2007 Expedition EL for 06 29 BHS? New to towing.

[teachcoachdean]

We just picked up a 2006 Jayco 29 BHS with the following stats:
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs.) 5555,
Dry Hitch Weight (lbs.) 755,
Gross Vehicle Weight (lbs.) 7500,
Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs.) 1945.
Has Reese weight distributing and sway control hitch

We are looking at purchasing a 2007 Ford Expedition EL with factory tow package. Curb weight 5805, GVWR 7,700, Towing Capacity 9000, Wheelbase 119", and axle ratio of 3.73.

80-90% of the driving will be not towing. The majority of the towing will be in Michigan with some trips out west or out east.

This is our first venture into a significant trailer. We want to be safe (for ourselves and others) but premier performance for the few trips we may take through the mountains at the expense of complete overkill to get groceries for the other 99% of our driving doesn't seem logical either.

Family of four, one dog, that needs an everyday driver while also meeting our towing needs.

Thanks!

[mrs. plaid]

I found this thread on another forum that may be helpful. Plaid says that the sway hitch helps.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/24894612.cfm

[mrs. plaid]

I found this on another forum, not sure if its helpful:
" If you look through the front grill and see a small transmission radiator attached to the larger radiator you most likely have the Heav Duty Tow Package. I check my 07 for that when I bought mine. You will be fine with what your towing. Good luck and drive safe."
http://www.expeditionforum.com/f72/t...pedition-4470/

[plaid]

If you figure your loaded hitch weight will increase to approximately 1050lbs added to the Curb weight of 5805lbs it will leave you about 845lbs to load family, fuel and dog into the TV.
If you want to really overload on towing information go to Jayco.com and read their towing guide. Lots of great information!

[RedHorse1]

This a bit of an apple/orange analysis but will give you a starting point.
My first thought is you may wind up very close if not over the Rear GAWR.

Our '03 Expe (not an EL) GVWR 7100#, max trailer wt 8950#, max tongue wt 895#
The TT was a '13 X23B, loaded wt 4420# (less than your dry wt).
My tongue came in at 600# which was about 13% of the TT wt.

My surprise was:
Rear GAWR 4128# (yellow sticker on the door jamb)
Rear GAW 3800#
I was 328# shy of the max load on the rear axle.

So, making some estimates:
TT loaded wt 6500#
Tongue wt 975#

I would expect your Rear GAWR to be larger, so let's say:
Rear GAWR 4200#

My Rear GAW (no TT) 3100#
I would expect your rear axle to be a little heavier (think you have a larger gas tank)
So Rear GAW (no TT) 3200#

So
3200 + 975 = 4175# (an estimate at the rear axle weight)

I'm just guessing at the weights and weight limits on your Expe but I come up with a 25# margin on your rear axle.
If you can get the info from the Expe's yellow sticker that would be a start. Even better would be to get its actual weights, maybe a test drive with a stop at the local CAT Scale.

The CAT Scale is your friend.