Community Forums

CarolynJune · 11-26-2017, 08:44 AM

Ok, I need help from some people who do this regularly.

I'm looking at buying a tt with a gvwr of 5955. 2008 Keystone Springdale 189FL

I'd like to be able to use a ford expedition to tow it. I've been told to look for a v8 5.4L engine and have found a 2012 Expedition EL Limited with that engine. https://www.carmax.com/car/14937739
It lists this info: Towing Capacity (Max.)8700 lbs. Payload Capacity for Trucks1530 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight for Trucks7720 lbs.

Would this set up work or would I be asking too much from the suv?

Chargerman · 11-26-2017, 08:52 AM

You will be fine. Just be sure to utilize a weight transfer setup and of course a trailer brake controller

gwj42 · 11-30-2017, 08:04 PM

I towed a 7200 pound empty SunnyBrook 27FKS for 8 years with my 07 Expedition EL (5.4) before trading it for a F150. A very stable tow with the independent rear suspension and an Equalizer hitch.

MBirch · 12-01-2017, 08:10 AM

I have taken a fair amount of criticism on this forum for towing with an SUV.

I'm towing with a V6 Dodge Durango with a 6,200lb capacity. My TT GVWR is 5,600lbs. You have a capacity 1,000lbs over mine and are only proposing to tow an additional 355lbs.

NO PROBLEM !!

I have towed my unit over 10,000 miles and didn't experience any sway - not even a wobble. I have never had a problem getting up to speed using the right gearing. That, said, my Dodge has the full towing package and an 8 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

As long as you have proper weight distribution, a good weight distributing hitch, and trailer brakes, you'll be fine.

1bigmess · 12-01-2017, 02:37 PM

Keep in mind that payload capacity is eaten up by tongue weight. The tongue weight for a 6000 pound TT could be around 800 pounds. A a full tank of gas in the Expedition could weigh 200 pounds, leaving about 500 pounds for people, pets, camping gear, ad nauseum, until you're starting to overload the TV.

Now, some will say "It's OK to drive over the GVWR of the TV", but is it really? That is up to you.

Good luck. Keep asking questions, that is how you reach a conclusion about this stuff that you can live with.

TonyMac · 12-01-2017, 02:56 PM

I'd not believe a word any used car salesperson tells me, to include the .com variety, especially CarMax. I'd research the vehicle to find out the numbers before buying it. You could look at the car itself, but a lot of these .com ship the car after you obligate yourself to buy it (really bad plan). A clean title means nothing, as there are ways to ship a car to a state that cleans the title, Utah used to be one of those states and a lot of salvaged cars came here.

thetravelkids · 12-02-2017, 06:13 AM

[QUOTE=CarolynJune;3917115
Would this set up work or would I be asking too much from the suv?[/QUOTE]

We have been towing our 2012 Evergreen Element with a 2012 Ford Expedition Limited (Not an EL) for the past 5 years....about 70,000 miles.
The dry weight of our trailer is 4900 pounds
We have not had any issues with the setup. We get between 12 and 12.5 MPG depending on hills and such.
The tongue weight (which was actually weighted) was 480 lbs fully loaded.
We use an E2 WDH.
My sources indicate a towing capacity of 8,900 lbs for the '12 Expedition EL, 2 wheel drive and 8,700 for the 4-wheel drive model. And that is with the factory tow package.
Without the tow package, the tow capacity is only 6,000 pounds.
Hope this helps in your decision making.

CarolynJune · 12-03-2017, 11:44 AM

Thanks for all the input! I've purchased a 2012 Ford Expedition EL Limited 4x4. I have on order at a rv wholesaler a 2018 forest river rockwood mini lite 2509s. I've got a friend who is a heavy-duty tow operator, has been towing for 30 years, has owned two travel trailers and I'm using him as my expert for weight distributing hitch, trailer brakes, etc.

I'm looking forward to going on the road in January!