I'm looking for a vehicle for our travel trailer. My wife likes the sportsmen 301BHLE. It is 33 feet long and hitch weight of 880. Gross trailer weight is 8000. We both like the double bunk bed options and it's within our budget. I'm hoping to get TV under 10k if possible (not sure that exists). This would likely just be used for towing trailer several times a year (10-15 times). The hard part is we have 4 children, and it would be preferable to all fit in one vehicle. I looked at the excursion but read differing opinions on whether it could tow something that big. I've also heard about getting a van but don't know where to start with that. Not opposed to getting a 3/4 ton pick up but then we'd have to take two vehicles, which is a little but of a hassle. We currently have a F150 without HD tow package and 2017 expedition with HD tow package. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

The Excursion will tow a TT that weight with no issue, both V-10 and diesel. I would also look at a Hemi powered Mega Cab. The big thing is to. Are sure it uomtomthe task and making sure it has been maintained properly. You will need to shop around for a quality $10k tow vehicle, but they are out there! Look at 2500's.

That's a surprisingly lightweight trailer for it's size. If you have 3.73 gears in the Expedition, it'll do it and be within ratings. I certainly would use a premium hitch however, like the ProPride, simply because of the amount of sail area.

carringb wrote:That's a surprisingly lightweight trailer for it's size. If you have 3.73 gears in the Expedition, it'll do it and be within ratings. I certainly would use a premium hitch however, like the ProPride, simply because of the amount of sail area.I've driven it with the expedition and a husky center line hitch, and I still noticed a little swaying especially when a semi passed me. And this was going 60 and me letting off gas pedal a little...Would the ProPride provide that much of a better ride? I'd love to use my current vehicle. I'm happy going 60 mph but would prefer not the minor sway when getting passed or on windy days.

Andrewmart wrote:carringb wrote:That's a surprisingly lightweight trailer for it's size. If you have 3.73 gears in the Expedition, it'll do it and be within ratings. I certainly would use a premium hitch however, like the ProPride, simply because of the amount of sail area.I've driven it with the expedition and a husky center line hitch, and I still noticed a little swaying especially when a semi passed me. And this was going 60 and me letting off gas pedal a little...Would the ProPride provide that much of a better ride? I'd love to use my current vehicle. I'm happy going 60 mph but would prefer not the minor sway when getting passed or on windy days.Propride is a massive improvement. We didn't use Husky Centerline, but had Eaz-Lift which we swapped out for BlueOx SwayPro, then went to the Propride 3P and there was just no comparison. That, of course, was a different rig than the one in my sig.

Are they long trips distance wise?A 4 door 3/4 ton with a front bench seat will handle 6 comfortably especially if they are younger and smaller. At about 10yr old, there are plenty of options that will do nicely.A full size body on frame van is also a good option but not a lot of them around.

Need tow vehicle - preferably under 10k | Good Sam Community

dodge_guy
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2020
The Excursion will tow a TT that weight with no issue, both V-10 and diesel.
I would also look at a Hemi powered Mega Cab. The big thing is to. Are sure it uomtomthe task and making sure it has been maintained properly. You will need to shop around for a quality $10k tow vehicle, but they are out there! Look at 2500's.
carringb
Explorer
Jun 06, 2020
That's a surprisingly lightweight trailer for it's size. If you have 3.73 gears in the Expedition, it'll do it and be within ratings. I certainly would use a premium hitch however, like the ProPride, simply because of the amount of sail area.
Andrewmart
Explorer
Jun 06, 2020
carringb wrote:
That's a surprisingly lightweight trailer for it's size. If you have 3.73 gears in the Expedition, it'll do it and be within ratings. I certainly would use a premium hitch however, like the ProPride, simply because of the amount of sail area.

I've driven it with the expedition and a husky center line hitch, and I still noticed a little swaying especially when a semi passed me. And this was going 60 and me letting off gas pedal a little...

Would the ProPride provide that much of a better ride? I'd love to use my current vehicle. I'm happy going 60 mph but would prefer not the minor sway when getting passed or on windy days.
n0arp
Explorer
Jun 06, 2020
Andrewmart wrote:
carringb wrote:
That's a surprisingly lightweight trailer for it's size. If you have 3.73 gears in the Expedition, it'll do it and be within ratings. I certainly would use a premium hitch however, like the ProPride, simply because of the amount of sail area.

I've driven it with the expedition and a husky center line hitch, and I still noticed a little swaying especially when a semi passed me. And this was going 60 and me letting off gas pedal a little...

Would the ProPride provide that much of a better ride? I'd love to use my current vehicle. I'm happy going 60 mph but would prefer not the minor sway when getting passed or on windy days.

Propride is a massive improvement. We didn't use Husky Centerline, but had Eaz-Lift which we swapped out for BlueOx SwayPro, then went to the Propride 3P and there was just no comparison. That, of course, was a different rig than the one in my sig.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jun 06, 2020
Are they long trips distance wise?

A 4 door 3/4 ton with a front bench seat will handle 6 comfortably especially if they are younger and smaller. At about 10yr old, there are plenty of options that will do nicely.

A full size body on frame van is also a good option but not a lot of them around.
Andrewmart
Explorer
Jun 06, 2020
valhalla360 wrote:
Are they long trips distance wise?

A 4 door 3/4 ton with a front bench seat will handle 6 comfortably especially if they are younger and smaller. At about 10yr old, there are plenty of options that will do nicely.

A full size body on frame van is also a good option but not a lot of them around.

Trips will be maybe a few hours at the most. 200-300 miles one way, with many being less than 200 miles.
ExxWhy
Explorer
Jun 06, 2020
I just sold my Excursion that towed a slightly larger trailer than you have in mind. Definitely a viable option for what you want to do. Mine had 4.30 gears which helped but the more common 3.73 would be OK for 8K. I also have a ProPride hitch. Yes, they are amazing and worth it when you run into that day you have big crosswinds. Even better if you can find one used as I did.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2020
Oh man I just sold my 8.1L Suburban on Thursday, would have been perfect for you.
Andrewmart
Explorer
Jun 06, 2020
If I added a Hensley or ProPride, do you think I'll be ok? I'm reaching the upper end of our payload capacity with hitch weight and all passengers. I'll be getting an accurate hitch tongue weight later this week. We've talked about taking both vehicles. One I would tow and the other with wife and kids. It would be a hassle but save us a few thousand. Just want to make sure it's safe.
Andrewmart
Explorer
Jun 06, 2020
Also, is there any range/restriction on mileage or how old the vehicle model should be if we get a 3/4 or 1 ton pick up? In my price range, we are looking at vehicles between 2002-2008 with mileage of 170k+.

Also, this is a bit vague, but would any 2500 pull it? I would definitely look at the numbers and axle etc, but, in general, would they tow better than our expedition?