23BD vs 26BH

Malarkey · 06-09-2013, 01:03 PM

Ok I'm new here and new to rv'ing. We are in the process if trying to find the right tt for us that we can comfortably pull with our AWD Ford Explorer 4.6 V8 with tow package. The book says 6972 lbs is our max trailer weight with a GCWR OF 11000 LBS. I am very much not a novice when it comes to pulling a trailer, however I am new to setting up and pulling a tt behind our Explorer.
From the literature we received from the dealer it looks like either trailer would work. I like the extra space in the 23BD but momma thinks the 10yo needs a bed other than the fold down sofa.
We live in southwest missouri and won't have to travel very far to get where we are going. However, about once a year we would like to take a longer trip for an extended vacation. My question is, am I pushing it too close to my gcwr or is this pretty normal?
Any and all help will be much appreciated. I just dont want to feel like I have bit off more than I can handle.
Thanks

Rrickim63 · 06-09-2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malarkey

Ok I'm new here and new to rv'ing. We are in the process if trying to find the right tt for us that we can comfortably pull with our AWD Ford Explorer 4.6 V8 with tow package. The book says 6972 lbs is our max trailer weight with a GCWR OF 11000 LBS. I am very much not a novice when it comes to pulling a trailer, however I am new to setting up and pulling a tt behind our Explorer.
From the literature we received from the dealer it looks like either trailer would work. I like the extra space in the 23BD but momma thinks the 10yo needs a bed other than the fold down sofa.
We live in southwest missouri and won't have to travel very far to get where we are going. However, about once a year we would like to take a longer trip for an extended vacation. My question is, am I pushing it too close to my gcwr or is this pretty normal?
Any and all help will be much appreciated. I just dont want to feel like I have bit off more than I can handle.
Thanks

Be careful with explorer and towing. They are not the best tow vehicles. Lighter and shorter the better. Regardless of what the book says they can tow. They have a poor track record with transmissions, and the added strain of towing wont help. I still have explorer , but opted for a truck for towing. The explorer didnt like towing at all.., even when i had a pop up..

PHS79 · 06-09-2013, 02:14 PM

We have a 26BH and tow it with a 2004 F150 FX4. Ours weighs in right around 6300lbs and a tongue weight of 700lbs with no water, with water its around 6700lbs.

I would not want to tow the 26BH with anything smaller than a 1/2 ton truck or Suburban/Expedition because of the short wheel base. If you are on flat ground and don't pull any hill or mountains, and also don't travel far you "could" be ok. But I wouldn't do it, honestly for you with your tow vehicle, the smaller the better.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Malarkey · 06-09-2013, 02:24 PM

I am leaning toward the 23, but all the literature I have seen says it weighs more than the 26. I don't understand how, but thats what it says.

Malarkey · 06-09-2013, 03:14 PM

Since you have said to go lighter and shorter. Are the fiberglass sided tt lighter in comparrison than the metal with studs tt's?

**ependydad** · 06-09-2013, 03:40 PM

You'll likely never be able to hit GCWR before you hit the SUV's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) after you add passengers and stuff with what is left over as to the weight (10-15% of the camper's loaded weight).

PHS79 · 06-09-2013, 04:49 PM

Since you said that your wife would like a bed for your son it sleep on rather and folding down the table or sofa, have you looked at the hybrid/expandable campers? They are generally alot lighter than a conventional camper, and they would also usually have 2 or more dedicated beds. Plus another nice thing about them is that since the bed fold out of the camper they don't take up any floor space.

Our old hybrid, a Kodiak K215 (21 foot) had 2 queen size beds, full bath and kitchen. It only weighed around 4500lbs and had a hitch weight of about 500 when loaded for a weekend.

howellma · 06-09-2013, 05:46 PM

i would be leery of towing with the explorer. we had a 2004 mountaineer, v8 awd w/ tow package. i went thru one viscous coupling and two front differentials! Burned one differential up towing the camper. i just don't like it and we pulled a Jayco hybrid at about 5000lbs loaded.

mike

Greywolfdan · 06-16-2013, 03:34 PM

Gel siding is lighter than alum siding for sure, as far as the camper goes, I like having a deprecate bed for our son, not the couch or table, just easier for me ex. If I get up early I can sit at table or whatever without interrupting his sleep. I line bunkhouse models myself my .02

Greywolfdan · 06-16-2013, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greywolfdan

Gel siding is lighter than alum siding for sure, as far as the camper goes, I like having a deprecate bed for our son, not the couch or table, just easier for me ex. If I get up early I can sit at table or whatever without interrupting his sleep. I line bunkhouse models myself my .02

Separate not deprecate

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