Bunkhouse Travel Trailer for Behind the '15 EL?

I'm in the beginning stages of exploring the replacement of my old gasser Class A motorhome.

The motorhome is in good shape, just dated... I have done some some updates but it needs new flooring (easy) and the bathroom to be remodeled (can be a PITA); the body and paint is very good except for the vinyl is now starting to crack... just over this past winter mainly. BUT it is an old Ford V10 gas motor. It has almost no balls and it drives the wife nuts how slow it is... she won't drive it but I get it, it's a long drive even not going too far.

Behind it I use my DD '07 JK (2 door Wrangler) as my toad with it. I love the jeep and it serves me very well as my cheap DD and then functions as a perfect light toad (tow behind car).

However with my wife and 2 kids (maybe 3....) it can be alittle tight in there. I understand the feeling.

So my options are:

1. Keep the current RV (1999 Forest River Georgetown 35 footer and one slide out Ford V10 gas engine) and replace the flooring, remodel the entire head and just a few other things. And replace the JK with a used JKU as both my DD and a toad, that would give us the third seatbelt in the backseat for when we travel.

2. Get a newer bunkhouse travel trailer to tow, preferably behind the 2015 Expedition EL, but if push comes to shove I could use my 2005 Power Wagon. I would much prefer to use the Expy as it is much more comfortable but I don't like the idea of the wear and tear but that's life. I have a line on a 2013 Open Range 308bhs, but for simplicity it's max weight is 10,000lbs with all cargo in it and 1,000lbs tongue. The base weight of the travel trailer is 8,500. The max towing of the Expy is 9,200. I don't like those margins but I like the trailer. My main question is what nicer travel trailer bunkhouse can I safely tow behind the Expy?

Replacing the JK with a JKU and updating the current class a is the cheaper upfront option. However, if factoring in insurance, fuel, maintenance, etc the current setup with the upgraded Jeep things would be more expensive...

I don't even like those numbers even if you were to tow the TT empty Plus one other issue would be the length of the TT You may have a case of the tail waging the dog

Just my opinion but I wouldn't tow any TT over 8500 GROSS with that expy. I am sure many would disagree

Bedrck47 said:

I don't even like those numbers even if you were to tow the TT empty Plus one other issue would be the length of the TT You may have a case of the tail waging the dog

Just my opinion but I wouldn't tow any TT over 8500 GROSS with that expy. I am sure many would disagree

Click to expand...

Totally agree. Max is max for a reason. There is some margin, but not worth the risk. Do you have the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, and the load leveling shocks? Without the Heavy Duty Trailer package the capacity is 6600. Technically the 4x2 is 9200 with the HDTP, but the 4x4 is 9100 with the HDTP, so that matters also.

Pushing the limit is a bad idea when it comes to towing.

Here is the Ford Doc:

https://secure.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/15RV&TT_Ford_Expedition_Sep30.pdf

One thing to note, Tongue weight maximum is 920, and that is with weight distributing.

Hope that helps.

he is asking what nice trailer he could pull behind his Expy, he acknowledges that this one he is talking about is too much for it

I think that question would be better suited to an RV forum

Most all questions about towing RV's on this forum would be better suited to be asked on a RV forum Although there are some members on this forum that wiil answer those questions with a intelligent response.

I understand that but he is asking about what travel trailer more than towing it

Based on the subject of this thread and his statement "I have a line on a 2013 Open Range 308bhs, "

I was under the impression that he is looking for someone to confirm that it would be ok.
The subject alone shows he has his doubts.
After looking at the specs and the floor plan of the Open Road I can see why he would be interested him especially with a wife a 3 children.

I also know that there are members here that would say no problem or they haul much more weight that 10000 lbs.

Just my opinion. I would be looking for a TT that is at least 1000 to 1500 lbs under the max tow capacity of the expedition That is because I like a good safety cushion and I don't enjoy driving at max weights nor driving white knuckled.

It is a 4x4 so the max would by 9,100.

Yes I am asking because I have doubts about towing the one mentioned behind the Expy. I don't like playing that close to the limits.

I do "have a line on" the travel trailer mentioned above, but haven't commited in any way, I just like the lay out, a lot and have actually been in it. I have my truck to tow it if I were to get it, but would like to use the familytruckster rather than the toy to haul it. Hence why I was looking for opinions, here, from those whom own similar cars on what they might have behind theirs. If this site is just for lightbulb reviews I'll just post elsewhere. To those with helpful posts, thank you.

Your not close to the limits on the TT and TV you are OVER and if you add a safety margin into it you are WAY over. Both in tongue weight and gross weight And most likely in cargo capacity of the Expy. One thing to keep in mind and that is your safety and the safety of your loved ones

Two things I would suggest for towing with your properly equipped Expy Keep the GROSS weight of the TT under 8200 lbs and the length of the TT under 31 feet.

Never use the dry weight of the TT as a starting point Unless you plan to ONLY tow the TT EMPTY which never happens always use the max gross weight

I can understand you liking the Open Range I like the layout also But its time to be realistic

The 2005 Power Wagon may be the better choice to tow the Open Range TT I think it is rated to tow 11000lbs when properly equipped. And again My Opinion is that is cutting it close although its in specs.

Another thing you may want to look into is read the attached link

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f37/how-to-weigh-your-tv-tt-3871.html#post24549