towing frustration

Two years ago, we traded in our car for a 2018 Ford Expy XLT (not MAX, no HD tow). Little did I know that the standard tow pkg maxes out at 6k. I have yet to find a trailer, that will sleep 8, (double bunks a must) with a slide that I can pull. Now I'm stuck trading it in again for one with a HD tow. A 250 would be great if it sat more than five. I'm so angry for not looking into this further before buying.
However I do love my Expy.

Shellsllama said:

Two years ago, we traded in our car for a 2018 Ford Expy XLT (not MAX, no HD tow). Little did I know that the standard tow pkg maxes out at 6k. I have yet to find a trailer, that will sleep 8, (double bunks a must) with a slide that I can pull. Now I'm stuck trading it in again for one with a HD tow. A 250 would be great if it sat more than five. I'm so angry for not looking into this further before buying.
However I do love my Expy.

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Unfortunately it sounds like what you have in mind will not work with any Expy. If you are traveling with 8 there is no way an Expy can pull a trailer for 8 plus 8 in the tow vehicle without being severely over the payload limit of the Expy. HD tow or not. That is F250/2500 class and up realm and as you said a pickup only fits 5.

A second vehicle traveling with half the crew would probably be the best option. Or you could get something like a high-wall pop-up to pull with your current Expy, like a Fleetwood Niagra as an example, and that would officially sleep 6. But if you have little ones you could probably get away with squeezing them in. Or take a pop-up and a small tent for 2 as overflow.

Shellsllama said:

Two years ago, we traded in our car for a 2018 Ford Expy XLT (not MAX, no HD tow). Little did I know that the standard tow pkg maxes out at 6k. I have yet to find a trailer, that will sleep 8, (double bunks a must) with a slide that I can pull. Now I'm stuck trading it in again for one with a HD tow. A 250 would be great if it sat more than five. I'm so angry for not looking into this further before buying.
However I do love my Expy.

Click to expand...

Good on you for researching before buying. Lots of good info on YouTube regarding how to tow safely. Key characteristics: wheelbase, payload, torque, and trailer length. You’ll find that as far as travel trailers go tow capacity won’t be relevant.

Shellsllama said:

Two years ago, we traded in our car for a 2018 Ford Expy XLT (not MAX, no HD tow). Little did I know that the standard tow pkg maxes out at 6k. I have yet to find a trailer, that will sleep 8, (double bunks a must) with a slide that I can pull. Now I'm stuck trading it in again for one with a HD tow. A 250 would be great if it sat more than five. I'm so angry for not looking into this further before buying.
However I do love my Expy.

Click to expand...

We got a 2010 KZ Coyote 23cfk and it lists it sleeps 10. 3 queen fold out bed and 2 convertibles with a slide out. 4165 dry, 6000 max (which we'll never reach just because of how we pack). Maybe hard finding a new one that will work but maybe something used in good shape would work. I also have standard tow package.

Upside is used car/truck values are up.

What’s wrong with an Apex Nano 208BHS?

shane_th_ee said:

What’s wrong with an Apex Nano 208BHS?

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I think the issue for the OP would be not the weight of the trailer, it's the payload of carrying 8 passengers plus tongue weight on an Expy.

Fasttimes said:

I think the issue for the OP would be not the weight of the trailer, it's the payload of carrying 8 passengers plus tongue weight on an Expy.

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The OP didn’t list that as a concern. I suspect you’re correct, but an Expedition with the HD tow package isn’t likely to solve the payload/rear axle weight issue. If payload for people is the problem, the best solution is probably a full size van like a Nissan NV3500 or GMC Savannah.

shane_th_ee said:

The OP didn’t list that as a concern. I suspect you’re correct, but an Expedition with the HD tow package isn’t likely to solve the payload/rear axle weight issue. If payload for people is the problem, the best solution is probably a full size van like a Nissan NV3500 or GMC Savannah.

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The Chevy Express, which I think is a twin of the Savannah, has ample payload as well.

I looked into new Expys a couple years ago. While the old '03 XLT had HD tow, that was mostly removed from newer trucks unless you get a Limited or better. Key word.. 'limited.' They were hard to find and more expensive. The EL limited has the 3.73 gears for 15-17 which is what I was looking for. They were sold within a couple days of listing. None of the salesmen really understood trucks or towing capacities. One told me it had HD tow because it had a hitch. The 4-pin connector gave that away. I searched within 100 mile radius, but ultimately couldn't really find what I was looking for. The market was full of Expys without HD tow. Not trading in my 33ft TT for a popup! Lol.