12 expedition and a 15 26tbud

Deyj28 · 07-04-2014, 02:40 AM

I am new to the travel trailer world and want to make sure my expedition can handle the 26tbud.

The expy is a 2012 4x2 which is rated at 9200 lbs towing capacity. I am sure it can handle the weight of the tt but I am concerned about he hitch weight. The brochure for the tt says the hitch weight is 815 lbs but I am sure it is more.

Any insights would be much appreciated as I am supposed to pick up the tt next week.

Thanks

chof16 · 07-04-2014, 03:45 PM

I tow a surveyor 260 with a '12 expedition. I just switched from a crew cab gmc pickup and for my trailer it tows quite well and is very comparable to the pickup. It looks like the length of our trailers are similar but the 26tbud is a fair amount heavier, especially the tongue weight. I believe the Expy tow information indicates a recommended max tongue weight of 10% of tow capacity for weight distribution hitches which would put it at 920lbs and pretty close to your dry tongue weight. Add in the battery, propane, impact of the items in the front storage compartment and that may be an issue by the numbers. Also consider the impact on the rear axle rating. I am not a weight police guy so it is certainly up to you to figure the specific numbers and your comfort level. Other than that, the Expedition has proved so far to be a good tow vehicle for our setup and has always felt solid in different conditions. Good luck.

pvillebly · 07-04-2014, 04:10 PM

Is your hitch weight limit of 815 pounds with or without a WD hitch. My 2006 Trailblazer has a hitch limit of 500 pounds but increases to 1100 pounds with a WD hitch. I'm guessing your Expedition will be the same.

Deyj28 · 07-04-2014, 10:50 PM

It appears the max tongue load with a wd hitch is 920 pounds. Does this mean I should start looking for a different tt?

BigBaron · 07-05-2014, 02:33 AM

I would say no. You should get a tongue weight scale or have it weighed and determine the tongue weight when you're packed up and ready to go.
You need a WDH with that much weight.

Deyj28 · 07-05-2014, 09:52 AM

Any recommendations on a nice tt that will sleep a minimum of 6 that the expedition can tow? Thanks all for your help!

BigBaron · 07-05-2014, 10:10 PM

"Any insights would be much appreciated as I am supposed to pick up the tt next week."
You've already bought it?

You have a tow capacity of 9,200 with a max payload of 1,630.
Subtract the 920 lbs. from the 1,630 and that's how much people/stuff you can put in the Ex! Not much, huh?
Search the Expedition forums for what people tow and what can (if anything) be done to improve the Expy capabilities.

Deyj28 · 07-05-2014, 10:18 PM

No I haven't bought it yet. The dealership was very little help in advising me if this Tt would work with my expedition. They told me to research and then we could finalize the deal when I was sure or not the expedition could handle it.

BigBaron · 07-05-2014, 10:34 PM

Good. Keep looking IMHO. With that many kids you have a lot of payload in the Expy. Every consider a hybrid trailer?

Deyj28 · 07-05-2014, 11:11 PM

I have looked at a few but really like the fully enclosed. I am also considering the 261bhxl, but am concerned about the lack of space it might have, not having a slide.

BigBaron · 07-06-2014, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deyj28

I have looked at a few but really like the fully enclosed. I am also considering the 261bhxl, but am concerned about the lack of space it might have, not having a slide.

It's that light for a reason...

Find out what other Expy owners are happy pulling. There are tons of expy forums.

chof16 · 07-06-2014, 05:58 PM

We really like the Surveyor SP 260. Queen (short) bed up front, triple bunk beds (each with a window) and the table folds down for a bed. The kitchen slide is not as deep as others but makes a big difference in space. We have 3 kids and it fits our family nicely. Have had it 3 seasons and I still haven't found a layout I like better without going up to a much larger trailer with a rear bunkhouse. The weights work for our Expedition. Good luck.

campingwilliamsons · 07-07-2014, 07:05 PM

EL or Shorty? Do you have the tow prep package (I am guessing yes)?

The tongue weight is going to be a tough deal with that trailer, assuming you are going to be hauling a bunch of people at the same time. I think our '13 Expy has a payload rating of 1500lbs. Take 1000 lbs for the hitch, and there is not much left. The tow package rigs are rated a bit a higher, especially if you got the shorty.

kho6658 · 07-08-2014, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deyj28

Any recommendations on a nice tt that will sleep a minimum of 6 that the expedition can tow? Thanks all for your help!

We are on our way back to texas from Destin pulling a 26bh Primetime Avenger. Exp el pulls with no problems. Set cruise at 65 and enjoy the ride. For sleeping 6 with this setup you would need to fold down the table and couch. Good luck in your search.

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