Travel Trailers

[J_82]

I bought a 16 expedition so I can tow around a travel trailer to camp. Wife got tired of the tent. I would like to see what you all tow around in your 15-17 expedition. Just to get an idea how big I can go and what experiences you all have had towing travel trailers.

 

[B-McD]

Apex Ultralight 300BHS. A bit over 6100 lbs. dry. Close to 7,000 fully loaded. Need to get it on a scale this coming season.

 

[DF5.4]

It's a 17 Grand Design Imagine 2800BH. GVWR for the camper is 7495lbs. I'm using a Reese dual cam HP hitch for weight distribution and sway control. The Expedition has the HD tow package. The only thing I have done to the Expedition is replace the P rated Goodyears with E rated Mastercraft Courser AXT. I like to keep it at 65 mph max on the highway. The Expedition doesn't have a problem towing it. I had an 07 SWB before this and the extra wheelbase of the EL makes a noticeable difference in stability. Overall I'm getting mid 9MPG towing.

 

[J_82]

It's a 17 Grand Design Imagine 2800BH. GVWR for the camper is 7495lbs. I'm using a Reese dual cam HP hitch for weight distribution and sway control. The Expedition has the HD tow package. The only thing I have done to the Expedition is replace the P rated Goodyears with E rated Mastercraft Courser AXT. I like to keep it at 65 mph max on the highway. The Expedition doesn't have a problem towing it. I had an 07 SWB before this and the extra wheelbase of the EL makes a noticeable difference in stability. Overall I'm getting mid 9MPG towing.

Nice, this helps me a lot for reference as to what would be ok to tow. I have the short wheel base 2wd with the towing package and trailer brake.

 

[chuck s]

Lots of us tow campers. Mine is 23 feet and should be under 6000 pounds but the aerodynamics of a brick drop fuel economy significantly when towing. No problems with the "short" wheelbase on my '17.

Trailer brakes are usually mandatory by state law once a trailer hits 2000 pounds and the late Expeditions have very capable brake controllers built into the vehicle.

Over 600 pounds on the ball requires a weight distribution hitch (WDH). I've used the Equalizer (brand) for a decade and highly recommend it over the chain and sliding sway bar arrangement of the cheap devices.

If you have the air suspension keep in mind it has to be Off to set up for a trailer. Same warning for any gimmicks like helper springs and "timbrens" (sic?) which also disguise overloading.

As for what trailer to select I have two "rules" (which I, frankly, made up!) The 1000 Pound Rule states the trailer has to weigh 1000 pounds less than the towing capacity. In this case it is limited to about 8000 pounds. That rule works but is pushing the limit. I'm more happy and use the One Ton Rule which limits the trailer to 2000 pounds less than max capacity to account for those hot summer temperatures, high altitudes, and long grades. This means no more than a 7000 pound trailer. Either of these "rules" are conservative and avoid more than 4th grade math. Somewhere in the middle maybe?

Owning an Expedition strictly for towing a few times a year -- like me -- makes no sense financially. But there it is!

-- Chuck

 

[07xln]

17 EL Limited and my toy hauler is a 2011 KZ MXT301. 35' long and GVWR is 8800#s. The Expedition will tow every bit of it. Unlike Chuck Ive used a traditional "cheap" bar & chain WD hitch with sliding sway bar for years and shes straight as an arrow running 70 down the hwy.

Since you have the SWB model I wouldn't recommend one as big as me and DF5.4 have. It'll be the tail wagging the dog no matter how good your hitch is or how good your breaks are. If I were you I'd stay in the 25' or less range. Not sure the size of your family as you only mention the wife. We're a family of 5 with me, my wife and 3 small children and we have a UTV and multiple ATV's so we needed something big. I purposely bought the EL just because of this very reason.

I just bought a tuner for my ride so I can get some more performance out of her especially a torque boost so I can tow more efficiently. Like DF5 above I plan to upgrade my tires to an E rated model at some point. The OEM Hankooks are good but you'll get a better ride out of the stouter tire when towing heavy. If I'm really conservative and stay between 65-70mph I can get 11-12 mpg. Good luck with whatever trailer you choose

 

[JExpedition07]

Lol you two and your passive aggressive argument on the WD hitches. With a proper WD hitch set up either or should be able to tow similarly as they are rated the same. The wheelbase is only 12” difference from an standard to an EL (119,131), not a huge difference. For example my expy is 119”, while my F-350 is 158” now that’s a big difference and would be very noticeable control wise hauling that (but my expy rides soooo much better, but they are two different rigs). Maybe the EL does have more stability in a strong cross wind because of the extra 12” of wheelbase because an extra foot is an extra foot at the end of the day but a standard length should do it. I’d agree with the stay at or below 8,000 statement to be safe.

 

[B-McD]

I think if you use a WDH and stay under 8,000 lbs you can tow safely with either the EL or regular. I agree with Chuck's math above and stay conservative on max weight. I pulled our 30' trailer out to the Black Hills and back last summer with no issues. Never over 70 mph and on the flats about 11.5 MPG, in the hillier sections, about 9.5MPG. I use the clip on mirrors to help me see around the breadbox behind me. You always get that one guy that thinks he can get better mileage by drafting you. I usually do a little swerve motion to double check if someone's there. Wireless camera is the next upgrade.

 

[rollinstone]

You can see our 20' R-Pod in my avatar pic...weight usually tops out at about 3100 lbs. 2014 LTD with HD tow package. Andersen WDH and anti-sway system, Michelin tires for a smooth ride all the time. Average 12 mpg on highways and Western mountains combined. We camp in tight boondocking spots so smaller trailer works perfect for us.

 

[Adieu]

17 EL Limited and my toy hauler is a 2011 KZ MXT301. 35' long and GVWR is 8800#s. The Expedition will tow every bit of it. Unlike Chuck Ive used a traditional "cheap" bar & chain WD hitch with sliding sway bar for years and shes straight as an arrow running 70 down the hwy.

Since you have the SWB model I wouldn't recommend one as big as me and DF5.4 have. It'll be the tail wagging the dog no matter how good your hitch is or how good your breaks are. If I were you I'd stay in the 25' or less range. Not sure the size of your family as you only mention the wife. We're a family of 5 with me, my wife and 3 small children and we have a UTV and multiple ATV's so we needed something big. I purposely bought the EL just because of this very reason.

I just bought a tuner for my ride so I can get some more performance out of her especially a torque boost so I can tow more efficiently. Like DF5 above I plan to upgrade my tires to an E rated model at some point. The OEM Hankooks are good but you'll get a better ride out of the stouter tire when towing heavy. If I'm really conservative and stay between 65-70mph I can get 11-12 mpg. Good luck with whatever trailer you choose

You got a family of 5 and luggage AND trailer pushing the tow limit unloaded, which you pile up with all sorts of stuff????

And you're running P tires????


Technically youre waaaaaay above your weight limit and probably shouldnt do it at all, just fyi. But if you DO, you should probably have E rated LT tires aired up to like 70 psi or even full 80. Youve got like 18 000 lbs total when you add it all together.

....none of that street tire hankookery


PS although really you should just play it safe and legal and trade your Expy for the biggest cab Superduty with all the tow upgrades and the biggest diesel engine available. And be all safe and compliant.

 

[Adieu]

• 17 EL Limited and my toy hauler is a 2011 KZ MXT301. 35' long and GVWR is 8800#s. The Expedition will tow every bit of it. Unlike Chuck Ive used a traditional "cheap" bar & chain WD hitch with sliding sway bar for years and shes straight as an arrow running 70 down the hwy.

Since you have the SWB model I wouldn't recommend one as big as me and DF5.4 have. It'll be the tail wagging the dog no matter how good your hitch is or how good your breaks are. If I were you I'd stay in the 25' or less range. Not sure the size of your family as you only mention the wife. We're a family of 5 with me, my wife and 3 small children and we have a UTV and multiple ATV's so we needed something big. I purposely bought the EL just because of this very reason.

I just bought a tuner for my ride so I can get some more performance out of her especially a torque boost so I can tow more efficiently. Like DF5 above I plan to upgrade my tires to an E rated model at some point. The OEM Hankooks are good but you'll get a better ride out of the stouter tire when towing heavy. If I'm really conservative and stay between 65-70mph I can get 11-12 mpg. Good luck with whatever trailer you choose

PPS ...at least get some frickin tow mirrors you menace to society

 

[chris bauer]

Towing a 2018 forest river Salem 26Tbud. 6100lbs dry and using a standard WDH and sway bar attachment. I have the heavy tow package as well and it pulls great!!! Really impressed with the expedition! Monday will be installing 285/70 r17 e rated tires on raptor rims than next is getting tow mirrors

 

[JExpedition07]

Lol you don’t need a big SD to tow a camper or toy hauler are you crazy. The Expedition fairs just fine doing that. The only reason I bought my F-350 was for the 8’ bed to throw sh*t in for work. I picked up a diesel 6.7 but would have been fine with a 6.2 gas one, the tow rating is something like 13,500 pounds which I’ll never use. I have no problem towing with either or just drive like a normal person and you’ll be fine. There are guys out there towing 7,000 with an exploder.

PS: the Expedition rides much better and is much more comfy.

 

[Steve15Ex]

There are guys out there towing 7,000 with an exploder.

Hey hey hey, my 08 Explorer tows like a damn champ. I did just upgrade to a 2015 limited expedition, and looking forward to towing in the spring with it. We have a 2016 Tracer 270air, its around the 7k mark full loaded.(which is at the top rating for the explorer). The biggest part of my success is the Equalizer WD hitch, it's the only WD hitch I've owned and I never looked back! Also the explorer has adjustable Rancho shocks that are great as well.

 

[J_82]

Hey hey hey, my 08 Explorer tows like a damn champ. I did just upgrade to a 2015 limited expedition, and looking forward to towing in the spring with it. We have a 2016 Tracer 270air, its around the 7k mark full loaded.(which is at the top rating for the explorer). The biggest part of my success is the Equalizer WD hitch, it's the only WD hitch I've owned and I never looked back! Also the explorer has adjustable Rancho shocks that are great as well.

View attachment 22733

I believe that year explorer is still on a solid frame the newer ones are on a unibody.

 

[JExpedition07]

I believe that year explorer is still on a solid frame the newer ones are on a unibody.

Only pre 2011 models can tow 7,200 pounds.

 

[J_82]

You can see our 20' R-Pod in my avatar pic...weight usually tops out at about 3100 lbs. 2014 LTD with HD tow package. Andersen WDH and anti-sway system, Michelin tires for a smooth ride all the time. Average 12 mpg on highways and Western mountains combined. We camp in tight boondocking spots so smaller trailer works perfect for us.

Cool I want to drive to Louisiana and/or Colorado to take the family camping.

 

[cekkk]

Chuck and Adieu, x2. Tongue weight has to be added to the passenger/cargo weight inside your tow vehicle. Most Expeditions pulling 8000 pounds with family inside are pushing the envelope, at best. It's not important whether the engine will pull it. I seem to recall a Toyota pulling the Space Shuttle. As I read on an RV forum years ago, it's not go power, it's whoa power that's important.

The CAT scales are your friend.

And 99% of ST (read trailer tires) are rated for max 65 mph.

 

[Steve15Ex]

Yes, that's correct it's a body on frame. I'm happy that I will have a good basis for if towing is better or not. I'm hoping that setting up the suspension with the Equalizer isn't too big of an issue. I was surprised to see that my expedition has the select-able suspension with the 22" wheel package and HD towing package. As when I was building them on ford's website if you selected the 22" rims that it take the load leveling suspension off as an option.

 

[chuck s]

Agreed. Maximum towing capacity assumes the vehicle is empty allowing for a 150 pound driver. Fill it with family, camping gear, and several dogs and you'll find the One Ton Rule very handy. Note this reduces allowed trailer weight for my Expedition to 7200 pounds and we can skip all the other math.

Properly setup a WDH apportions some rear axle weight between the front axle and the trailer axles. The rest remains on the rear axle. It is vital the front suspension depress when connected to the trailer. Helper springs and air bags will let the truck set level but this is no indication of proper weight distribution.

The factory's conservative tow ratings are the reason these are towed over-loaded all the time with near impunity -- as long as you're not super-stupid in loading.

-- Chuck