Should I worry?

acritzer wrote:

Adam H wrote:
Fill the TV and the TT tires to max (sidewall), offset any weight caused by full waste tanks by shifting cargo forward, install your sway control and go... Don't sweat the small stuff.

Adam

You sound just like my neighbor. He's always suggested a more casual approach.

Well we get so "wrapped up around the axle" here. This is supposed to be fun, right?

Adam

Adam H wrote:
Fill the TV and the TT tires to max (sidewall), offset any weight caused by full waste tanks by shifting cargo forward, install your sway control and go... Don't sweat the small stuff.

Adam

You sound just like my neighbor. He's always suggested a more casual approach.

Fill the TV and the TT tires to max (sidewall), offset any weight caused by full waste tanks by shifting cargo forward, install your sway control and go... Don't sweat the small stuff.

Adam

I asked the question, so I can't get mad when "pushing the limits" comments come around, but boy it sucks to hear!
Back when we got started I did as much research as I could, got many many opinions. Added an additional transmission cooler, etc. Had settled into the idea that I was "OK", but not overly secure or confident I suppose. A beefier truck would be best, but doesn't fit our family.

I will for sure check and fill the tires, be cautious on packing, and anything else I can.

200lb behind the axle, combined with low tire pressure in the TV, and TT would be enough to change the dynamics of your towing experience.

TV tires aired to max will flex less, and be more stable, same with TT tires.

Do you know the weights on the TT and payload and towing capacity of the Expedition? Ever been to a scale? Have you added air to the TT tires since the last season? What psi do you run on the Expy when towing and does it have P or LT tires? What spring bar rating do you have?

Internet specs say the TT is 32 1/2' long, 7800 GVWR with dry hitch weight of 850 lbs. I would expect the tongue wt. to be around 1,000 - 1,100 lbs with the trailer fully loaded for camping. Internet says the Expedition El can tow max. 8900 lbs and max. receiver load is 890 lbs. Payload capacity looks to be 1620 lbs but depends on options. Not sure on the GCWR.

It looks like you will be well over the max. receiver load (tongue wt.). With just one passenger and groceries + camping gear in the Expy, payload will be around 400-500 lbs. Add one or more kids and dog, the payload in the Expy could be closer to 1,000 lbs. It looks you will loaded near or even well over the payload capacity.

So, a first look at the numbers suggests that you will be over the receiver tongue weight rating and close to or over on the Expy payload capacity. Don't know about the GCWR or RAWR. Basically you are pushing or exceeding the Expy's capabilities.

I would say the extra wt. in the holding tanks(s) would have little or no affect on handling/sway. If the tire pressures are down, that will definitely affect handling/sway. (Please note that it is extremely important to have the correct psi in the trailer's tires because if you don't, the resulting internal heat will damage the tires, increasing the risk of a blowout.) Under-rated spring bars could contribute to poorer handling/sway. When the TT is hooked up, is it level to slightly nose down?

I would go to a scale asap and calculate your max. payload capacity, tongue weight and TT weight. Then you will know exactly where you stand on actual weights and can make an informed decision from there. A photo with the TT hooked up and a closeup of the WDH might help.

coolmom42 wrote:
Also, find out the exact tire pressure you need, and verify that you have it.

Another thing I failed to do on this trip. It was short enough that I procrastinated on a couple things. Leaving again this weekend and will make sure to add these to my to do list.

Also, find out the exact tire pressure you need, and verify that you have it.

Atlee wrote:
Yes, both of those two items could cause problems. For sure, lack of a sway bar would. 25 gallons of waste water certainly could, depending on where the tanks are located. Behind the axles could certainly add some "bounce".

Yes, the tanks are located behind the axles.

Yes, both of those two items could cause problems. For sure, lack of a sway bar would. 25 gallons of waste water certainly could, depending on where the tanks are located. Behind the axles could certainly add some "bounce".