Need input on tow vehicle...

[Venom4u]

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.

[rbpru]

I do not know why people think the dealer can look into a crystal ball an know if the customer is going to like the way their TT handles.

I also do not understand why people blame themselves when they find the TT and TV combination does not tow as expected.

Anything that involves "feel" is so subjective; what is swishy to one person may not be an issue for another.

It all comes down to how much does it bother you and how much are you willing to pay to change it.

I found the sluggish performance of my 200 hp V6 annoying enough that I traded up to a 356 hp E-boost. Sure I would like to have an even bigger TV, provided someone else was willing to buy it for me.

[Sinton4616]

BB_TX wrote:

mbopp wrote:
6 people + 2 dogs + TT = 1-ton van.

I agree. 6 people and 2 dogs are not going to be happy in a crew cab truck on a trip of any length. A van is a good option. A good used Excursion also if you are opposed to a van.

x2

[BB_TX]

mbopp wrote:
6 people + 2 dogs + TT = 1-ton van.

I agree. 6 people and 2 dogs are not going to be happy in a crew cab truck on a trip of any length. A van is a good option. A good used Excursion also if you are opposed to a van.

But I would avoid white Chevy vans in the range of 2009-2010. We have a 2009 and two 2010s for our small business and all have had bad paint peeling issues beginning at 3 yrs of age. And if you watch when driving you will see lots of them. Don't know how many years are affected. And GM is loathe to do any thing about it.

[evanrem]

i bought a new trailer and a truck about 5 yrs ago and was in about the same boat as you. My trailer was 34 ft and weighed about 8500lbs loaded up. I was at the max of my payload if not over sometimes and the towing stunk. After a year I was ready to trade it In for a smaller tt and suck up the loss until I stumbled across the pro pride hitch. I figured if it didn't help I could send it back for a refund and in the end losing 2k vs 5k on the trailer seemed like a no brainer. I ended keeping the combo for five years and just upgraded the truck to a 2500 this fall. The hitch worked awesome. You need to be sure you are not way over the limits for the vehicle you have as the hitch is not a substitute for that but it does a great job at eliminating a lot of the issues you mentioned.

[mbopp]

6 people + 2 dogs + TT = 1-ton van.

[gbopp]

Get a tundra. It can pull the space shuttle. :B

[westend]

Since you are stating a 690 lb tongue weight with a rated 6600 lb dry weight, I'd assume you haven't actually scaled the combination. I'd suggest you get across a scale to see what you actually have. Load the trailer for camping, if possible. I believe your 690 tongue weight is going to be more like 1000 lb. when everything is tallied.

I think the right Excursion would work but I don't know payload ratings of the vehicle. The crew cab Superduty trucks have a lot of room but your dog would have to ride in the bed to fit everyone comfortably.

[wanderingbob]

That sales person should be shot ! You need a one ton , four door truck , a one ton Excursion otta do it !

[wanderingbob]

That sales person should be shot ! You need a one ton , four door truck >

[WNYBob]

I don't think a crew cab will hold 6.