Microlite 21ds pulled by Ford Explorer Sport

[ShortyMc40]

So we are wanting to visit Colorado Springs from Ruidoso Downs New Mexico, and well this will be our for real long road trip with our 2018 micro-lite 21Ds being pulled by our 2017 Ford Explorer Sport. Can anyone please tell me if this is a good idea?? I’ve been told many different things, like the hills are too steep, and the SUV will struggle, and it’s too much too handle. Has anyone done this trip before? Do you recommend any specific highways?

[bikendan]

Give us the Exploder's specs.
Factory tow package or not
Ecoboost or not
Rear end ratio

[ShortyMc40]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Give us the Exploder's specs.
Factory tow package or not
Ecoboost or not
Rear end ratio

Ecoboost yes
Factory Tow package
AWD

[Blackrock]

We need a lot more information than you have provided. Like how is your Explorer equipped. Engine size and do you have the HD tow package. Also what does your door sticker say as to payload rating.

[ShortyMc40]

Originally Posted by ShortyMc40

Ecoboost yes
Factory Tow package
AWD

5,000 max towing capacity

[Blackrock]

If you have the 3.5 V6 eco boost and the heaviest package then you are right at the limit with this trailer.

[HangDiver]

The drivers side door jamb of your Explorer will have a yellow sticker that will list the payload or cargo capacity of the vehicle. The others above will need to know that number to be able to advise you properly.

Welcome to the forums and to Colorado if you make the trip.

Rich J.

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by ShortyMc40

5,000 max towing capacity

That is a marketing number. Need to know cargo/load capacity from sticker on drivers door

[ShortyMc40]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

The drivers side door jamb of your Explorer will have a yellow sticker that will list the payload or cargo capacity of the vehicle. The others above will need to know that number to be able to advise you properly.



Welcome to the forums and to Colorado if you make the trip.



Rich J.

[ShortyMc40]

Originally Posted by flybob

that is a marketing number. Need to know cargo/load capacity from sticker on drivers door

[HangDiver]

Others more knowledgeable than I will chime in, but I would not tow that camper to Colorado with the Explorer. The online specs for your Microlite 21ds show 4,500lbs dry weight as it came off the assembly line. Add propane, batteries, food, water, etc (Micro-Lite 21ds has a 1,500lb payload) and suddenly your towing a 6,000lb camper with a tongue weight of almost 800lbs. That leaves only another 400lbs available for the contents of the Explorer (driver, passengers, other gear). Essentially you would be over taxing the engine, transmission, and axles.

Its a nice camper, just not a good fit for the Explorer.

[bikendan]

Yep, not workable.

The 21DS's fictional dry tongue weight already exceeds the Explorer's 500lb max hitch weight, before you add battery, water and cargo.
And loaded for camping, the 21DS will exceed the 5000lbs max towing capacity.

[iconnekt]

I use the same vehicle (Platinum, but same engine and tow capabilities) and live in the Sierra, so whenever I move there’s passes and mountains. It runs extremely well, the engine is very powerful even uphill and the automatic sway control works. But... my trailer is a Wolf Pup 16FQ, which has an empty weight of 3,200 lb, and even with full load (well, almost, haven’t tried with full water tank yet) is within the 5,000 max towing. Would I sometimes like to have a larger trailer? Yes. Would I want to TOW a larger trailer with the same tv? Meh...

[thom125]

We haul a 2018 Micro Lite 21DS... empty weight of that trailer is just under 4,600 lbs empty.... watch your loading..

[ShortyMc40]

Thank you so much for all your responses and advice.