Any advice on a good TT for my 2012 Expedition?

[ColoradoCampers]

I'm looking to buy my first RV, but I'm not sure how well or comfortably my Expedition will tow some of the TT I've seen. Currently, I'm looking at a 2015 Heartland North Trail (5,600lb dry weight, 28ft long). Any advice on how my Expedition will do with this size of TT in the mountains or any thoughts on the Heartland brand? I'm definitely looking for suggestions on some good TT that are out there, so please share any pros/cons that you've found through your travels!

My Expedition:

• 2012 Limited
• 5.4L V-8
• 3.73 Gear Ratio
• Heavy Duty Tow Package
• 9,000lb Towing Capacity
• 1,485lb Payload

Thanks!
J.J.

[ColoradoCampers]

Thank you to everyone that responded! All of your information has been very helpful and valuable! I think we're going to look for something a little smaller, so that we're not pushing our Expedition too hard through the mountains. The North Trail is probably more TT than what we really needed anyway.

I'd still love feedback on what makes/models everyone likes/dislikes (referrals are the best way to go about making a new purchase!). As for the size TT that we're looking for, our passengers will be myself, my husband, our 2 yr. old daughter and our german shepherd. We would like to be able to bring a friend or two along as well, but I'm starting to think our payload won't allow for that.

Thanks again!
J.J.

[WarPhil]

I tow with an 07 expedition, same specs. Our 24' TT fully loaded with a full tank of fresh water is about 6k. I use a WDH. On the flat highway with no wind it cruises along at the speed limit nicely, but definitely struggles over the hills. Never had an issue getting where we want to go but we aren't getting there fast. I would not want to go any heavier than we are now and will upgrade the TV before we move to any other trailer. Good luck!

[JiminDenver]

We tow with a 03 and a 07 Expy. Our trailer currently is only 4200 lbs dry and well within the Expys specs. On the open flat road I tend to forget the trailer is back there at times but not in the Rockies. Then again in 30 years of towing in the Rockies, I have never owned a trailer truck combo that didn't know we were climbing a steep grade like Crow hill.

Personally I would sty around 5000 lb dry, maybe a bit more depending on how the tongue weight worked out. It's not always the same trailer to trailer and like with mine, the fresh water tank is in the front. Filled it adds a lot to the tongue. On the slide version of my trailer the tank is back towards the axles and has much less effect when filled.

You payload is a bit on the low side for a Expy, so make sure you account for what you are doing. You will have abit less than 600 lb to work with if you max out the tongue, out of that has to include passengers, gas, the hitch and anything you put in it. The nicer hitches weigh more.

You will have to have a WDH to get to that weigh, make sure you get sway control too.

Last thing is if you do this, the next time you get tires get a good set of LT tires. The P rated tires are squishier to give ride.

[wincrasher65]

Two things work against using this SUV to tow a large (long) trailer - payload and short wheelbase.

You can overcome the wheelbase issue with an excellent WDH and sway control setup. I wouldn't scrimp on this as it will be so important to your safety. Don't be surprised if you need a Hensley Arrow or similar expensive setup (like ~$3500).

The limited payload will be tricky. With only 1400 lbs for everything, you could be cutting it close - count on at least 10% of the total trailer loaded weight as tongue weight - most likely 700 to 900 lbs. I'd definately have it weighed before you buy. You can get a Shurline tongue scale on Amazon for around $100 - it may be money well spent.

If it were me, I'd shop very carefully for the lightest weight trailer that will still accommodate the size of your family. Think hard about how big you really need, as most people end up buying too much trailer.

Good luck!

[aamyotte]

I have a Expedition long wheelbase which I use to tow with. I have a smaller trailer and no issues.

As noted the payload can be eaten up quickly. I put everything that I can in the trailer so that in the Expy I only have the passengers, dogs and snacks for on the trip. It helps to keep me away from reaching the max payload. You have to remember that the hitch head adds weight from the allowable payload, they are fairly heavy as well depending on the setup you end up with. The rear springs are softer in the Expy then a pickup so a good weight distribution with anti-sway is a good investment.

[APT]

You will likely be limited to your payload or receiver for amount of tongue weight. Your payload minus people and stuff inside the Expy is what is left for trailer TW. I believe your receiver has a limit of 900-920 pounds whne using a weight distributing hitch. That's about 7000 pound loaded TT.

We love our North Trail and have had no major issues with it, no dealer service required.

[offroad_x]

I have a 1998 Expedition with the same specs as yours, except much older. It has an 8000 lb tow rating. I have a 2001 Excursion with the 7.3 diesel, with an 11000 lb tow rating. My TT comes in at about 8000 lbs (dry weight is just over 6000 lbs).

I have not towed the TT with the Expedition, but I know the Excursion definitely feels the load, especially when going into the mountains. I would be fine towing with either one on flat land. But, if going into the mountains, I would think the Expedition would really struggle going up hill. It would not be an enjoyable trip.

I hope that helps.

[Houston_Remodel]

JJ,

A rule of thumb is not to exceed 80% of the TV max tow rating. 80% of 9000lb = 7200lb.

7200lb - 5600bl = 1600lb for all your food, belongings, people, fuel, propane, water, sewage, pets .....

You didn't mention how many people, ages, expected guests....