IdaD wrote:
My sister and brother in law have 3 kids and a 2015 Expedition 3.5 EL. I think the official tow capacity is 9200 or something but you can't realistically go that heavy when you factor in the axle and payload ratings. Their trailer weighs 6k gross and is 27' long and I don't think you want to go any bigger with that tow vehicle and a family of five. Their trailer actually has a quad bunkhouse up front and a rear queen that slides out of the back so it's reasonably comfortable for the five of them. However there is no side slide so it's kind of tight inside, it has very low ceilings and very little ground clearance.
Go drive a heavy duty crew cab pickup, or at least give it some thought. We also have three kids and fit really well in it, and all you really give up is that third row. If you need extra covered storage a canopy is always an option, or it also opens up the possibility of fifth wheels either now or in the future. The towing experience even with a larger trailer (or especially a fifth wheel) is far better compared to a half ton SUV, and it opens up way more options that may make your wife a lot more willing to use it frequently. I had a longer version of this same conversation with my sister/BIL before they bought their Expedition and they obviously blew it off, but I think it warrants consideration.
(Sorry if I didn't quote properly, new on this forum)
We do need the third row. Our children are younger (all in car seats) and we frequently either have my father or my mother visiting from out of town.
If we end up using the trailer enough, I'd buy a truck for it (can't do it at the moment though). I'm going to keep researching and I'll try to find something that I think could work and post a follow up.
Thanks.
Shawn
