So I'm searching for a vehicle that can tow our 10K lb trailer and still give us room to carry 6 total passengers, 4 of them under 12 which means they can't ride in the front with an airbag turned on. At first I thought I could get a crew cab would work. However, I have since learned that new crew cab trucks can't have their front airbag disabled. Super Cab and Regular cab have a switch but not crew. There is a pressure switch that will turn off the airbag if no one is in the front seat, but if a passenger is in the right seat then the airbag is on. I think I would love a truck, but don't think I have an option of one, unless I buy one that is old enough not to have airbags.It looks like nothing other than a van or excursion has the seating capacity and towing capacity that I need. I would prefer a diesel vehicle, as that is what I have had and love. But I would be open to a gas vehicle.For those of you out there who tow larger trailers with a lot of passengers, I'm open to your suggestions.

My understanding is the passenger seat pressure switches gauge if the load is under 75 lbs. and only turn on the airbag if the passenger is over 75 lbs. That is at least as I understand it. This may make a crew cab an option, especially if the 4 light passengers are int he back with one in the middle front seat where no airbag will be aimed.If you are towing a trailer I would bet that the new vans have a one ton option that can haul your load whether in a Mercedes diesel, Ram, or transit from Ford.

Mercedes, Ram Van and 2015+ Ford have almost no towing capacity as it relates to what I need.As for the passenger switch, yes, if the person in the front seat is 75lbs or less its off. However if my wife sits in the passenger seat and daughter is in the middle, then the switch will be on, and thats no good.

Where does the pass air bag deploy? Is it just for the RF pass or does it cover both front mid and RF passengers? With the 4 little ones, may have to adjust who sits in front middle if you get a CC. Our '15 F350 CC, the front mid seat has a shoulder belt and headrest. Based on your criteria, go w/ a CC diesel (your choice of brand) then decide of the 4 who sits up front in middle. My $.02Just curious: Is it the law than no one under 12 sits up front w/ air bag? Our kids are older, so I don't recall what or how the law reads.

I'm missing something here. How are there enough seat belts in a truck crew cab truck for 6 passengers? Or are you including the driver as a passenger?

A six-door crewcab would do the trick. :)A less expensive option would be to have a Cowtown Sleeper installed. A few thousand dollars will get you three extra seatbelts for the kiddos.

Towing over 10K lbs with 6 passengers... | Good Sam Community

47 Replies

spud1957
Explorer
Apr 08, 2015
An Expedition is not rated to tow 10K. OP will probably max out on GVWR with 6 occupants as well.

If you are towing 10K and a full load of people you need a 3/4 vehicle. Not many options other than a crew cab truck with a full front seat or a full size van, Excursion or 2500 Burb.
Grit_dog
Navigator II
Apr 08, 2015
You're definately limited for 6 passenger hauling if you don't want to put a kid in the front middle seat. Airbag or not, I would go nuts taking a road trip with one of the kids riding front and center. We do it on local drives but not on trips.
Unless you can find a nice well kept Excursion of your choice, expedition or suburbans are about the only other options. You can get suburbans with the 6.2, maybe 2500 models too? Or an expedition with an Eco boost would be a good option.
A guy at work towed his 36' car hauler from GA to AK with his dually. Ended up selling the dually in AK and his wife traded up to a new Expe Eco boost. Towed the trailer back to GA with the Expe. Not real loaded down, but big trailer nonetheless. He said it towed great and good power in the mtns.
Plus you can chip an Eco boost and get over 500ft lbs on tap easily.
That would be my top option for a kid/trailer hauler. Or a Duramax van.
Sport45
Explorer II
Apr 08, 2015
A six-door crewcab would do the trick. :)

A less expensive option would be to have a Cowtown Sleeper installed. A few thousand dollars will get you three extra seatbelts for the kiddos.
Paul_Clancy
Explorer
Apr 08, 2015
I'm missing something here. How are there enough seat belts in a truck crew cab truck for 6 passengers? Or are you including the driver as a passenger?
ACZL
Explorer
Apr 08, 2015
Where does the pass air bag deploy? Is it just for the RF pass or does it cover both front mid and RF passengers? With the 4 little ones, may have to adjust who sits in front middle if you get a CC. Our '15 F350 CC, the front mid seat has a shoulder belt and headrest. Based on your criteria, go w/ a CC diesel (your choice of brand) then decide of the 4 who sits up front in middle. My $.02

Just curious: Is it the law than no one under 12 sits up front w/ air bag? Our kids are older, so I don't recall what or how the law reads.
The_LeRoys
Explorer
Apr 08, 2015
Mercedes, Ram Van and 2015+ Ford have almost no towing capacity as it relates to what I need.

As for the passenger switch, yes, if the person in the front seat is 75lbs or less its off. However if my wife sits in the passenger seat and daughter is in the middle, then the switch will be on, and thats no good.
brianpearce
Explorer
Apr 08, 2015
My understanding is the passenger seat pressure switches gauge if the load is under 75 lbs. and only turn on the airbag if the passenger is over 75 lbs. That is at least as I understand it. This may make a crew cab an option, especially if the 4 light passengers are int he back with one in the middle front seat where no airbag will be aimed.
If you are towing a trailer I would bet that the new vans have a one ton option that can haul your load whether in a Mercedes diesel, Ram, or transit from Ford.

Forum Discussion

Towing over 10K lbs with 6 passengers...

47 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Tow Ratings

Tow Vehicle w/ Best Back Seat for Passengers - Ram Mega Cab?

Ram 1500 Towing Capacity

Passenger side convex tow mirror source

Truck camper towing a boat