Forum Discussion

JerseyJeff's avatar
JerseyJeff
Explorer
Jan 21, 2014

New to site / New to RV'ing - Could use some guidance

First post. I'll begin by saying what a great site! I have to thank you guys already because the information here may have just saved me from making a first timers mistake.
We're looking to get into RV'ing and recently went to a show. The wife and I really liked the Avenger 26BH and were ready to move forward with the deal. We have a 2007 V8 Explorer Limited that we assumed would make a good tow vehicle as it's rated to 7400 towing. However, after much reading here, I'm thinking that we should back out of the deal. It would appear that the gross vehicle weight and short wheel base of the Explorer will not safely work out for us even with WD, brake controller & stabilizer added. I don't think this TV/TT match up. I've put the spec's below for both. I would love any comments regarding the possible set up.

Avenger 26bh
DRY WEIGHT: 4,850 LBS
DRY HITCH WEIGHT: 580 LBS
Carrying Capacity 2,692 lbs
Hitch - 580 lbs
Length – 28’11” overall (tongue to rear TT fender)

2007 Explorer:
Curb Weight - Front (lbs) 2553
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front (lbs) 2960
Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs) 8500
Curb Weight - Rear (lbs) 2153
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Rear (lbs) 3400
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap (lbs) 6280
Wheelbase (in) 113.7
Length, Overall w/rear bumper (in) 193.4
Tongue Weight Max Trailer Weight Max
740 7400 (With WD)

I have looked into getting a more appropriate dedicated tow vehicle like maybe an expedition or suburban. This added cost will mean that we have to put this on hold for now, but I'm thinking its the right decision. Thoughts?
  • JerseyJeff's avatar
    JerseyJeff
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2014
    Thanks all for the input. Very helpful. My concern is exactly what imadthmn described. I will take some more time to consider something smaller or purchasing a larger/better matched TV.
  • imadtchmn's avatar
    imadtchmn
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2014
    I, myself, would not do it. I had a 2006 Explorer that I wanted to use for towing a similar sized TT as yours. I took it off the lot and down the road. Came back and told them I would return later that day with my bigger truck. The sway and handling of the TT was too extreme with the short wheelbase and suspension of the Explorer.

    Can you do it, sure. Would I do it again, never. Just my opinion.
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2014
    Actually you will be close on Payload but it still might work. Payload usually runs out before anything else on SUV's. That said only you know how much you will put weight wise in the vehicle. My philosophy (some will disagree) is you should never exceed any of the manufacturers various ratings of the vehicle (GVWR, Hitch rating, RAWR/FAWR, tire and wheel ratings, etc). If you live by that and have a properly equipped tow vehicle coupled with a quality integrated sway control/weight distributing hitch you can safely tow up to any of the maximum ratings of the vehicle.
  • NC_Hauler's avatar
    NC_Hauler
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2014
    JerseyJeff wrote:
    First post. I'll begin by saying what a great site! I have to thank you guys already because the information here may have just saved me from making a first timers mistake.
    We're looking to get into RV'ing and recently went to a show. The wife and I really liked the Avenger 26BH and were ready to move forward with the deal. We have a 2007 V8 Explorer Limited that we assumed would make a good tow vehicle as it's rated to 7400 towing. However, after much reading here, I'm thinking that we should back out of the deal. It would appear that the gross vehicle weight and short wheel base of the Explorer will not safely work out for us even with WD, brake controller & stabilizer added. I don't think this TV/TT match up. I've put the spec's below for both. I would love any comments regarding the possible set up.

    Avenger 26bh
    DRY WEIGHT: 4,850 LBS
    DRY HITCH WEIGHT: 580 LBS


    Carrying Capacity 2,692 lbs
    Hitch - 580 lbs
    Length – 28’11” overall (tongue to rear TT fender)

    2007 Explorer:
    Curb Weight - Front (lbs) 2553
    Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front (lbs) 2960
    Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs) 8500
    Curb Weight - Rear (lbs) 2153
    Gross Axle Wt Rating - Rear (lbs) 3400
    Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap (lbs) 6280
    Wheelbase (in) 113.7
    Length, Overall w/rear bumper (in) 193.4
    Tongue Weight Max Trailer Weight Max
    740 7400 (With WD)

    I have looked into getting a more appropriate dedicated tow vehicle like maybe an expedition or suburban. This added cost will mean that we have to put this on hold for now, but I'm thinking its the right decision. Thoughts?



    Do yourself at least ONE big favor... DO NOT use"dry weight" and "dry hitch weight"....it's a joke, no one tows a TT empty of dry...you'll have pot's, pans, clothes, dry good's, full propane tanks, battery, and on and on in your TT when you go camping.....It would behoove you to use the trailers GVW and go from there....Remember your trucks cargo carrying capacity includes full tank of fuel, family, pet's, and anything else you carry in it when you got towing.....

    Don't know if you'll be ok or not...guess best thing to do is hook up and go and you'll have your answer....but again, ANYTIME you purchase a TT or 5er, PLEASE do yourself a favor and totally ignore the empty weight and dry or empty tongue weight, it really is nothing more than a joke to fool someone into believing they just might not tow with anything in their rv and that just isn't the fact.....make sure you have the right tow vehicle for what you're going to be towing....believe me, in the long run you'll be a whole lot happier with the towing experience...
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2014
    I'd focus on this sticker on your driver's door jam. Note what yours has where mine says 2051. Subtract the weight of your family on board while traveling. Multiply by 7.7 for loaded TT weight.

  • ChooChooMan74's avatar
    ChooChooMan74
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2014
    It could work if you load it properly and are aware of where you are. I tow small myself. I am aware that full of water (which I only do when I go weigh) and fully loaded, I am under all axle ratings and 100lbs over GVW and under GCVWR. I never tow above 60 and I have a quality WDH.

    Now, you won't have the most pleasant experience. You will want to take it slow. I would look and see if something smaller may suit you.

    Also, do NOT let dealers talk you into things. I was at a show this weekend and I could tow the world! I got things like (If you lightly pack, you could tow this until you upgrade. NO WAY!

    So far, you are taking the right steps and getting educated. Just remember, there are 3 groups of people.

    1) If it pulls it, you're good.
    2) Know your limits, and there is room for fudge factor.
    3) All ratings are law, and you need a one ton to tow everything.

    Most of all, be safe. You can't enjoy life when you are decomposing in the ground.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2014
    without going into all of those numbers, that trailer could weigh about 6,000 lbs. lightly loaded. if your TV is rated to tow 7,400 on the surface that should be OK. like I say I haven't looked at the other numbers as I "assume" you are worried about the GWR of the TT.
    bumpy

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