Why shouldn't I buy a 2015 Lincoln Navigator L?

First of all, I will trust the good judgement of you more experienced guys and gals not to make this an advertisement for the Ram, Bow tie, or blue oval you have tattooed on your butt cheek. We all know how quickly threads derail, been guilty of it myself.

I know that an overwhelming majority of you prefer a 3/4-1 ton truck and I can appreciate why in many instances. But I also know that many of you are buying big trucks, diesel engines that can pull a house off its foundation, and such because you want one, rather than especially need it. Which also is fine of course, heck, part of me wants one too. I get it. But we all have different needs and that's something I hope we can focus on here.

I saw The Fast Lane Truck Youtube video where the 2015 Lincoln Navigator went up the Ike Gauntlet, Isenhower tunnel stretch, in Colorado. They had to ease up to avoid speeding going uphill with 7,000 lbs in tow. I don't consider TFLT a definitive resource, but have enjoyed their many truck towing videos for their comparative value. The Navigator smoked the course. No other way to put it.

Truth is, if I bought a tow vehicle today, it would be a truck. A big one, likely with a diesel engine. I have researched all the major truck manufacturers in recent months and they each offer very impressive vehicles. But my wife and I are struggling with certain aspects of said purchase and have come full circle and now revisit the idea of buying an SUV. Which would be our fourth.

Even if just to put the SUV idea to bed, I want to ensure due diligence before buying a truck that frankly aside from towing a camper, we don't need. 90% of our driving would be better served by an SUV. Kids to daycare, later school, short commutes to town, and similar. However, I've read enough here to be cautious about buying an SUV for towing. So I lean on you once again.

We have two small kids and a german shepherd. The vehicle will be a daily driver. We will likely be buying an Airstream 27' FB twin with 790 lb advertised TW and ~6300-6500 lbs loaded (5800 lb dry) as we are just making frequent weekend trips into nearby Smoky Mountans of NC and Tenn.

I had given up on SUV's until the 2015 Expedition/Navigator was recommended to me recently. As I reluctantly dug into it, comparing it to the Suburban/Tahoe I originally wanted, there were some clear distinctions.

Namely, the 2015 Navigator has a 380HP/460 ft/lb 3.5 L Ecoboost, 4.10 rear diff, transmission cooler, larger radiator, trailer brake controller, independent suspension, trailer sway control, and auto rear leveling feature. It's rated to tow 8,400 lbs as I recall. It also has a manual tow mode, or similar nomenclature, that allows manually down shifting with push of button to control descent speeds and limit applying of brakes.

It's my understanding (which is always in question) that with a proper WD setup, hitch reinforcement, etc, payload will not be an overly limiting factor. It was recently explained to me how manufacturers payload ratings do not account for any trailer weigh being applied to front axles. With that factored in, assuming we carry most all gear in camper, likely behind TT axles, it seems we are in good shape regarding payload.

If we buy a 2015/2016 Navigator L 4x4, we will make the trip to London,Ontario and have Andy Thomson at Can-Am RV set up the WD hitch of his choice, reinforce the hitch, and anything else he deems necessary. I've heard he sprinkles unicorn antler dust on the hitch afterwards.

Anyone that thinks this will be a safe tow vehicle, I would love to hear from you. If anyone is currently towing with an SUV of any kind, I would appreciate hearing your experiences, good or bad. I'm especially looking for any criticisms or safety concerns associated with towing a camper with this particular vehicle.

Thanks for your patience and candor.

Dan
NC

Tow Vehicles

Walaby
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2015
So, just my input/observation, based on what you've posted and what additional research I've quickly done.

1) Lincoln Navigator L, 4WD, appears to have a wheel base of 131". If I recall, 119" wheel base would accommodate a 20ft TT. Every 4" additional wheel base would increase TT length by 1ft. That seems to be the generally accepted formula. So, 131 - 119 = 12 inches additional wheelbase, which would accommodate 3 additional ft of trailer. Puts you at around 23 ft. A few feet short of your Airstream 27'. You have to decide how much you buy into that formula.

2) The 790 lb tongue weight you cite, is 13% of dry weight of 5800 lbs. As you add "stuff" to your trailer, you need to put "stuff" in to increase tongue weight to maintain the 10-15%. Assuming your loaded weight of the trailer will be 6300-6500lbs, might be light. You will be surprised how much weight adds up quickly. But, lets assume 6500 lbs, that means your tongue weight should be 845lbs (assuming you maintain the 13% ratio). The WD hitch itself, you should estimate around 100 lbs. So, 945 lbs there at the tongue, although some will obviously be distributed forward and back. You are setting yourself up for a problem if you put all your stuff you add to the trailer in the back of the camper, behind the trailer axles. So, you need to make sure your cargo capacity accommodates your family weight, to include the kids and the dog, the 945 lbs, and anything else you toss in the vehicle. Don't think cargo capacity doesn't matter because the WD hitch puts some weight on the front wheels. Cargo capacity (aka payload)is the capacity of the whole vehicle.

3) While it is true, the WD hitch puts some weight on the front axles, you have to be aware of how much it moves forward, because you could easily get to max, or over your GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) for the front axle. Another limiting factor.

4) As has been pointed out numerous times, one typically exceeds cargo capacity before you reach max trailer capacity. It's a physical fact, and not something that should be ignored.

Now, I will say that I am relatively new to the 21st century RV experience. I went through all this, very methodically, when I was making my decisions. I had been camping and towing 30 years ago, and did not pay attention like I do now. As I was learning this myself, I miscalculated some things. I bought my truck first. Thought I made the right decision. Then, when I was actually zeroing in on the TT, I realized I totally forgot about the most important factor.. CARGO CAPACITY. I cannot see the cargo capacity of the Navigator online, so have no idea. BUT, I had to reset myself on my trailer selection, or get rid of my truck. Fortunately, for me, persistence prevailed, and I found a great trailer that fit ALL my numbers.. GAWR Front and Rear, GVWR, GCWR, Cargo Capacity etc...

I personally wanted to stay well within the margins, because I didn't want to worry if, on the road, I decided to get lunch to go, and have the Big Mac put my truck over the weight restriction... Okay, so maybe that's a bit exaggerated, but only you can decide how close (or over) to the margins you are comfortable with.

Im not saying this combo won't work. Do the math, don't overlook any aspect of the math. It's a matter of facts, not guessing or relying on anyone else to justify what you want to do. Remember, your safety and enjoyment, as well as your families, depends on it.

Mike

Mike
mbutts
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
I needed the three rows of seating so we purchased an Expedition. Worked OK for a 4,400 lb. trailer. When I went with a 7,300 lbs. trailer with 950 lb. tongue weight, it was just too much for the Expy. Way too wiggly in the rear end of the vehicle for my comfort level. My Expy's limits were 895 lb. tongue weight and 8,950 lb. trailer weight so, in theory, it should have worked.

Biggest thing (IMO) is to verify that the actual tongue weight & actual trailer weight (not what's in the brochure) are well under the Navigator's limits.
Fast_Mopar
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
The Lincoln Navigator L is an excellent choice. The Ecoboost engine has been around for a few years and I assume is reliable. The L model is definitely better than the short version, because you actually have good space behind the third row seat (similar to comparing a Suburban to a Tahoe). Having Andy do your setup is an excellent idea as he focuses on that every single day, so he is a better resource than the average weekend warrior internet expert.

The only possible negative is that I understand Lincoln recommends mid grade fuel (???) for the Navigator, and the same engine in the Expedition is set up for regular unleaded. I might be wrong, but that is what I recall from a few months ago when I looked into it. Of course, that might not bother you at all, but I wanted to mention it.

Regardless, the Navigator is an excellent choice.
Danattherock
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
^^^^ Thanks man. Couldn't ask for better info than that.

Here is the Ike Gauntlet video if anyone is interested. Part 1 is Navigator. Part 2 Denali XL.

The Navigator was clearly the winner in this TFLT comparison video. To my surprise.

TFLT video
martinto
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
I've struggled with the same issue. Been thinking of a GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado. I currently have a GMC Yukon Demali 6.2 L 3.42 gear, AWD, air ride and HD tow pkg rated at 7900lbs tow capacity. I now pull a 28ft (+ 3 ft tongue) at 5400lbs dry, est 6400lbs loaded. Was thinking the longer wheelbase on a pick up and a 3.73 gear would be beneficial. After towing this new TT in the NC mountains, I'm really wondering if I need to make the move. The 6.2l Is a beast and handled 6% grades with no problem...used tow mode and most often on cruise...55-60 mph? Love the benefits of the SUV, but a pick up has certain appeal, such as utility. Just me and my wife and 3 small dogs. I leave the third row seats out, and limit my loads in the Yukon. So the longer wheelbase Nav with 4.10 gear is probably a good fit. Suburban or Yukon XL configured corrected would work as well.

Still not sure if I will make a move to a pick up.
guidry
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015
Numbers don't have opinions. Either the tow vehicle is safe and within your tow weights or it isn't. You don't have to justify a SUV to any of us.

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Why shouldn't I buy a 2015 Lincoln Navigator L?

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