Community Forums

Rider99 · 12-26-2015, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003mistake

yes, thats correct, its the excursion, the toad, then the 40'

Honestly my expertise is only commercial vehicles but I have towed truck/fifth wheel and then bumper pull in California. It's not uncommon. I also realized most law enforcement officers don't have a clue as to the spec and legalities of doing so. With that said I really doubt your setup is legal to haul. Not sure of that and maybe if it is illegal you will not have a problem. You do appear to be over gross. Be safe and I hope all adds up to a fun safe trip.

sd75mac · 12-26-2015, 12:34 PM

2003mistake

Check your private message inbox.

MSHappyCampers · 12-26-2015, 12:58 PM

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Sorry I can't help with your problem. No experience with trailers!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

2003mistake · 12-26-2015, 12:59 PM

Ok, you guys have officially educated me to the point where i am not going to try and do this...its seems extremely unsafe. I have searched craigslist for other larger trucks to buy to help me get back. Towing back to Texas was 3-4K so it seems like buying an older truck that could be used just to move this around on occasion would be the smarter decision for us. I found a 2007 F-550 for only 20K in good shape. I assume that would be plenty of truck to do the job but my wife said to come and ask to be sure before we buy it.

2003mistake · 12-26-2015, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rider99

Do I understand this correctly? You are towing a 40' bumper pull with another trailer/ toad behind it? Yes? Is that legal?

I told everyone about it and no one suggested it was illegal, but thats a great question.

Ted Lambert · 12-26-2015, 01:07 PM

If there is sway as you describe. IT IS DANGEROUS.
Get it sorted out at asap.
I suggest an RV dealer that is reputable and has not sold you what you describe as a mistake.
There are good knowledgeable people working RV dealerships that would help you.
Good Luck!

Rider99 · 12-26-2015, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003mistake

I told everyone about it and no one suggested it was illegal, but thats a great question.

I wish I had an answer but it took me weeks to find out legalities on towing behind a fifth wheel and I knew a number of people in the CHP, DOT and trucking professionals. I was just told what I allready knew. Maximum length of trailer, dolly tow bar and overall length....no help. If you are considering a new tow vehicle and need help for capacities send me the make, model, year, wheel base, transmission,engine and rear end ratio and I will look it up. Good luck.

CaptainGeezer · 12-26-2015, 01:40 PM

Can you rent something big enough to get you home? Even a big UHaul box truck or something like that? I don't know a damn thing about towing, but that would be my thought. Just let the wife drive the Excursion. Good Luck at whatever you do.

Gordon Dewald · 12-26-2015, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003mistake

Ok, you guys have officially educated me to the point where i am not going to try and do this...its seems extremely unsafe. I have searched craigslist for other larger trucks to buy to help me get back. Towing back to Texas was 3-4K so it seems like buying an older truck that could be used just to move this around on occasion would be the smarter decision for us. I found a 2007 F-550 for only 20K in good shape. I assume that would be plenty of truck to do the job but my wife said to come and ask to be sure before we buy it.

The 550 will be more than enough truck to safely haul you, your family and the trailer. My 2005 has a GVWR of 18,000, a 12,000 lb rear axle GAWR and a GCVW of 33,000 (we got the enhance trailer package and a 4:88 rear end). The 2007 550 will be higher.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/2007-2/2007-ford-f-450-specifications/

Check out the information on the door pillar and compare to the specs above.

38Chevy454 · 12-26-2015, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003mistake

Ok, you guys have officially educated me to the point where i am not going to try and do this...its seems extremely unsafe. I have searched craigslist for other larger trucks to buy to help me get back. Towing back to Texas was 3-4K so it seems like buying an older truck that could be used just to move this around on occasion would be the smarter decision for us. I found a 2007 F-550 for only 20K in good shape. I assume that would be plenty of truck to do the job but my wife said to come and ask to be sure before we buy it.

I don't know the exact weight limits of the F-550, but it certainly is higher than your Excursion, since the Excursion is basically an F-250 chassis. I think this F-550 is definitely safer. You probably do not need the trailer toad with the F-550, just ensure you have a hitch on it that is 15K rated. The F-550 seems a good choice based on gut feel to me, without the specifics of the truck.

For all those that are confused here, the trailer toad is NOT another vehicle. It is like a 2-wheel dolly that takes the trailer tongue weight so it is not on the tow vehicle. It goes between the tow vehicle and trailer. See link here:
TrailerToad.com

Rider99 · 12-26-2015, 02:12 PM

Ignore my posts. I thought you were pulling double trailers and my concern was the second trailer being towed behind another bumper pull trailer. You are not pulling a toad/vehicle behind the 40'. You are using a dolly to attach the 40' to hold the tongue weigh and then attaches to your Excursion. Sorry for my confusion. Happy motoring.

hal1phx · 12-27-2015, 10:05 AM

denlock · 12-29-2015, 11:32 AM

MRUSA14 · 12-29-2015, 11:44 AM

You made a mistake but to your great credit you are recognizing it and dealing appropriately with it. Do not tow the trailer with the Excursion, get a properly rated truck that can do the job. Good luck finding the right tow vehicle and keep safety as your number one priority.