Community Forums

Camp Chris · 07-09-2012, 07:48 PM

So after purchasing my 2012 27' hideout, I am now worried that my 2007 Ford Expedition may not have the capacity to tow it!? According to my simplified version of calculating I'm 612 # over. My GCWR= 14928
GVWR= 7700
Towing Cap= 9200
Hitch weight= 840

My hideout weight=6230
Cargo capacity= 1610
Any help would be great!!

Camp Chris · 07-09-2012, 08:01 PM

Also it is a V8 5.4 liter

Franka548 · 07-09-2012, 08:44 PM

Camp Chris,
The only way to be sure where you are is to fill the tv with gas, load whatever gear you would normally carry, along with the family and any pets, hook up the trailer that is loaded the way you would be pulling it, and go to the truck scales, then you would know for sure where you are out without any guessing. if you are indeed withint 600#, then you can adjust what you carry accordingly to remove the 600#, like less water, maybe a few less tools, etc. Putting it on the scales is the only way you will know for sure where you are at.
Frank

Mr_D · 07-09-2012, 09:03 PM

Is the RV weight actual or from the manufacturers spec's?

Camp Chris · 07-09-2012, 09:38 PM

Manufacturer I believe... it was the same as the dealers to though.

TXiceman · 07-10-2012, 06:39 AM

AS noted, load up the bus, fill the tank and head to the scales and get a real weight on the Expy. Now load the trailer for travel and head back to the scales and get real weights.

Your manufacturers 9200# tow capacity is in reality closer to 7300# (80%) when you tak into account the passenger and cargo load in the Expy.

The problem with the EXPY is the hitch weight and the trucks GVWR and rear Axle GAWR. Your loaded hitch weight should fall aronf 11 or 12% of the loaded trailer weight. The Expy does not have a large payload capacity and may be overloaded with the hitch weight plus passengers and cargo in the truck.

I would also add a larger external transmission cooler, HD shocks and change the tires to LT series instead of the P series.

ken

Fred1609 · 07-10-2012, 07:47 AM

Ditto....check out your weight....nothing worse than living with regret after you've blown your transmission or worse.

RoyM · 07-10-2012, 08:04 AM

Talk about closing the barn door after the horse is out. You should have asked these questions before you bought the trailer.

Camp Chris · 07-10-2012, 08:25 AM

Thanks for the enlightenment Roy... I did ask the dealer and they said it would be no problem... I asked a few times.. maybe my fault for taking their word for it.

Sky_Boss · 07-10-2012, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyM

Talk about closing the barn door after the horse is out. You should have asked these questions before you bought the trailer.

Ya now...you may be right but you don't need to be so "correct" (read - RUDE) in your assessment of the OP's mistake.

Sky_Boss · 07-10-2012, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camp Chris

Thanks for the enlightenment Roy... I did ask the dealer and they said it would be no problem... I asked a few times.. maybe my fault for taking their word for it.

The classic trap. Folks think they can trust all dealers to tell the whole truth. The problem is for newbies that it may be hard to ask the right questions and then know how to verify the answers given are true.

Do as has been suggested and get all the data you can. You need to look at your tow vehicle's owner's manual and verify the certain limitations including hitch capabilities, max tongue weight, GCWR, TT weight and figure out just what you have.

Good Luck. If you made a mistake, don't try to fix it by ignoring it. Either figure out how you can reduce weights or go back to the dealer and see if you can get this sorted out. Go over the top of your sales person to sales management. A reputable dealership should work with you to fix this. If not...I don't know what else to say but sorry.

mfire1339 · 07-10-2012, 08:58 AM

Camp Chris, Yes get it on a scale, though if using it for camping trips I find it hard to believe you will put 1,600lbs. in the trailer. That's a lot of stuff.

Mike

danandcarol · 07-10-2012, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyM

Talk about closing the barn door after the horse is out. You should have asked these questions before you bought the trailer.

I think the spirit of this forum is to offer help to fellow RVers, not to chastise them for honest mistakes. At least, I hope so.

DonDee · 07-10-2012, 09:35 AM

Regarding dealer honesty..

In the late 60's I was eyeballing a new 13ft Shasta TT at a dealer. I told the sales scum..er guy that I needed to get an actual TV before I could consider the TT. He asked what I had and then told me, eye to eye, that my car would tow this trailer just fine. My car?....A 1967 VW Beetle!

BTW that Shasta was about $800!!

Don't get discouraged CC..I didn't