Forum Discussion

noonenosthis1's avatar
Jul 10, 2016

Would you do this?

Hi all,

We are thinking of purchasing a Keystone Springdale Model 303BH, empty weight right around 7900, and towing it with a 2000 Ford Excursion with the V10 and axle ratio 3.73, class IV trailer towing pkg.

Sound reasonable?

How do I find the specs on the trailer? The water pump size is not listed on the brochure.

Thanks!
Janice

13 Replies

  • That trailer loaded will have a tongue weight over 1,100 lbs., that is adding 1000 lbs. of gear etc. to the trailer (8900) and figuring 13% of that as tongue weight. Once you add gas, people and stuff to your SUV, I would say there's no way you'll have enough payload to tow that trailer.
  • I tow a Jayco 33RLDS with a 2002 Ford Excursion, 3:73. Tows great. Getting into traffic is real good, going up a 8 percent 6 mile hill we get down to about 39 miles per hour. We are towing about 17,000 pounds gvwr. I do have a super chips program in the puter, a new Y-Pipe and a K-N air system. But the biggest asset is the set up on the hitch is right on the money. Big trucks pass me and the truck moves maybe 1/4 in only. goes down the road straight and actually tows better than the Heartland we had.
  • Water pump specs are rarely posted, just size of freshwater tank from which water pump draws. You can be sure the manufacturer will just install the unit that minimizes their costs, my stock Sureflo is still going strong after 9 years and is used extensively even when campsite provides water.

    When looking at matching a tow vehicle to a particular TT, it's more advantageous to look at the GVWR of the rig you intend to tow. The empty or dry weight is subjective anyway. Although you may not load to the GVWR, anything less becomes added safety margin if tow vehicle is properly sized.

    I don't have the specs in front of me (available @trailerlife.com) but I'm sure someone is towing similar. It would be a load for the Excursion no doubt, and towing comfort would not be ideal. Climbing hills and accelerating onto highways may prove challenging for this combo.