Am I pushing payload capacity too much?

[Fasttimes]

I'm in the same boat here. My FX4 has the max tow package with 3.73 gearing..larger radiator plus I'm running 10 ply BFG tires. Towing a 25RDS Cougar that's loaded into the 7500 lb range. I'm guessing around 1000 lbs hitch weight as it sits now. Run one propane tank and using only one battery. Payload on the FX4 is 1769 lbs so thats in line with most F150's. Expedition does great except in high sidewind conditions and I keep my speed down to the 60-62 mph range. Getting 9.5 mpg towing at 60 mph on our flat Louisiana hwys. Sold my F350 DRW that I drove daily for 4 1/2 yrs and this Expedition is so much nicer plus I get 22 mpg on long highway trips. Wife and I love the camper so no plans to get rid of either right now.
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That is a nice set up. Wish I had that payload.

 

[Pawpaw]

That is a nice set up. Wish I had that payload.

Thanks!

 

[chuck s]

Tongue weight eats cargo capacity.

My cargo capacity is ~1470 pounds. Trailer weight ~6000 pounds and the (measured) tongue weight is 700. 1470 - 700 = 770 pounds for passengers, dogs, camping gear, etc.

Figure 200 per passenger (to include their gear in the truck) and no more than 4 passengers can be carried when towing. Just two of us and 3 Dachshunds and we're fine but more porcine passengers and a lot of gear can push the limits. You know your passengers (maybe better figure on 250 each with gear).

-- Chuck

 

[CXmac]

If only Ford would wise up and make a next generation Excursion. There are tons of people out there in the same situation, right at the limit who need just a bit more payload.

I think a good many of us are waiting for that, especially if they could increase the towing capacity. I’m currently pulling a 35’ TT, with Coil SumoSprings in the rear to minimize the sag and I know I’m at limit for towing when we head out. Just wish I had a little more wiggle room with the weight (current towing capacity is 9200 on my 2017 platinumEL) and TT is 1000 less than that so I have to be a real stickler for the contents of the trailer when we head out. Expedition does a good job, though quick stopping and wind can be negative factors to consider. Not real keen on rushing to a F250 just yet if there was an newer Excursion option available.

 

[Grizguy]

I am interested on your fuel usage while towing. I have 18 max with trailer tow pkg. With just a little 14 ft v nose trailer, I drop to 7 to 9 MPG depending on speed. Does not seem to make much difference if loaded or empty.

 

[JasonH]

[...] and a lot of gear can push the limits. You know your passengers (maybe better figure on 250 each with gear).

-- Chuck

Don't forget, gear should go in the trailer. This way, only 10 - 15% will count towards the payload (assuming proper loading). But yes, payload is the biggest limitation on these vehicles. When I learned that I had an eight-seat vehicle that couldn't carry both eight people and a camper that could fit everyone, I was rather annoyed.

I'm not sure why Ford doesn't sell an updated Excursion. I think near the end of the previous model cycle it no longer sold well. I guess it's just a really limited market for people with many passengers and big boats/trailers. Once everyone that can actually afford it gets one, there's probably not a huge customer pool remaining. A HDPP option like what Ford offers on the F150 might be a better way to go. Most of us at the payload limit are just barely hitting the limit. Another 500 to 800 lbs would likely suffice.

 

[Deep8174]

Don't forget, gear should go in the trailer. This way, only 10 - 15% will count towards the payload (assuming proper loading). But yes, payload is the biggest limitation on these vehicles. When I learned that I had an eight-seat vehicle that couldn't carry both eight people and a camper that could fit everyone, I was rather annoyed.

I'm not sure why Ford doesn't sell an updated Excursion. I think near the end of the previous model cycle it no longer sold well. I guess it's just a really limited market for people with many passengers and big boats/trailers. Once everyone that can actually afford it gets one, there's probably not a huge customer pool remaining. A HDPP option like what Ford offers on the F150 might be a better way to go. Most of us at the payload limit are just barely hitting the limit. Another 500 to 800 lbs would likely suffice.

Same for me here. Reaching my payload had made me put everything in the trailer as it still never reaches 7000lbs. Sound like you still have a few hundred pounds to spare but I’d keep a close eye on the rear axle

 

[GlennSullivan]

If only Ford would wise up and make a next generation Excursion. There are tons of people out there in the same situation, right at the limit who need just a bit more payload.

From your lips to Gods ears brother. I'm sooo sorry I sold my Excursion, should have kept it around just for the towing trips - of course when I sold it I thought I would not be towing any longer.

 

[ColoradoJon]

From your lips to Gods ears brother. I'm sooo sorry I sold my Excursion, should have kept it around just for the towing trips - of course when I sold it I thought I would not be towing any longer. View attachment 74347

Is the payload that much different with the Excursion? I am reading 1400-1700 which is what we have as well. Maybe they underrated it back then. Some guy said they have a 7k lb axle in the back which would be a big difference. Wish I would have bought one a couple of years ago, the prices for them have doubled in many cases.

 

[Knut]

The only Large SUV that I remember having both high tow and payload capacity was the Suburban 2500.

 

[Jason Bell]

For those of you that are in the same situation - but mine is rated for a lot more payload that you guys are quoting. I'm guessing it's the trim level and options? Mine is XL, (below XLT) 4x4, 3.73, and heavy tow. Sticker says cargo weight of 1850 lbs. Yes, I give up a lot of fancy options, but I prefer the simplicity and increased payload. Sounds like the extra 200-400 lbs of payload would make a big difference in these loadings.

 

[2020ExpyPlatinum]

Reading through all the posts, it seems a lot of you really question whether or not you are overloading your rigs or to close to the maximum.

I go by the 80/20 rule. If it's not a super long trip I may push it a little higher.

Maxing out on the ratings will not only cause your brakes, transmission and driveline to wear out faster, it is also dangerous.

 

[Knut]

Reading through all the posts, it seems a lot of you really question whether or not you are overloading your rigs or to close to the maximum.

I go by the 80/20 rule. If it's not a super long trip I may push it a little higher.

Maxing out on the ratings will not only cause your brakes, transmission and driveline to wear out faster, it is also dangerous.

Each to their own.

However, if the numbers posted by FORD was dangerous, I highly doubt they would have certified it and much less posted these numbers for liability reasons.

Does it create more wear compared to a lighter trailer or no trailer? Off course it does.
But don’t tell me they post numbers they are not confident with or have done their due diligence to test out. Their own Legal department would not have let them.

 

[2020ExpyPlatinum]

Each to their own.

However, if the numbers posted by FORD was dangerous, I highly doubt they would have certified it and much less posted these numbers for liability reasons.

Does it create more wear compared to a lighter trailer or no trailer? Off course it does.
But don’t tell me they post numbers they are not confident with or have done their due diligence to test out. Their own Legal department would not have let them.

Yes ford posts a maximum tow rating and a maximum payload. When you approach the maximums you are stressing the systems that were engineered.

When you use overhead lifting equipment and straps / slings, you don't pick the smallest strap rated at the same weight as the object you are lifting.

Our ford expedition could probably tow the space shuttle with relative ease, stopping it would be a different story.

If you want to max your rig out and not leave any margins for safety that is your choice.
All I was simply saying was if you are debating whether or not you are maxing it out, you probably are and needed a bigger vehicle in the first place.

At the end of the day you are limited to the axles and how much weight they can support.

 

[duneslider]

What model trailer is this? I don't see it at all on Jayco's website but the weight seems really high to me for that trailer? I have a similar hybrid trailer (Rockwood Roo 23) but it doesn't have that gear deck up front (I would love to have that though!). The heaviest jayco hybrid is 6150# GVWR, I can see how they could add some extra payload weight for the 3' deck but adding an additional 1300# seems like a lot! Seems to me at 7500# that trailer is heavier than the manufacturer calls out. Curious if you have some sort of special package on it or something. The rockwood 233s has a max loaded weight of about 6700#

 

[Utah Driver]

You could go with a front mount hitch and put the bikes in the front. Only if the bikes are not high end because of bug splatter. Also put bikes on the roof. It's a pain but doable. Cheers

 

[Tyra]

Question. I am getting a 2022 limited with SPP and heavy duty tow. I am wanting to get a travel trailer and the ones I have been liking are around 32 - 33 ft. They are well under the weight limit fully loaded but I have some people telling me I shouldn’t get one that long because of the shorter wheel base on the Expedition (I didn’t get the Max). Recommended I stay under 30ft Any comments, concerns, different opinions, advice?

 

[Squark]

Question. I am getting a 2022 limited with SPP and heavy duty tow. I am wanting to get a travel trailer and the ones I have been liking are around 32 - 33 ft. They are well under the weight limit fully loaded but I have some people telling me I shouldn’t get one that long because of the shorter wheel base on the Expedition (I didn’t get the Max). Recommended I stay under 30ft Any comments, concerns, different opinions, advice?

2018 Max Limited owner here, with the HD tow package and a 33’ travel trailer. I also use a ProPride hitch, LT tires, and Bilstein 5100 shocks. I’m looking for a heavy duty truck. In low traffic and low wind, it tows great. But add passing semis and a stiff crosswind, and it’s uncomfortable. By that I mean I’m constantly getting bumped around and having to work to stay centered in the lane. I’ve pretty much always felt in control, but it’s tiring and feels like I’m really pushing the limits. For me I think the length of the trailer is a big factor. It’s a big sail. The engine has plenty of power for the weight (7,600lb in my case) and I haven’t had any issues braking.

It’s possible to do what you’re asking, but I would personally go with a smaller trailer or a bigger truck. That’s been my big dilemma. I want a bigger truck so we can tow a larger camper, but my wife doesn’t want to lose our family road trip vehicle (which the Expy is perfect at).

 

[Tyra]

2018 Max Limited owner here, with the HD tow package and a 33’ travel trailer. I also use a ProPride hitch, LT tires, and Bilstein 5100 shocks. I’m looking for a heavy duty truck. In low traffic and low wind, it tows great. But add passing semis and a stiff crosswind, and it’s uncomfortable. By that I mean I’m constantly getting bumped around and having to work to stay centered in the lane. I’ve pretty much always felt in control, but it’s tiring and feels like I’m really pushing the limits. For me I think the length of the trailer is a big factor. It’s a big sail. The engine has plenty of power for the weight (7,600lb in my case) and I haven’t had any issues braking.

It’s possible to do what you’re asking, but I would personally go with a smaller trailer or a bigger truck. That’s been my big dilemma. I want a bigger truck so we can tow a larger camper, but my wife doesn’t want to lose our family road trip vehicle (which the Expy is perfect at).

What what is the max length you would recommend? I found a few about 28 - 29 ft that I could deal with. Not sure if that is still to long? I really don’t want to go much shorter than that. I will say I really do not have any experience in towing other than a small open utility trailer. I want something with a separate bedroom and a decent kitchen and a comfy place to sit/watch Tv. Also be able accommodate another adult sleeping space for when I want to bring a friend.

 

[JasonH]

What what is the max length you would recommend? I found a few about 28 - 29 ft that I could deal with. Not sure if that is still to long? I really don’t want to go much shorter than that. I will say I really do not have any experience in towing other than a small open utility trailer. I want something with a separate bedroom and a decent kitchen and a comfy place to sit/watch Tv. Also be able accommodate another adult sleeping space for when I want to bring a friend.

Try renting and see how it feels. I have a long wheelbase and my camper is ~33 ft. Even though it tows comfortably, I wouldn't want to go any larger. I honestly couldn't imagine being comfortable towing this size with the short wheelbase.