Towing Advice

[Shawnh]

Hello,

I am currently looking at a Jayco SLX 264 BHW travel trailer. Specs on the trailer, as built weight of 4702 and GVWR of 6000.

My possible tow vehicles (own already) are as follows:

2012 Ford Expedition 4x4 EL, 5.4, HD tow package, CCW 1407, tow rating 8700.

2016 Ford F-150, 4x4, 2.7, Super Crew, tow package, CCW 1467, tow rating 7500.

Anyone see any problem with this set up? I'd prefer to tow with the Expedition but could use either vehicle. Thanks.

Shawn

[Shawnh]

Thanks for the input. I'm going to put a brake controller in both vehicles. I'll start towing with the expedition but give the F150 a try as well.

The Amazon boxes should start arriving tomorrow. Spent a ton of money and don't event take delivery until 6/26. Have six reservations made also!

[afidel]

With two tow vehicles you'll save some money by going with the Prodigy RF, costs about the same as a P3 plus installation.

[dbdap]

Second on the Prodigy brake controller and I would recommend a good hitch Blue-Ox or equalizer, the extra cost will be worth it. As for the tow vehicle either will work we tow a 24' 4700 lb empty weight trailer with a 2004 5.7L Durango and it does fine. May not go over the Rockies with it but it does fine from Southwest Ohio to Florida and up and down the east coast.

Enjoy the new camper.

[TurnThePage]

I think many here get really tripped up when they see "2.7 liter" powered tow vehicle. That little motor is not as economical as one might expect, but it's bursting over with available HP/Torque. I wouldn't hesitate to tow that trailer with that truck.

My brother has a smallish camper on the back of his 2.7L F150, AND tows a 6000+ lb Trophy fishing boat. Truck does very well.

[Grit_dog]

Lwiddis wrote:
Both are too close for me. Look for a lighter TT or also buy a tuffer TV too. What about those times where you don't take two vehicles?

I seriously hope newbs and outsiders have a strong BS filter on their computers for things like this.
What is he supposed to use for a little 3 ton trailer? A 1 ton diesel?

Both will tow it fine. Take your pick.

[dodge_guy]

You`ll be fine with the Expedition. the F150 would be out for me. you may be a couple hundred over on the expeditions GVWR, but not enough to concern me.

Have fun with the new trailer.

[APT]

Get a Prodigy proportional brake controller. P2/P3 are both very good, under $150, and easy to install if the RV dealer does not offer. Otherwise, happy Camping!

[Shawnh]

Thanks for the input. I've decided to go ahead with this unit. Will pick up on 6/26.

Dealer is installing the weight distributing hitch and brake controller. Still not sure which vehicle I will ultimately use, but I will likely install a brake controller in both vehicles so I have some flexibility.

The hitch on the F150 has a max tongue rate of 1100 with WDH and the hitch on the Expedition is rated for 920 with WDH.

Shawn

[RinconVTR]

Shawnh wrote:
Hello,

I am currently looking at a Jayco SLX 264 BHW travel trailer. Specs on the trailer, as built weight of 4702 and GVWR of 6000.

My possible tow vehicles (own already) are as follows:

2012 Ford Expedition 4x4 EL, 5.3, HD tow package, CCW 1407, tow rating 8700.

2016 Ford F-150, 4x4, 2.7, Super Crew, tow package, CCW 1467, tow rating 7500.

Anyone see any problem with this set up? I'd prefer to tow with the Expedition but could use either vehicle. Thanks.

Shawn

Excellent tow vehicles for that size and weight trailer. Don't let anyone tell you different. Seriously.

Just make sure the WDH is set up properly...dont trust the dealer to do it perfectly.

And note that the WDH will give you back 100-200lbs of payload. (The amount of weight that is transferred to the trailer.)

[APT]

I estimate you'll have about 5500 pounds loaded weight with about 700 pounds of TW. Either one will do well. The F-150 will probably be a little better due to torque curve of the EB2.7, better towing transmission programming, and longer wheelbase. However, the Expy will do well.

[Redwoodcamper]

Yes it's doable. I wouldn't plan on cross country trip, but the expedition would likely tow it better.

[Bob_Olallawa]

Oh heck, just buy it..You can upgrade tow rigs after it gets the best of you.

[rexlion]

Be aware that the wd hitch's weight counts as part of the total weight on your hitch receiver. Just make sure you do not exceed that rating, and have your sway control properly adjusted. You should be ok.

[Terryallan]

Shawnh wrote:
Hello,

I am currently looking at a Jayco SLX 264 BHW travel trailer. Specs on the trailer, as built weight of 4702 and GVWR of 6000.

My possible tow vehicles (own already) are as follows:

2012 Ford Expedition 4x4 EL, 5.3, HD tow package, CCW 1407, tow rating 8700.

2016 Ford F-150, 4x4, 2.7, Super Crew, tow package, CCW 1467, tow rating 7500.

Anyone see any problem with this set up? I'd prefer to tow with the Expedition but could use either vehicle. Thanks.

Shawn

I'd do it in a heart beat with the Expy. BTW. Fords have 5.4s. GM has 5.3s. Actually I DID do it with a Expe. Towed our 6000 LB + TT with our 2002, 5.4, 3.55 Expedition. No problem, and all the power we needed. no sway, did great. And yours has more tow capacity than mine did.