Thanks to all who have offered advice & guidance. It is appreciated.
I've had a chance to put some real numbers together:
Actual vehicle weight, full tank of gas and no occupants: 5960 (3000 front axle, 2960 rear).
Actual weight of family (H, W, D, D): 475; add 10% buffer for growing kids and personal items = 522.5
We've been around to the local dealerships and the trailer we like the most so far is the Grand Design Imagine 2400BH. It weighs in at 5595 UVW, 505 hitch, 7495 GVWR (I understand these are averages and not actual). Salesman at the dealership says that the weights include empty propane tanks.
Given that everyone seems to agree that the 1508 payload capacity is the true limiting factor of our truck, please consider the following:
1508 payload capacity
-522.5 occupants & personal items
-505 dry hitch weight
-100 WD hitch
-65 battery
-40 propane
=275.5 remaining payload/hitch weight
What else should I be considering?
In your opinion, can this trailer (if thoughtfully/carefully loaded) be safely pulled by the Expedition? I'm an accountant by trade so crunching numbers and thorough planning are right up my alley.
