Forum Discussion

Venom4u's avatar
Venom4u
Explorer
Jan 10, 2016

Need input on tow vehicle...

So I am relatively new to the RV scene. I have now done a lot of forum reading, Google searching, phone calls, etc. That said I'm looking for more advice.

I made the mistake many have made in that I purchased a TT and listened to a salesperson who said sure no problem your vehicle can tow this. Well Ya technically it can but it's not a fun experience.

I have a 2015 ford expedition limited with tow package. I have a Passport 3320BH, dry weight 6590, 690 tongue, 1410 carrying capacity, 36'10" bumper to center pin.

I now have an equalizer 4-way. This helps alot but I still have the tail wagging the dog and this floating circular motion when getting passed by 18 wheelers.

I also load up 2 adults, 2 teenagers, and 2 kids, plus a 90 lb dog. So 6 people total.

I towed it with a F250 to make sure I just don't suck at driving. And yah it's night and day.

So yah I'm an idiot... And although my TV had gobs of power and can even stop this load without issue... I know I am overloaded payload wise and sway is just beyond dangerous imo.

Yes, I should have researched more and even though the dealer said no problem ultimately it's my fault.

Now I know I need a better TV.

It seems a f250,350 crew would of course work. Reading a long bed and dually or course would help even more with sway. 37' is alot of tail and surface area.

Am I nuts to consider an excursion? The wheelbase is 20" longer than what I have now but I am worried payload wise I will be over. Regardless of legality which yes is a concern I want to be able to control this trailer with kids in TV and not have to white knuckle it.

I have read about healwig sway bars, airbags, 350 Springs, new steering shock, etc. Yes I know this won't increase the payload.

I'm not looking to stick my head in the sand here... I just see some people saying an excursion is great TV loaded up others say it's a problem.

I know what it's like not having the right TV and I don't want to feel this while driving.

Thanks in advance... All comments are appreciated even the ones calling me dumb for not doing my homework the 1st time.
  • PAThwacker's avatar
    PAThwacker
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2016
    I would not tow that with my sub with 100% more payload than any generation expedition.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2016
    I would tow that with my 3/4 ton suburban. I would spend $15 at a cat scale adjusting the wdh before replacing the vehicle. It may be overloaded, but it shouldpretty well with your EQ.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Jan 15, 2016
    As mentioned above an Excursion will do the trick. I towed my prior 11K GVW TT with a 2001 PSD X. It was a great combo
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Jan 15, 2016
    First off 1400lb CCC for that size trailer is a problem. You'll max that out with 6 people worth of food, clothes and gear. That is a very small CCC. Yes that trailers GVWR will be maxed out for a trip! As will the Expedition.

    I'm towing a 35ft 9200lb loaded TT wth my V-10 X with 4.30 gears. I'm also using a Reese Dual Cam (StraightLine) system. The X handles the trailer without an issue! He only thing I did to the suspension was add a Hellwig rear sway bar and air bags. I have had 7 (4 adults and 3 kids) people and a 100 ln dog in my X with the trailer and it never complained once! They are an excellent HD SUV (built on the F250/350 chassis). The only difference between the X and the Super Duty is the springs. Put 350 springs under it and you have a SD.

    As far as legality goes (I'm sure people will chime in) stay at or under the axle ratings and you'll be fine!
  • Venom4u's avatar
    Venom4u
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2016
    yes I have a standard length...not an EL. I believe my tires are just metric...not P, but one step up. Still not a LT or E rated for sure. I know my load sticker (which i found AFTER) only says 1300lbs.
  • montecarlo31's avatar
    montecarlo31
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2016
    I noticed a few other expedition owners posted in here but didn't mention one thing, your tires. I'm not sure what options your 15 has, my 13 came with crappy P metric tires that were about at their max before I put anything inside the truck. My Expedition weights in at 6,100 lbs without a driver. My best advice before you go jumping off a bridge or buying a used excursion (I had one and hated it on ever level of crappy from towing to ride to braking to non supportive seats) try a set of load range E tires on your truck. When I moved to the new expedition from the old one I was reminded quickly just how bad P metric tires are when towing and in general. You will see a night and day difference running some good tires on that expedition even driving around town, turn in will be quicker, you will feel less roll when turning since your outside tire will not flex as much under load, overall your experience will improve.

    I am running 285/55R20 Michelin LTX AT2s on mine, 50 PSI empty and 75 PSI if I've got a heavy trailer.

    I would also makes sure you are running your trailer tires at the best pressure possible and that they are all at the same pressure, this all contributes to instability. While you have a huge trailer as far as length I don't see a major weight issue by any stretch.

    On a side note I assume you mean you have a standard length expedition not the EL correct?
  • 69_Avion's avatar
    69_Avion
    Explorer
    Jan 12, 2016
    The heavy duty Excursion should easily do the job. The problem is getting one in decent shape since they haven't made them in years. My friend has one an he can tow about the same as I can with my 2000, F-350 diesel. His is a 2002 Excursion diesel. It is probably the best year of Excursion with the diesel engine.
  • BubbaChris's avatar
    BubbaChris
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2016
    If you go the 1-ton van route, make sure the hitch is rated for 1,000lbs+

    The Excursion is a great option if you can find one properly configured and in nice running shape. Those and the 2500 series Surburbans do have a price premium in the used market since most owners know how much better they are than their 1/2 ton SUV counterparts.

    Good luck in your search.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Jan 11, 2016
    venom4u wrote:
    So yah I'm an idiot.


    No, an idiot would not realize the mistake and keep towing with it.

    things are becoming more complicated .....

    wanderingbob,

    That sales person should be shot !

    That sales person should be shot !

    We need to shoot 2x...and find a TV ? :B

    I opt for the 1 ton van . I towed a 37' TT with 5 and 2 large dogs , using my van and it worked fine .
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Jan 11, 2016
    No way is your tongue weight 690. Your stated dry weight multiplied by 13% is 860. If your going to calculate tongue weight, use the TT's gross weight. And I'm sorry, but upgrading to better shocks and air bags does not increase payload - it's like putting a band aid on a broken leg.

    Hopefully you understand all the weights that subtract from payload.

    I don't know about ratings for an excursion, but most likely won't cut it, unless you can find it in a one ton version. For a big family such as yours, the advice on the van is a great option.

    Here is a link to the CAT Scale locator is your inclined to find out actual weights.

    Good luck.

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