afidel wrote:
myredracer wrote:
Average tongue weight of TTs is 12-13% of the gross weight of a TT (but can be 14-15% in some cases). Not knowing the actual weight of that particular TT, using the GVWR for a max, the TW will be 1100 - 1200 lbs. So, well over the TV payload max before even taking weight of passengers, pets, groceries, camping stuff, etc. into account.
You need either a shorter/lighter TT or a more capable tow vehicle. For longer TTs like a 34 footer, a TV with longer wheelbase helps too. We have a 3/4 ton truck with regular cab and long bed and it tows great with no sway and excellent handling. If the SUV is needed as a daily driver, a shorter/light TT will be required.
For TTs, the max payload capacity of the TV is the important number to watch and normally will be reached before the max tow capacity.
2013 Expedition EL had a minimum payload capacity of 1,642lb, where are you getting that it would be overloaded before passengers? I agree that it's absolutely likely to be more trailer than the SUV with a family of 4 can take but it's not obviously overloaded from the start. As far as length, yeah the 131" wheelbase is a bit short for a long trailer, the rule of thumb calculation says 26' max length with that wheelbase. So a better fit would be a 5500-6000 dry weight 26' or under trailer. The other possibility if a new TV isn't in the cards and you're really set on the bigger trailer is the wife and kids in a second vehicle, though that only helps with weight, not length.
That is more tongue weight than the hitch receiver is rated for, even with WD.
Full towing specs here:
Clicky
