2001 Lincoln Navigator & 30ft 7500# GVW TT

[the7thdream]

Hi Fellow RVer's

We originally posted a question on a forum about 2005-07 Ford towing.... "2005-2007 Ford Tow Vehicles"

We never thought it would be so difficult trying to find information on tow vehicles and/or trailer tow weights....This time around.

We have gone from F150's, F250's (with 5.4) to....now a 2001 Navigator.

And the further we research, either, the more we are confused or can't even find spec's or correct info...On the Navigators

So, here again is our specs and info:

The TT is 2015 Jayco White Hawk Summit Edition 27DSLR with a length of 30' 11"...Unloaded Vehicle Weight (dry) per the door sticker from factory is 5993...total GVWR is 7500#....The tongue weight claims it is 510# (probably actually heavier)

Now there is no way we are loading the TT to even 3/4 of that weight. It is just my wife and I so, probably less than 800# in gear.

We are looking to buy the Navigator that (per the factory stats) states that with the 5.4 V8 (300 HP/355 Torq), 4 speed auto, a 3.73 axle, air ride suspension, rear axle rating of 4128 that the curb weight is 5667 and the GVW of the NAVI is 7000#....The GCWR is a total of 14000-14,500 (can't find EXACT) [Lincolns Handbook says that the GCWR for the "trailer" is rated at 8900# and as far as TOTAL GCWR...I haven't been able to the EXACT rating.....i.e. 14,500...OR???...Very Frustrating!!

P.S. the tires are 17" on the TV...and the SUV will probably have about 500# in cargo...I will be the only person...Wife is driving second vehicle.

We don't have the tow vehicle yet...so we don't have the "door jam sticker" and we can't find - through our hours of looking on the internet (forums or Lincoln publications) any info on the numbers.

When we bought the trailer - they first told us we could haul it with our 1999 F150 SC XLT with HD tow package, a 4.6 Triton/4 speed auto and 3..55 axle plus a 300# "high-top canopy....And I said, "You have got to be kidding me right?"

So, on correct info from the TT sales lot on a TV?....I wouldn't trust them with a 10 foot pole. (But Hey! We got a fantastic price on the TT).

So, my question are these;

1) Does or, has anyone every towed a 7500# GVW trailer WITH a Navigator?

2) Does anyone know where I can get better info on a 2001 Navigator?

3) If so, did you use the "factory receiver" with a WDH...OR did you have to upgrade to a better chassis receiver (which brand, etc.)? (All this, since it says, it can tow up to 8000-8900) with a factory receiver (I am assuming?)...Can't tell which receiver this 2001 has in the pic's and the lady selling doesn't know either...Not sure what comes "standard" on the Navi tow package.

4) The TT lot will be installing a "Husky" brand WDH...not sure which model...Not sure if it is one of the better ones?...On our 2008 24 KZ Spree...I had a Equal-i-zer with Sway control bar.... a bit noisy, but handled well

5) If towing with a Navigator, how did it effect the air ride suspension?

]NOTE: We can't afford to buy (a good USED) F250 so, that is out of the question...They are well over $12,000 or up...And those are in "fair" condition.

We are not buying a vehicle to win any races....on flat land or mountain grades...We are looking for safety first, tow-ability second, and [mechanical] dependability third.

And yes, we are also aware of the mileage and the 'premium" gas issues with the Navi's....But...willing to pay that price just to get it from Nevada to Washington State.

Again Thank You For Your Advice and Info.

Stephan & Sally

[spud1957]

I towed a 30' TT that weighed around 7000lbs with a Navigator. Worked well. Lock out OD and let the engine do what it is designed to do. Power was never really an issue. The Nav comes with a 3 valve 5.4. Great engine.

Read the owners manual for hitching up with the air ride. You start your vehicle, let the suspension level out, then shut off the compressor. The switch is by the passenger's door near the floor. Once you have your trailer/WDH hooked up correctly, then turn on the compressor back on.

For that weight, I wouldn't hesitate using it for a tow vehicle.

S

[DaveF-250SD]

You have a payload capacity of 1,333 lbs by the numbers you have provided. Allow 100 lbs. for the weight distributing hitch, and your 500 lbs. of cargo inside the vehicle (assuming that includes people). You will likely be right on the edge of the vehicle's payload capacity, if not a little over, depending on the tongue weight. You will have a much better and safer experience with a 3/4 ton truck or a 3/4 ton Suburban. Half ton SUV's are short on payload capacity for many rv trailers. You will have a much safer towing experience with a higher payload rating than the Navigator you are considering. My advice would be to find a more capable tow vehicle to haul your trailer.

[gbopp]

Have you checked on a Ford Truck Forum?

Maybe someone on one of the truck forums will have the information you need.