Coachmen Apex 189FBS or 22QBS?

[thebbqguy]

I nearly purchased a 22QBS last summer, but ultimately didn't pull the trigger. We moved a month later so it all worked out for the best. I like the lighter weight of the 189FBS, but prefer the layout of the 22QBS (walk around bed). Anyone with a 189FBS care to share some thoughts about their ownership experience? Likes? Dislikes?

If I buy the 22QBS I'll need to be careful not to overload it due to the 5,000 max tow rating on our probably tow vehicle. The old Explorer has a better tow capacity the new one.

Anyone towing either of these travel trailers with the new 6 cylinder Explorer?

[bikendan]

all the v-6 Explorers, old or new, had a 5000lbs. tow capacity, if it had the factory tow package.
that 5000 number is with only a 150lb. driver. anything else in the vehicle, subtracts from that number, including the WDH.

you better stay with the smaller one. the 22QBS's "dry" hitch weight is 482lbs.
so, loaded it'll probably be over the Exploder's max, even with a WDH.
and loaded for camping, it'll easily be close to your tow max, after you subtract the things and people in the Ford.

[boubou]

or get a bigger TV and then you'll be really happy with the trailer you really want and a truck you can pull it with no problem. Other wise, probably best to stick with the smaller TT, but you might pine for more in a couple of years.

[thebbqguy]

BikenDan,

My 2004 Explorer with 4.6L had a higher towing capacity than the newest generation V6 Explorer rated at 5,000 lb towing.

In my 2004 with 140,000 miles (and still going strong) my wife and I towed a 6,100+ lb fully loaded down tandem axle cargo trailer all over the upper midwest, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Granted, there were places in Indiana and Kentucky where I could have used a lot more torque, but the older generation Explorer performed very well.

A new F-150 would be perfect for towing, but it doesn't make sense as a family vehicle / work commuter vehicle so I must make the trailer match my probably new tow vehicle. We don't trade vehicles very often (I had my previous F-150 for 13 years) so the new Explorer will likely be with us for a while.

The 189fbs probably does make more sense but I like the bed arrangement in the 22fbs much, much better. I can't seen crawling over someone to get in and out of bed.

[bikendan]

you didn't say your old Explorer was a v-8.
i was simply commenting on the old and new v-6 Explorers were both rated for 5000lbs.
i had a 4.0 v-6 Explorer.