What do I need to get started towing a camper?

[marc515]

Hi all,

I'm new here, and my wife and I are interested in getting an 18-20' travel trailer with a GVWR of about 4,500 Lbs.

We were planning on an RV, but a small trailer will enable us to sightsee, etc.

We went to the Ford dealer today, and all they had was one Explorer with a class II hitch, and we know we need a class III at least.

I presume we can order, or find an E camoer we are planning to get.xplorer somewhere that should tow the small trailer.

So what else will I need besides a brake controller? I guess the stock mirrors won't allow me to see beyond the trailer? Will I need an anti-sway hitch? Anything else I didn't think of?

Thank you,...marc

 

[sean99]

Some towing info here:http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259010&highlight=towing+capabilities

 

[thebrakeman]

The Explorer (like most trucks and truck-based SUV's) require you to subtract any weight that you put in the truck (beyond a driver) from your MAX towing capacity. Therefore, for your 4500 lbs max GVWR trailer:
V6 w/o tow package: 3500 lbs max...no good
V8 w/o tow package: 3500 lbs max...no good (could upgrade hitch and add trans cooler and be OK, but it's questionable).
V6 with tow package: 5000 lbs max...will only work if you put no more than 500 lbs in the truck besides yourself.

That leaves the V8 with tow package. Somewhere in the 6900-7300 lbs max tow rating depending on other things. If you get an '06 or better, it will have the 6-speed transmission, and allows you to keep the 3.55 rear end for better gas mileage than the V6 (with tow package).

Going the V8-tow package route will also have you set, in case the trailer you love actually comes in a little heavier.

This is exactly why we bought just bought the '06 Mounty (see sig line). We now have a tow vehicle that can easily handle up to 5500 lbs GVW and have room for the family inside.

 

[Joe Dirt]

well said, brakeman.

 

[v8merc]

The Explorer (like most trucks and truck-based SUV's) require you to subtract any weight that you put in the truck (beyond a driver) from your MAX towing capacity. Therefore, for your 4500 lbs max GVWR trailer:
V6 w/o tow package: 3500 lbs max...no good
V8 w/o tow package: 3500 lbs max...no good (could upgrade hitch and add trans cooler and be OK, but it's questionable).
V6 with tow package: 5000 lbs max...will only work if you put no more than 500 lbs in the truck besides yourself.

That leaves the V8 with tow package. Somewhere in the 6900-7300 lbs max tow rating depending on other things. If you get an '06 or better, it will have the 6-speed transmission, and allows you to keep the 3.55 rear end for better gas mileage than the V6 (with tow package).

Going the V8-tow package route will also have you set, in case the trailer you love actually comes in a little heavier.

This is exactly why we bought just bought the '06 Mounty (see sig line). We now have a tow vehicle that can easily handle up to 5500 lbs GVW and have room for the family inside.

Sounds like we have similar travel trailers and tow vehicles. I find the "sweet spot" on the highway for me seems to be about 65 to 70 mph. Less shifting than traveling at 55 to 60. Really impressed with the tow capabilities of the v8 with tow package. Strong set-up.

 

[thebrakeman]

We just bought the Mounty, and haven't even used it to tow the popup. This truck is way overkill for a 3000 lbs popup, really. We towed it the last 2 seasons with our '00 Chrysler Grand Voyager, and for 6 seasons before that with a '97 Town & Country. Great vehicles for popups up to that weight, as long as you set them up properly for lights, brakes, and weight dist. hitch.

Van and popup are now for sale, then we'll look for a hybrid travel trailer.

 

[militition]

I highly suggest renting a rv or motorhome before you get it. It is a great way to see if its a good fit to your needs. For some reason its just not the same when you look at a travel trailer brochure. There are several good arizona rv rentals places like cruise america and owners rental. There is also a new one called rv rental out let. I have had good results with all 3 before deciding on my winnebago.

 

[thebrakeman]

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