Largest GD Trailer 2020 Expy can safely tow long term?

[Matthew Marlowe]

What I really want bad, but I'm guessing would get me in trouble bigtime:
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Alternatives that might work out and be safer and rated reasonably within limits, but are either smaller or have lower quality construction:
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Which would you choose if you would be stuck with it permanently? Alternatives like the Airstream 30 classic? GD transcend seem to have better construction than the imagine...

Explore 265bh seems to be the winner by default...

Tow vehicle: 2020 Expy Plat Max Tow, gen-y hd 10k torsion hitch...likely upgrade at trailer purchase to equalizer wdh w/ trailer sway...

 

[JasonH]

The first two are too heavy and the last is pushing it. If you're traveling with family, they're all too heavy. You need to be closer to 7k loaded. It's very easy to go over. Upgraded mattresses, television, chairs, tables, utensils, tools, food, drinks... all of these things will add substantial weight. I suggest looking at lightweight or shorter models. Some of the cabinetry and finishings are nice, but they add weight. Most Expedition trims don't have a lot of payload to work with.

 

[LovinPSDs]

How many people are you sleeping/bringing with you?

 

[Matthew Marlowe]

Kids are going off to college soon, so should most of the time just be 2 people plus a dog. We have 2020 platinum max tow Expy. But, Kids will visit hopefully so occasionally might be 4 people plus two dogs. Not sure how frequently we will move the trailer. We are looking at moving into one while we move out of (escape) California and build a retirement house elsewhere plus travel country. Estimating living in it for 2-5yrs and would prefer not to feel too cramped. I could get a larger trailer and rent/lease super duty, but that seems overkill when we already have and want expy long term.

 

[LovinPSDs]

I think I would buy a 2500RL or 2600RB AND a Propride/Hensley hitch. That will eliminate 99% of the drama from a "sway" and control perspective. You'll be flirting with Max payload, especially with 4 adults in the rig but... you know...

Couch and dinette will sleep plenty of visitors.

 

[Chip S]

I would like to pile on here. I've done a ton of research on hitch weight, GVWR, payload, etc. What I have discovered is that there are no consistent numbers and the only way to know what works is to look at the sticker on the trailer. Now, with that being said, the guidelines provided from the trailer manufacturer give you the amounts probably +/- 10%.

I too have a question about trailering. I am interested in a 2800BH. Here are the specs from the manufacturer:

UVW
6238 lbs
Hitch Weight
604 lbs
GVWR
7995 lbs
Length
32' 0"
Height
11' 1"

Here are the specs from my 2020 Exp Max (with HD towing package)
GVWR: 7400
GCVWR: 15,200
Payload: 1621
Towing: 9,000

If I factor in about 500lbs of passengers (2 adults, 3 kids) and about 300lbs of cargo (in the vehicle), I have about 200 lbs of payload remaining

I've been using this as my calculator when looking at rigs


Doesn't this seem like it works and still maintain enough cushion and margin for not being at the maximum for everything?

 

[johnboneske]

I saw this a fee weeks ago.. i saw a 2019 standard wheel base Expedition pulling a Outback 328RL which has a GVWR of 10500 and a dry weight of 8600. I asked the owner and he said it towed great, and was even good in the mountains. I think he was WAY over weight but it's his choice to make. My point is apparently the Expedition tows really good, so you should be fine. I posted the pic in another spot in here...

 

[JasonH]

I saw this a fee weeks ago.. i saw a 2019 standard wheel base Expedition pulling a Outback 328RL which has a GVWR of 10500 and a dry weight of 8600. I asked the owner and he said it towed great, and was even good in the mountains. I think he was WAY over weight but it's his choice to make. My point is apparently the Expedition tows really good, so you should be fine. I posted the pic in another spot in here...

I don't endorse this. While the Expedition has plenty of power to handle heavy loads, the suspension and brakes will become a limitation. Leave enough margin for an emergency. Also, the vehicle has very little engine braking due to the small engine size. Better safe than sorry. Your family's life may depend on the decision you make.

I have only heard good things about ProPride and Hensley hitches, but they should not be viewed as compensating for an overweight trailering combination.

 

[johnboneske]

I don't endorse this. While the Expedition has plenty of power to handle heavy loads, the suspension and brakes will become a limitation. Leave enough margin for an emergency. Also, the vehicle has very little engine braking due to the small engine size. Better safe than sorry. Your family's life may depend on the decision you make.

I have only heard good things about ProPride and Hensley hitches, but they should not be viewed as compensating for an overweight trailering combination.

I dont disagree with you, at all! I tow a 2020 Outback 300ML which has a GVWR of 9500, with my 2003 Excursion 6.0 diesel and wouldn't want any more weight with my truck, but I was saying it could be done.

I have a Equalizer E4, and it's as good as the ProPride or Hensley in my opinion

 

[Amacron]

Just completed a 4630 mile trip out to Yellowstone and back. Avg 9.4 MPG towing an 275BH TT. I was just under the max weights. We carefully weighed everything we put in the TT. Including the propane tanks and battery. It came out to 550lbs. The TT drywight was 6480. The TT GVWR is 9480. I had it weighed at the cat scale. With everyone in the expy plus full of gas. I was at the following weights

steer axle 3400
Drive axle 4380
Trailer axle 6560
Total axle 14340

have the blue ox WDH.
I have a 2019 platinum max with the HD tow package. Watched the transmission temp. It ran 214. On the entire trip only had one rather steep grade. Where the max transmission temp hit 243 for about 2 min. Then started back down.