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
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
