3100 lb.From placard on trailer
Coachmen Apex Nano gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)3800 lb.From placard on trailer
Coachmen Apex Nano cargo carrying capacity (CCC)679 lb.From placard on trailer
* * * * *
Water in water heater50 lb.
Water in water lines16.7 lb.Changed estimate to 2 gallons from one gallon 09/20/19
Propane in LP tank20 lb.
MASON RV battery & battery box38.6 lb.
125.3Water in heater and lines, propane and one 12V Marine/RV battery
Original equipment removed from trailer-4.2 lb.Original bedspread & shower curtain
New bedspread, new shower curtain, small pillow, kitchen towel rod, shower mat, kitchen towel10.8 lb.Added to the trailer by wife
LevelMate Pro0.2 lb.
LP meter0.6 lb.
25' water hose, tank filler, 2 small bungee chords, water pressure regulator, 90-deg hose adapter3.2 lb.
30A to 110V adapter0.3 lb.
Another 25' fresh water hose2.6 lb.
Zero-G 25' hose in box2.4 lb.removed the 50' green garden hose
Two (2) refrigerator thermometers & voltmeter in box0.2 lb.
Surge protector/circuit analyzer0.4 lb.
Screwdriver set1.0 lb.
VISIO 24" TV, power cord & remote w/batteries7.4 lb.
TV mount & associated hardware2.8 lb.
50' coax and 3' coax cable2.0 lb.
CAMCO plastic wheel chock (2)1.2 lb.
CAMCO sewer hose rinser0.2 lb.
Andersen Lever w/mat6.4 lb.
2"x10"x40-1/4" treated lumber cut at 45-deg angle13.0 lb.Better on muddy surfaces than other types of levelers
15' Rhino sewer hose2.8 lb.
Extra 25' 30A shore cord w/2 small bungees8.2 lb.
Sewer hose support4.8 lb.
Lynx Levers 10 pk with carry case6.6 lb.
50A to 30 Adapter0.5 lb.
Water filter4.8 lb.
Sewer hose support1.2 lb.
Broom & Dust pan combo1.3 lb.
100 disposable gloves in gallon slide lock0.2 lb.
10 pk RV toilet treatment0.5 lb.
25' 110V outdoor extension cord w/bungee1.8 lb.
4 pk RV toilet paper1.6 lb.
BOSCH 3/8" cordless drill, extra battery, charger, 3/4" socket 4.4 lb.
Doormat & under bed tote for sewer hose etc.8.6 lb.
Battery disconnect, screws & 6" wire 0.5 lb.
Bathtub caulk0.6 lb.
45 deg elbow0.3 lb.
Ratchet set2.6 lb.
4-way wrench for lug nuts3.0 lb.
First Aid Kit1.2 lb.
2-ton scissor jack7.6lb.
4"x4"x24" treated post5.0 lb.
25" breaker bar w/socket for lug nuts2.6 lb.
Coleman Roadtrip Grill37.8 lb.
Two (2) 16 oz propane bottles4.0 lb.
DAP DynaFlex 5.5 FL oz. Clear0.4 lb.
2 cloth type trivets0.5 lb.
2 more kitchen towels0.4 lb.
2 plastic wine goblets0.7 lb.
Sheets & Pillow Case Set4.4 lb.
Quilted Mattress Pad3.8 lb.
12 pk marshmallow sticks0.4 lb.
Gorilla Grip Drawer Liner1.3 lb.
6' x 9' Patio Mat4.8 lb.
Pillows for shams5.0 lb.
LP Tank cover3.0 lb.
12 pc Bungee "jar"1.6 lb.
20 pc Bungee "jar"0.6 lb.
License plate & bolts0.2 lb.
Basic tools in plastic container6.4 lb.pliers, channel locks, level, hammer, large flat & phillips screwdrivers, duct tap, plumbing tape, adjustable Wrench, utility knife, several wrenches for specific nuts & bolts on the trailer
Melmac - 4 dinner, 4 small, 4 bowls and 4 drinking glasses11.0 lb.
Pancake griddle3.0 lb.
Cling wrap, grill topper, PAM spray, toilet brush, salt & pepper, floor scrubber, grill brush, scissors and waste basket5.5 lb.
Two (2) camping chairs in bags18.8 lb.
Flatware & Tray, tray with long kitchen utensils4.8 lb.
10" frying pan & 3 qt. Pot, both w/lids5.0 lb.changed from 12" w/lid to 10" frying pan w/lid
Beginnings of junk drawer, pot holders, bath door hook, paper towel holder, disinfectant wipes, dish cloths2.7 lb.
Large cutting board3.4 lb.
coffee pot in box w/filters & scoop4.2 lb.
Towel rag (pinkish) & box with stand up items6.1 lb.partial large bottle of Spic & Span, small bottle Dawn, small bottle of Canola oil
1 roll paper towel & 2 square boxes of Kleenex, handful of napkins & 6 #64 rubber bands 1.8 lb.
8 light weight food storage containers w/lids in 1 gallon bag0.8 lb.
beach towels, hand towels6.4 lb.
Two (2) grill lighters0.4 lb.
1"x2"x8' cut to lengths for leg lifts & two 1/4"-20 metal bolts1.3 lb.
21 gallon RHINO Tote Tank accessories4.0 lb.
21 gallon RHINO Tote Tank0.0 lb.Because of trailer tongue weight and space issues, this will be taken in the car, if necessary. It weighs 25.8 lb.
Spare tire cover (wolf design)1.0 lb.
Valterra FridgeCool Fan w/batteries0.8 lb.
Prep It Up Peeler (potato peeler), self-stick toilet paper holder, 3 drop in black tank tablets from RHINO tank0.8 lb.
Haylett Portfolio w/all paperwork, inc. instruction sheets & lg. black garbage bag2.8 lb.
Suburban 2-burner stove cover3.0 lb.
2 "D" size spare Duracells for frig fan, Scotch tape, wooden ruler0.7 lb.
Tension rod and mesh shower caddy0.8 lb.
2 blankets, mattress pad, sheets & pillowcases for dinette9.8 lb.
2 small Deep Woods Off, fly swatter, a couple more utility knife blades, 2 Master Lock Keyed Cable Locks &Keys2.6 lb.
1 bath towel & 6 washcloths1.6 lb.
Cutting board for over bathroom sink and beach blanket & pouch, salt & pepper3.4 lb.
Box of tall kitchen bags Box of tall kitchen bags & my alternate glass coffee cup3.1 lb.
Pfister MC-048-MC Masey nickle finish faucet1.6 lb.This is the weight difference between the stock faucet & new faucet
8" frying pan & lid1.7 lb.
Small rug to be placed by entry door and toothbrush holder1.9 lb.
Difference between new lower bathroom shelf and the original2.0 lb.
Happy Camper Wine Glass0.3 lb.
4 pieces of foam board for under head of bed0.7 lb.
Dual spigot adapter for water hoses0.3 lb.
Sparkle (½ bottle), scrubber sponge, pump handsoap2.0 lb.This was added before 1st trip & forgot to add to the list
Small table lamp, another tension rod1.4 lb.
Hair Dryer1.1 lb.
Dowel & fabric for curtain to go over radio/clock0.2 lb.
Stuff that stays in the trailer, TOTAL:324.1
3549.4 lb.Total Trailer Weight before food, clothing & personal items added
3100 lb.Stated unloaded vehicle weight (UVW)
125.3 lb.Water in water heater & lines, propane & battery
3800 lb.Maximum Trailer Weight per Coachmen
Weights for the 3rd Camping Trip (5 days)
Food, bottled water, beer & pop96.8 lb.2 adults
Personal items46.4 lb.
Total added to trailer for 3rd trip:143.2 lb.
3684.3 lb.Total Trailer Weight at beginning of 3rd trip
Tongue Weight:425 lb.
Weights for the 2nd Camping Trip (6 days)
Food, bottled water, beer & pop153.4 lb.2 adults & one 11 year-old girl
Personal items58.4 lb.
Total added to trailer for 2nd trip:211.8 lb.
3744.5 lb.Total Trailer Weight at beginning of 2nd trip
Tongue Weight:411 lb.
Weights for the 1st Camping Trip (4 days)
Food, bottled water, drink boxes, beer & pop82.9lb.2 adults & one 5 year-old girl
Personal items36.8 lb.
5 gallons of water in the black tank42 lb.Needed to lower tongue weight
Total added to trailer for 1st trip:161.7 lb.
3685.0 lb.Total Trailer Weight at beginning of 1st trip
Tongue Weight:421 lb.
September 27, 2019
     At this time we've purchased approximately $4000 of supplies and items associated with, and for, the trailer. Several of the items are "support" type items that don't 'live' in the trailer.

     We like to keep the trailer in an "almost ready to go" status, so that we only need to add only a few items from the house, our clothes and food for the trip.

     The above price includes a new ball mount and ball, which are not included in the weight list, since they are part of the car weight. Six months of insurance is also included in the noted price. The trailer was not financed, so there are no finance charges.

Synopsis of Our Three Camping Trips In 2019

1st Trip July 22 - 24 to Groveland Oaks County Park
This was a short trip, close to home.
The Ascent contained two adults and a 5-year-old along with her bike, clothes and swimming gear.
Trailer Weight Before Loading: 3523.3 lb. (included 306.3 lb. of items that stay in the trailer)
Loaded Trailer Weight: 3,685 lb.
Food: 82.9 lb.
Personal Items: 36.8 lb.
5 gallons water in black tank: 42 lb. (needed to achieve tongue weight)
Tongue Weight: 421 lb.
Tongue Weight as % of Total Trailer Weight: 11.4%
Total Distance Pulling Trailer: 60 miles
Road Type: 2-lane suburban
Average Miles Per Hour: not noted
MPG Pulling Trailer: not noted
Note: Ascent easily pulled trailer at posted speeds.

2nd Trip August 12 - 17 to Covert, MI KOA Near South Haven, MI
On the way over the Ascent contained two adults and on the return trip the two adults and an 11-year-old.
Trailer Weight Before Loading: 3532.7 lb. (included 315.7 lb. of items that stay in the trailer)
Loaded Trailer Weight: 3,744.5 lb.
Food: 153.4 lb.
Personal Items: 58.4 lb.
Tongue Weight: 411 lb.
Tongue Weight as % of Total Trailer Weight: 11.0%
Total Distance Pulling Trailer Out: 187.4 miles
Road Type: 2-lane
Average Miles Per Hour: 37.5 mph (included 30 minute stop for lunch in trailer)
MPG Pulling Trailer: 15 mpg
Note: Ascent easily pulled trailer at posted speeds.
Total Distance Pulling Trailer Home: 194 miles
Road Type: Mostly Freeway
Average Miles Per Hour: 46.4 mph (included 15 minute rest stop)
MPG Pulling Trailer: 16.7 mpg
Note: Drove mostly at 55 mph on the Freeway

3rd Trip September 5 - 8 to North Park Campground, Harbor Beach, MI
On the way up the Ascent contained two adults and a few other items.
Trailer Weight Before Loading: 3541.1 lb. (included 324.1 lb. of items that stay in the trailer)
Loaded Trailer Weight: 3,684.3 lb.
Food: 96.8 lb.
Personal Items: 46.4 lb.
Tongue Weight: 425 lb.
Tongue Weight as % of Total Trailer Weight: 11.5%
Total Distance Pulling Trailer Up: 130 miles
Road Type: 2-lane
Average Miles Per Hour: 40 mph (included a brief stop in North Branch)
MPG Pulling Trailer: 14.5 mpg
Note: Ascent easily pulled trailer at posted speeds. It was very windy.
Total Distance Pulling Trailer Home: 129.8 miles
Road Type: 2-lane
Average Miles Per Hour: 43 mph (non-stop)
MPG Pulling Trailer: 14.8 mpg
Note: Extremely windy for the first half of the pull across the thumb. Drove into a headwind a lot of the time.

All three trips could be considered flatland towing, even though there were a lot of "hills" and curves going up and down, there was no signage indicating significant grades.

The Ascent handled the trailer well in some pretty good wind and no sway was ever noted, although I could feel the Ascent "working" to keep the trailer trailer straight, my wife didn't notice anything. I believe that my feel was feedback through the steering wheel and just being aware of all of the little movements. The "feel" wasn't much, but I was aware of it, but it never bothered me and I felt confident at all times.