Help! Bitten off more than I can chew.

[Ottawa14ltd]

I need to know how much trouble I've gotten myself into here.
I bought a TT and an expedition last week, and I don't know whether I've had the wool pulled over my eyes by the RV dealer. I was hoping to take trips with 4 adults and 2 young kids.

The truck: 2014 short wheelbase limited 4x4 with HD tow pkg. and weight distribution hitch with (gas?) sway control.

The TT: Keystone Laredo 303TG
shipping weight 7365
hitch weight 875
length 35'8''
height 11'1'

can this be done?

 

[Bedrck47]

It is something I wouldn't have done. But I'm sure someone will tell you otherwise.

What engine is in the truck

Which axle ratio does the truck have

Check your owners manual to see what the truck is rated to tow

 

[Ottawa14ltd]

5.4 engine and 3.73 axle
I think it's rated 8900lbs

 

[Bedrck47]

by the time you add 4 adults 2 young kids and cargo you will be close to or over your limit. Depending on your towing experience it may be a challenge.

In my experience and opinion I wouldn't haul that length of trailer with a short wheelbase

 

[Ottawa14ltd]

Wait, the EL would be better? I deliberately got the regular wheelbase because it has a higher tow rating.

 

[DRS1]

Wait, the EL would be better? I deliberately got the regular wheelbase because it has a higher tow rating.

You will be ok with short WB. The 8900 lb rating is for the trailer, NOT combined vehicle weight rating. The CVWR I believe you will be more than fine with your adults, and your trailer. Double check your manual.

Make sure you use weight distribution bars.. Big help. You will have to have your dealer install the mounts on the TT.. You will have to buy a hitch that has the mounts. Buy the bars. I believe we have Reece brand. If you want I will check.

Used this system many times when using a bumper pull 4 horse trailer, or pulling up to 32' TT. Done that with F350 KR and Expedition.

Pulled the 4 horse bumper pull on the Expedition, with the bars and it works just fine. With all the horses and gear, just under the towing limit and no problem with CVWR (per Cat scales). Mine is old enough, added electric brakes. You will be fine. Much less pulling power than a 6.7D in the F350. But hey, you are not pulling 8 horse goose neck, all gear, with almost 26,000lbs CVWR. Also, the sway control and factory brake controller is amazing in the pickup. Wish we had it in the Expedition.

Hope this helps. I believe you will be fine with the correct hitch and load distribution. And be under your weight ratings. Decent torque when going up hills for the small size engine, while maintaining speed. Plan your accelerations and passing way in advance though.


Genesis 2012 TAU 5.0
Sent from my iPhone using Tap..

 

[Bedrck47]

What is your towing experience?

My responses are my opinions and as stated earlier you will get other opinions that will be different.

Based upon your post it does appear to me that you have concerns. Its always best to do your homework before you buy rather than after.

 

[Goats]

That's a light trailer for being almost 36' long. My 30' weighs in at 7600 lbs empty.

 

[stamp11127]

Don't drive like an idiot though, your heavier, stopping distance is considerably longer. Add extra time when driving and drive 55-60 mph. That way all the DS's end up in the ditch instead of you.
All you need is a front tire blowout at speed and things will get very exciting quickly. Slower is safer.

 

[Ottawa14ltd]

First off, thanks to you all for the kind words of advice. The trailer is a 30 foot trailer, 35 is th length including the tongue and everything. It weighs about 7400lbs including propane. I will have a centreline hitch installed with compression cylinder anti sway bars. No going back. I have limited trailering experience moving backhoes on trailers with a dually pickup. I'll have to make this work, no matter the learning curve, so I appreciate any and all tips/insights you may offer. Thanks again!!!

 

[01yellerCobra]

Wait, the EL would be better? I deliberately got the regular wheelbase because it has a higher tow rating.

I think it's a catch 22. The EL has a lower rating because the extra length takes up some of the rating. But the longer wheel base makes things more stable on the high way. How much of a difference there is I don't know. I've only towed my boat and only owned the EL.

 

[Bedrck47]

Ok the trailer is a 30 ft trailer as you say from the front of the hitch to the rear bumper on the trailer is how they figure towing length so based upon that you will be towing a 35 ft trailer

Do as suggested above and based on your limited trailering experience I'll wish you all the best.

 

[cheapjeep]

You're better off with the short wheelbase. The EL is a heavier vehicle with a lower rating. The tow rating for a 3rd gen Expy EL is down to 8700# with the heavy duty tow package. You have a higher end hitch setup so you'll be fine there. With the tt you have you need 1000# torsion bars so make sure that's what they supplied with the hitch. If not exchange them for heavier bars. You have a dry weight of 7365# but you have to remember that you're gonna add close to half a ton of food water and gear and a lot of beer(in my case anyway)so load the trailer evenly side to side and front to back. Heavier stuff as close to floor as possible. You will need a quality brake controller of the proportional type not time based. I've had a few but by far the best is my Tekonsha Prodigy P3. Best I've had so far. Now for the most important part. The hitch setup. This is the key to a good tow experience. If you're new to the game have a pro set it up because there are multiple adjustments that have to be done. The end result is to have the camper with all your gear sitting as level as possible with your Expy as close to normal ride height(front and rear) as possible. This process usually has to be done only once unless you get a new tow rig or trailer. A good thing to do first is check your tire to fender clearance at each wheel unhitched for a reference point. If you want to set it up yourself shoot me a pm and I can walk you through it. Hope this helps.

 

[DF5.4]

If you have the stock P rated tires air them up close to the max cold pressure that's stamped on the side of the tire. If you leave them at the normal pressure you will feel like there is a lot of sway. It's the tires flexing. That's what i do with mine and it makes a huge difference in the way everything feels. The next time I replace mi tires i'm going to get higher rated tires.

 

[stamp11127]

It wouldn't hurt to go to a truck stop and practice backing before really heading out. If spaces are available, low light night backing is also recommended. Of course stay away from the big trucks...

 

[cheapjeep]

I think it's a catch 22. The EL has a lower rating because the extra length takes up some of the rating. But the longer wheel base makes things more stable on the high way. How much of a difference there is I don't know. I've only towed my boat and only owned the EL.

Actually I'm curious about the wheelbase. Did they really change the wheelbase or just tack the added length behind the axle? I never checked.

 

[01yellerCobra]

Actually I'm curious about the wheelbase. Did they really change the wheelbase or just tack the added length behind the axle? I never checked.

What I could find said standard wheelbase is 119" and the EL is 131".

http://m.autos.aol.com/2008-ford-expedition/specs/

http://m.autos.aol.com/2008-ford-expedition+el/specs/

 

[DRS1]

Check load rating on tires. Many folks put replacement tires on that are under rated. And agree with above, set pressure for max cold rating when towing. Same for trailer tires.


Genesis 2012 TAU 5.0
Sent from my iPhone using Tap..

 

[RRILO]

First off, thanks to you all for the kind words of advice. The trailer is a 30 foot trailer, 35 is th length including the tongue and everything. It weighs about 7400lbs including propane. I will have a centreline hitch installed with compression cylinder anti sway bars. No going back. I have limited trailering experience moving backhoes on trailers with a dually pickup. I'll have to make this work, no matter the learning curve, so I appreciate any and all tips/insights you may offer. Thanks again!!!

Rule of thumb for maximum stability is 110" of wheelbase for a 20' trailer and add 4" of wheelbase for every foot on the trailer. So in doing the math, a 131" wheelbase can tow up to 25-26' trailer and 119" should be able to handle 21-22' trailer. There is no physics, roadconditions, trailering accessories, etc. taken into account here. Again, just doing the math.

Personally, I would never tow that size trailer with even an Expy EL but since you already made the purchases, you would be smart to have a weight distribution hitch and anti sway bar installed on your rig and make sure your trailer brakes are in tip top shape. Keep your speed down and hit the gas a bit when/if you sway to pull out out if it. Good luck.

 

[Slick07]

Ottowa14Ltd you should be fine. I have a older 28' Fleetwood that I have been pulling behind my 07 Navigator Luxury. The 5.4l is a torque monster in disguise, but I do agree with others on this thread. You're not driving a Formula 1 car with Mario Andretti, thinking ahead, planning the tow route and alternate tow route, and taking your time is the best advice. The brakes on these trucks are even more capable than the 1st and 2nd Gen's, but they won't save people from negligence. I have the stock 20" rims on my Navi but have outfitted them with 305/50/R20 XL's just for the added load index. I went from 2830 lbs. to 3080 lbs. load capacity. More money, but provides a bigger footprint and more stable with the trailer on the hitch. A proportional brake controller is the only way to go, Tekonsha is one of the better brands. I run Primus IQ. Weight Distribution hitch most definitely, only way to tow safely with TT's. In all, it's just taking the time to properly outfit your Expy for the load and you should come within your GCWR.

One last thing, make sure that the outfit sits level when all coupled. This is extremely important to reduce risks of blowouts and light steering. This may take an extra hour or two, but that is less time than a life spent in agony for a tragedy. I'll attach a pic of my rig so you can have a good reference. No one ever got in trouble for making it to the camp spot by slowing down to a comfortable speed, but with time your confidence will grow to feel more able in your towing abilities with your Expy. Good luck, and happy camping.