Platinum Towing Experiences

Waterbeach said:

The limiting factor will be payload, not the 9200lb it can pull. My Platinum max has max payload of 1644 lbs. Deduct hitch weight of trailer you are looking at (or just calculate about 12% of likely loaded trailer weight) from payload, less people, roof box, gear, beer, fuel, etc.. then compare that to the payload sticker on your vehicle. That will tell you how likely you are to be over or under axle weight limits. If OK, then use a good WD hitch with decent sway control as at 7500 lbs you don't want the trailer overpowering the tow vehicle in an emergency swerve / stop. Once loaded, check at a CAT scale.

Click to expand...

KFordEx8 said:

I'm looking to replace a 2005 Expedition rated at 8,600 lb max with a new one. I have been towing a small ultra lite travel trailer.

Click to expand...

Jimmer said:

Off topic but what wheels do you have on there? Those look really sharp with the white. Been looking for a set of wheels to put my winter tires on and i think those would look good with the magnetic grey on my truck as well.

Click to expand...

MHay said:

The issue I’ve had was with the softness of the rear suspension. After last year’s camping season I invested in a Hellwig rear sway bar and Sumo spring helpers. Hoping I’ll feel a difference when we take our first trip this year in a few weeks.

Click to expand...

mwl001 said:

How many people are going to be in that Expedition when you tow? Much in the same way people say you can have Eco or Boost, but not both, you can either fill up your Expedition with people and stuff, or tow a heavy trailer... but not both. However the fact that you can get/do EITHER is what makes this a great vehicle IMO.

If you're needing that Skybox because your Expedition will be full of people and cargo... there's almost no way you'll be able to stay under max payload. Even a Max would have an issue and probably come up short. Something that heavy is also probably really long and will cause sway issues in certain conditions or all the time.

Click to expand...

shane_th_ee said:

First, good for you for looking at GVWR instead of brochure weight. Second, I think you'll hit the receiver rating before payload. Travel trailers, due to their boxy shape, need a relatively high tongue weight (compared to, say, a flat bed or even a boat). Typically, travel trailers will sway unless the tongue weight is at least 12% of the trailer weight. Unless Ford has changed the design since 2018, your receiver is only rated to 930lbs. And 930 is 12% of 7750. Personally, I'd be a little more conservative as some trailers need more than 12% to be stable and other trailers have layouts which result in relatively high tongue weights*.

*For instance, our trailer has the fresh water tank at the front of the box.

Click to expand...

Wayne Decker said:

Our 25' Airstream has a max of 7300lbs. It weighs 6600 fully loaded for travel. We travel with two adults, two dogs, two bikes and other stuff in the Expy. Using a weight distributing hitch every thing is within limits, verified on scales.

Click to expand...

Fizzy said:

Ok, now you're getting into the dark arts of RV math that I still don't fully understand!

Brochure ("shipping") weight is 6013. Max cargo is 1587. Hitch weight is 690. Let's say we put in 1000lbs of cargo in the trailer, that makes it 7013lbs. 12% of which is 841. So we'd have sway issues? But even from the factory the trailer hitch weight of 690 is less than 12% of the shipping weight of 6013 (721).

Click to expand...

Fizzy said:

I've been hearing a lot about the sloppy rear end. Keep us posted with your experience in the new set up.

Click to expand...