need advice on towing

[Heron789]

I have 04 Expy, 5.4L engine, with factory optional tow package. I'm female so I don't have a clue about towing and stuff, but I have to learn very very soon.
I am purchasing a pop up camper with electric brakes. I see on the the hitch part of my tow bar that there is a place to plug in the electric brakes. Then I see some kind of plug-in component under the steering wheel-dashboard. Is that for the "aftermarket electric brake component'? Is my Ford Expy already wired for electric brakes and all I have to do is plug in a brake controller?

I also have a weight distribution kit rated 1000#. Is that necessary for towing a pop up since i have a big tow engine and vehicle?

Thanks all for any advice you can give this "tow rookie".

 

[monsta]

How much does the trailer weigh when loaded?

 

[rwinch]

OK, I can really help out here.

I just purchased an '05 Fleetwood Niagara, which is at this moment the heaviest & largest pop-up on the market. My '98 tows it just fine, so you should not have any problems.....BUT, just as monsta eluded to, you have to know your weights, and that means weights on each axle, weight of the pup-up loaded, weight of the tow vehicle loaded, qand finally the combined weight.

I have attached a really great Excel spreadsheet to help you out in figuring your safe tow weight limits.

In terms of your questions:
1) The plug under the steering wheel is for the "Brake Controller". It is an electronic device used to control the electric brakes on the pupup (PU). I advise getting a "Prodigy" from Tekonsha. It is one of the newest, uses the best technology (IMHO).
2) If your Expy has the Factory Tow Package, then you are plug&play with the trailer as long as you have also installed the brake controller (see above)
3) You probably will not need the weight distributing hitch, but buy the friction sway control bar that the salesman will probably offer you. It is good cheap insurance to keep the trailer from fishtailing.

My advise is to lurk around the following forums, which is what I did, and you will learn quite a lot!

http://www.woodalls.com/
http://www.popupexplorer.com/
http://www.popupportal.com/default.asp
http://www.tekonsha.com/
http://www.trailerlife.com/
http://www.camperschoice.com/
http://www.popuptimes.com/
http://www.foldingtrailers.com/


Have fun, the camping thing is great!!

 

[tufnoogies]

I have towed with 3 expys and I love the new 3 valve engine. puts power right where you need it..right off idle!! I average about 7000 miles a year like this.