Ford Explorer Sport and Small TT
Hi,
Were considering purchasing a small TT and at the same time upgrading to a 2016 Ford Explorer Sport.
Before we do anything, I wanted to get your opinion on the setup, especially since quick searches show mixed results.
The details:
Explorer has a class 3 hitch rated for 5k lbs and 500 lbs tongue weight when using a weight distribution hitch/sway control (Would definitely use this). It has the ecoboost v6 engine, not the NA v6. There is also a factory installed oil cooler. I'm trying to confirm if the trailer below has brakes but can't find an answer (Will find out for sure thus weekend when we go look). I'm assuming it does and therefore a brake controller is needed. Ford apparently offers and/ or sells one that integrates in the dash that we'd use.
We're considering a Forest River Wildwood 197BH. Overall length, hitch to bumper, is about 22 feet. Dry weight is 2769 on the FR site, so I'm guessing actual weight is a little higher, maybe 3k. Gvwr is just under 3900.
Factoring in two adults, a child, and a medium dog, I think body weight will be around 650 lbs max. Curb weight on the explorer is 4901. With that total weight of 8550 or so and a gcwr of 10400, we should have about 1850 pounds for other stuff, keeping in mind I'd like a cushion of at least several hundred pounds below the gcwr. We do not plan on carrying much, if any, fresh/ black/ gray water. We probably wouldn't use the shower or toilet much unless at a site with full hookups, in which case we would arrive and leave empty.
No plans of going more that 65/70, speed limit and tire rating dependent, and have no dreams of achieving a certain mpg. With 365hp and 350 tq I think the power will be capable but not a race car.
My gut feeling is that this will work, but I wouldn't be comfortable with much less of a vehicle or much more of a trailer.
Do you think this is safe and reasonable?
Since we're here, any thoughts on the trailer itself or any other trailers we should consider in the 12k to 15k range? I think it's a fairly new model and haven't found a lot of reviews, though they do seem to be in stock at many places.
Thanks in advance!
Pat
Were considering purchasing a small TT and at the same time upgrading to a 2016 Ford Explorer Sport.
Before we do anything, I wanted to get your opinion on the setup, especially since quick searches show mixed results.
The details:
Explorer has a class 3 hitch rated for 5k lbs and 500 lbs tongue weight when using a weight distribution hitch/sway control (Would definitely use this). It has the ecoboost v6 engine, not the NA v6. There is also a factory installed oil cooler. I'm trying to confirm if the trailer below has brakes but can't find an answer (Will find out for sure thus weekend when we go look). I'm assuming it does and therefore a brake controller is needed. Ford apparently offers and/ or sells one that integrates in the dash that we'd use.
We're considering a Forest River Wildwood 197BH. Overall length, hitch to bumper, is about 22 feet. Dry weight is 2769 on the FR site, so I'm guessing actual weight is a little higher, maybe 3k. Gvwr is just under 3900.
Factoring in two adults, a child, and a medium dog, I think body weight will be around 650 lbs max. Curb weight on the explorer is 4901. With that total weight of 8550 or so and a gcwr of 10400, we should have about 1850 pounds for other stuff, keeping in mind I'd like a cushion of at least several hundred pounds below the gcwr. We do not plan on carrying much, if any, fresh/ black/ gray water. We probably wouldn't use the shower or toilet much unless at a site with full hookups, in which case we would arrive and leave empty.
No plans of going more that 65/70, speed limit and tire rating dependent, and have no dreams of achieving a certain mpg. With 365hp and 350 tq I think the power will be capable but not a race car.
My gut feeling is that this will work, but I wouldn't be comfortable with much less of a vehicle or much more of a trailer.
Do you think this is safe and reasonable?
Since we're here, any thoughts on the trailer itself or any other trailers we should consider in the 12k to 15k range? I think it's a fairly new model and haven't found a lot of reviews, though they do seem to be in stock at many places.
Thanks in advance!
Pat
