What TT do you tow without HD tow package 4th generation

[10sne1]

We know a lot of 4th Generation Expys with HD tow, pull travel trailers. What do you tow with your non-HD
Tow Package? Also did you add Electric braking and after market spring enhancements? Just thought I’d ask, as many don’t have HD tow, but wish to use the 6000-6600lb towing offered on the HD non-tow model.
Note, cargo capacity is still good on non-HD’s. Mine is 1822!

 

[10sne1]

Non-HD tow package. Thought I’d share he’s towing 7500lbs...

 

[ssmock]

My 2014 towing around a 6,500 lb rig (Trailer & Car). First time using the weight distribution hitch so still adjusting the chains. Could use a little more adjustment to eliminate the squat in the rear. Made two trips from Kansas City in this, one a 3,500 round trip to Reno NV without a weight distribution hitch the other a 1,600 mile round trip to Gulf Port MS with the weight distribution hitch set up. See picture below. Prefer the WDH for a smoother ride no bounce and absolutely no sway but the Reno trip was good too and that was over a couple of mountain ranges. Expy does well, just likes gas stations!

 

[Frank Swygert]

You CAN tow more than the rating. But it's harder on the vehicle. You should look for a trailer that will be at least 1000# under your tow rating unloaded. Remember, the tow rating DOES NOT include weight of passengers and equipment. You lose 400# with two average adults, you may be more or less than that. Add a couple kids and that's about 600#, then throw in weekend luggage and you're up to 1000# -- and you haven't even included extra stuff like chairs and such in the camper. Add another 500#. So now you're 500# over the recommended tow capacity-- but I'd call that good assuming trailer brakes and load leveling hitch. If you're boondocking and filling water tank... 10 gallons is 83#, so that's another 354# for me (43 gallons) -- many newer campers hold 50+ (over 415#). Plus the weight of a generator and extra supplies -- so you better go 1500# under capacity. I tow a 7200# camper with a 8400# rated 2003 Expy (tow package), but I don't boondock. I wouldn't tow anything bigger, and would prefer a 25-26' -- but my wife liked this camper, so...

You will need a brake controller to run safely without overloading the vehicle brakes, though in theory it should be ok. You just have to anticipate stops and drive a lot more carefully without those brakes. And a load leveling hitch. Unless you're an experienced tower I wouldn't tow anything near the capacity without trailer brakes, a load leveling hitch, and a sway control on the hitch. Without those I'd say a max of 1/2 - 2/3 the tow capacity, and even then you have to be more careful and not just motor along.

 

[10sne1]

Frank Swygert, thanks.
Understand towing dynamics. Thanks
Yes trailer brakes installed. yes weight distribution, yes limited TT weight. Cargo weight is high, 1866lbs. I have a 26 ft 5600 dry weight, never tow wet. 575 toung. Specs are good for me towing of 30 years, just fact finding on other experience towing with non heavy tow package.