New to towing, need some schooling.

[HMBdave]

Hi all, I am just stepping into the towing world for the first time. My fiancé and I purchased a toy hauler and an older large suv to tow it with. Now, after doing a little research here I am learning that there is more to it than just the vehicles max tow rating and the trailers total weight. I'm already fairly certain that I'm going to be getting rid of this current TV and going for something bigger but, we already have a trip planed and I'm hoping I can get away with using this suv for now. Can you guys help me out?

Here's the info that I have:
Tow vehicle: 2003 Ford Expedition 5.4l 4x4
The iformation I've found tells me max tow weight is 8600# but toung weight is 800# max

Toy hauler: 2006 Eclipse Attitude 21ak
From the sticker and the info I've read here this trailers weight is about 6700#. We are planing on loading one atv(Honda 250ex) weighing about 375# and our personal gear for two people for 5 days. We will be staying at an RV park with full hook ups so I will not be hauling any water.

What can you guys tell me from this information? Any help is truly appreciated, as I've been stressing about this first trip.

[ependydad]

ChooChooMan74 wrote:
Ependydad has some good info on his blog. I would be careful with that setup and best of luck dude.

Nice signature Doug! I had something similar in mind when I visit more states. My state map is anemic.

Thanks! I'm filling in Ohio in a couple of weeks and keep claiming we're going to go down to NC just for the fact of camping to fill that state in. Strangely- she's not willing to drive 6-8 hours for a weekend trip! 😄

[eric_james]

I think you'll be ok with the information I found trolling on the internet. Not great but not out of control.

Dry weight is 5000 lbs and a GVWR of 11000 lbs. Typical toyhauler. Your buddies 6700 lb load weight seems logical. That TH has a 110 gal water tank! So obviously don't fill it up. TH will have a heavy tongue weight until you put your toys in the back. Length of the trailer isn't bad but it sure is tall! You still need to keep a eye on that tongue weight with an 860 capacity.



As mentioned, get a really good WD hitch with built in sway control. Pump up the tire to max PSI, turn off the overdrive and stay below 65 mph.

Setting up the WD hitch correctly will be key. A lot of good video instruction here (see top of this forum)

[Jerallen]

I tow with that same vehicle- my TT is north of 7K loaded- without water.

It moves around a little due to the relatively soft IRS and P rated tires when larger vehicles pass but, no sway.
No problems maintaining 60mph on level ground.
It is anemic on long grades- be patient.
Get a good WD hitch and have fun.
Turn overdrive off. Air up tires to max capacity.
Expect about 8-9mpg.

[ChooChooMan74]

Ependydad has some good info on his blog. I would be careful with that setup and best of luck dude.

Nice signature Doug! I had something similar in mind when I visit more states. My state map is anemic.

[Mike_Taverniti]

I've had experienced with a weight description and same TV. It belonged to my daughter. I recommend a better TV. The short wheelbase will keep your knuckles white !!

[HMBdave]

Thanks guys I do plan on getting everything weighed once loaded up for trip on Monday. The 6700# I what I got from a member who posted here his acual weight with all the options ant a scale minus water and unloaded

[bikendan]

exceeding the tongue weight, with the atv loaded, may be an issue.

[downtheroad]

This is a very general observation: (disclaimer)

Expy's (I owned one) have very soft suspension and short wheel bases. Toy haulers tend to have heavy tongue weight. Also the 6700 lbs you posted...is that the dry weight? If so, It will be much more than that when you are trip loaded...water or not.

I guess what I'm saying is that you should check those weights carefully. I'm just not thinking this is a solid combination.

anyway, good luck with it and welcome to the Forum..Hopefully others will paint a more positive picture for you.

[ependydad]

Good info above by HappyKayakers.

As for Dave, if you already have the truck and RV now - I'd strongly recommend making a trip to the scales to check the weights vs. waiting for your first trip. It'll teach you a ton.

[HappyKayakers]

If the 6700 is the trailer's GVWR, you should be OK. If it's the unloaded weight, you may have problems. The best thing to do is stop at a CAT scale on your trip and get actual weights. Being armed with this info and your actual towing experience, you can make a much better decision about whether to keep you current TV, or trade up (and if so how much to trade up).