Community Forums

Jasperdog · 02-19-2006, 04:48 PM

A long time lurker, but new poster to this forum.

I am interested in purchasing a TT Toyhauler (23'-26')to tow behind my PSD Excursion. I have heard that towing a loaded toyhauler of this size can be somewhat dangerous due to its weight. Yes, I have heard stories of roll overs. Is there any validity to what I have heard or is it a bunch of yahoos not driving responsibly and not using the appropriate equipment on their rigs?

Just on a fact finding mission.

Thanks,
Erik

Jasperdog · 02-19-2006, 04:48 PM

A long time lurker, but new poster to this forum.

I am interested in purchasing a TT Toyhauler (23'-26')to tow behind my PSD Excursion. I have heard that towing a loaded toyhauler of this size can be somewhat dangerous due to its weight. Yes, I have heard stories of roll overs. Is there any validity to what I have heard or is it a bunch of yahoos not driving responsibly and not using the appropriate equipment on their rigs?

Just on a fact finding mission.

Thanks,
Erik

Don (W5IT) · 02-19-2006, 05:13 PM

Erik,

You PSD Excursion is basically a F-250 with a different body. You should not have a problem with a Toyhauler in the size range you are talking about.

The main thing is to be mindful of loading. If you put TOO much weight in the back of the toyhauler you can lighten the tongue weight. If it is too light you can have towing problems. Not enough tongue weight will cause the trailer to "Wag the dog". (Lots of sway)

Y-Guy · 02-19-2006, 05:40 PM

Sure it can be done. Having the proper safety equipment like a good break controller and solid hitch are key to a good experience. Know your vehicle limits and be cautious in your loading of the toys in the back. The Excursion can be soft in the rear end so airbags often help to stiffen things up for a smoother towing.

Have there been roll overs? I am sure there have been, but speed, road conditions and loading all play a significant factor. The manufactures wouldn't keep making them in the insurance companies refused to insure them.

high desert · 02-20-2006, 12:30 PM

Jasperdog,

I tow a 28' tow behind that is actually 34' hitch to bumper. I have never had a problem with sway towing it and my trailer is near 13,000# loaded. As Y-Guy pointed out, a quality WD hitch w/sway control and a quality brake controller are important to safely towing heavy loads.

Toyhaulers are built tongue heavy to compensate for the toys in the back. This is where I ran into a problem towing with my Suburban 8.1. Because of the heavy tongue, I was over the GVWR of the Burb. This may be a concern on your Excursion too. Because of these weights, I upgraded my TV.

You should be fine under 26' with the Ex.

Wes

WWFan · 02-20-2006, 04:25 PM

Jasperdog:

First, welcome to iRV2 and the TH Forum- glad to have ya here.

I don't think you'll have any problem with the size rig you've mentioned. But to just be sure, make darn sure they weight it for you BEFORE you pull it off the lot- both hitch, axles, and total weights (Wes- High desert can give you the full scoop on this, right Wes?

). As as Y-Guy has said, you can get all kinds of equipment to take most, if not all, of the heebie-geebies out of the pull. First and foremost, your brake controller is the one item you want to go with the best. My King Ranch has the integral, but if it didn't I'd think seriously about the BrakeSmart unit. Pricey, but nothing but good to be said by all about them.

Good luck!

Sean

jab3143 · 02-26-2006, 09:38 PM

I can speak from experience....the EX can pull fine....stopping is a little different. The total payload depending on the year of your vehicle is about 1800 pounds....that includes tongue weight, people, gear in back, etc. In my case my tongue weight was 1700 pounds....so I get my big but in the truck and I am over. Then add the wife and 3 kids and usually a couple friends....the gear like helmets, ice chests, tool box, etc...and we are way over. again I had no problems....didn't feel unsafe....didn't stop real well....I would eat rotors about every 5K miles.....But I was too far over for my comfort level. Also the max trailer weight for that vehicle was around 9,000 pounds...may be a little higher depending on year....well my trailer fully loaded is about 12,300. So if I got into a big wreck and the weight police got involved I think I would have been screwed....so I replaced the excursion and purchased a F-350 diesel....I had to put a titan series hitch....now I am truly towing legal in every aspect...tongue weight, gross trailer weight, and cargo capacity....I sleep well at night.

James