Expedition and slx 264 bhw

[Jayben]

Hey all- we need some insight. We thought we had things figured out, but we're having some doubts! I know these questions are asked ALL the time, but I couldn't find much when I searched the forum. We are looking to downsize our RV to a 2015 SLX 264BHW. The site says it's gross is 6,500. We have three small children, so we would like to pull this with a 2008 Expedition (V8). We will be doing a couple cross country trips per year, with short trips (2-3hr) in-between. We need a vehicle that can do it all, but it seems like the pickings are slim. Taking two vehicles on a trip for comfort would not be an option, either. Expy seems to be the best choice, but the more I read the more I doubt myself. Suggestions? It has a tow capacity of 9000 or 9200 (can't remember which). It seems like that's what most basic trucks are these days anyway... With the right hitch it seems possible. We would probably use this set up for a couple years.
Thanks in advance!

[need-a-vacation]

The biggest obstacle most of the time with all 1500 based trucks and suv's when towing a travel trailer is the payload of that particular truck/suv. There is a yellow sticker in the drivers door jamb (since '05 or '06??) that states what that particular vehicle has for available payload - "All passengers AND cargo must not exceed XXXX lbs". As stated, this amount is what the manufacture states all passengers weight, all cargo- coolers, firewood, chairs,etc, the wdh (weight distribution hitch) weight, AND the trailers tw (tongue weight) should not exceed.

This is why a lot of rv'ers suggest to use the trailer gvwr, and multiply by 13%, possibly even 15% to estimate the tw of the loaded trailer. Know that the manufactures "brochure weights" do not include options, even when some are "mandatory options". And the dry tongue/hitch weight does not include the propane tanks or a battery either: 2-20lb tanks and a battery add about 120lbs, 2-30lb tanks and a battery add about 160lbs. That's the reason for using 13-15% of the gvwr of the trailer.l to estimate the tw.

Keep in mind also the factory receiver hitch is limited to about 900lbs tw (from what I recall) from what others have posted.

So pending what the family weight is (with 3 young kids it will only go up) and what you estimate you will carry in the rear of the truck, you can start shopping with those weights plus the estimated wdh weight and tw comparing the total to the yellow sticker amount of the truck you are looking at to see if it has enough payload.

When shopping a couple things to look for:
Where are the tanks located? In front of the axles adds tw, behind the axles removes tw. You want between 12-15% of the loaded trailer weight to be tw for a safe, stable tow.
What are the axles rated for compared to the gvwr of the trailer? One trailer we looked at had 2-440lb axles, but a 9500lb gvwr.... Where did the the extra 700lbs come from???? They know that at least that much is tw, so made the gvwr higher. Our 32 BHDS has 2-5000lb axles with a 9975lb (something like that) gvwr as a comparison.

Good luck!

[ecksdude]

It all comes down to payload (as usual). My brief google says that a 2008 expedition has a payload around 1850 lbs. (not bad, actually).

Assuming 15% of the trailer GVWR goes on the hitch, that's 975 lbs, leaving you 875 lbs for all passengers and their stuff that is brought inside the vehicle.

You mention 3 small children, assume 80 lbs each = 240 lbs, then two adults, allocate ~200 lbs each (you'll have to punch in the right numbers here), that's 640 lbs plus luggage, looks to me like you'll be fine (on paper).

Make sure to check the stickers on the vehicle door to get actual payload and run the numbers with the right weights, but it sounds like you're going to be fine to me.

Now if those kids start eating a lot... all bets are off!!!

[smurfs_of_war]

Originally Posted by ecksdude

Now if those kids start eating a lot... all bets are off!!!

Ain't THAT the truth. I drive a 2500 for a measly 5500lbs TT. It's the weight of passengers that puts me out of the 1500/150 realm. Mind you, the 16 year old is now 6'4" 310lbs. There are still 4 people to load after him yet [emoji38]

[RedHorse1]

Our 03 Expe had about 800# of available payload on the rear axle (before hitting the Rear GAWR).

[tdk2765]

We've been pulling our 264BHW, same year model, with our 2002 Olds Bravada, which has a straight 6. The trailer is 4600, so with even 1,000 pounds gear and family you'd still be well under the towing capacity. I used an on line calculator to figure out capacities. You will need numbers from the door or glove box to be able to get the most accurate assessment. But it appears me you'll be fine. Be sure you have brake controller and weight distribution hitch.

[Edd505]

Originally Posted by tdk2765

We've been pulling our 264BHW, same year model, with our 2002 Olds Bravada, which has a straight 6. The trailer is 4600, so with even 1,000 pounds gear and family you'd still be well under the towing capacity. I used an on line calculator to figure out capacities. You will need numbers from the door or glove box to be able to get the most accurate assessment. But it appears me you'll be fine. Be sure you have brake controller and weight distribution hitch.

That TT shows 4425 unloaded 6500 gross (everything loaded and full) and a dry hitch weight 510 lbs. Your TV has a tow rating 9200 the 02 Olds is rated 6100lbs towing capacity. Good hitch and controller

There will be a bunch of don't do that you need a 2500 Or 3500 for that much load and diesel too! Guess they don't remember making due with a family.

[Brownie]

Just a point of clarification: Your vehicle's max payload capacity already includes a full tank of fuel and a driver. So, you don't have to add that weight into your calculation when figuring your payload.

[RACarvalho]

I don't think the 264bhw weights more than this Surveyor....
Can-Am RV :: T&C Van towing Surveyor

[rgchak]

I have 1991 Ford Bronco 351 V8 loaded with family and gear and pull a 2015 White Hawk 27DSRL at 7500 lbs. I changed my gearing from 3.55:1 to 4.56:1 which made towing uphill go from 35mph to 55mph. I use the Pro Pride hitch and never have trailer sway. We traveled 4000 miles last summer from California to Iowa without issues.

[Nukeneck]

Originally Posted by Jayben

Hey all- we need some insight. We thought we had things figured out, but we're having some doubts! I know these questions are asked ALL the time, but I couldn't find much when I searched the forum. We are looking to downsize our RV to a 2015 SLX 264BHW. The site says it's gross is 6,500. We have three small children, so we would like to pull this with a 2008 Expedition (V8). We will be doing a couple cross country trips per year, with short trips (2-3hr) in-between. We need a vehicle that can do it all, but it seems like the pickings are slim. Taking two vehicles on a trip for comfort would not be an option, either. Expy seems to be the best choice, but the more I read the more I doubt myself. Suggestions? It has a tow capacity of 9000 or 9200 (can't remember which). It seems like that's what most basic trucks are these days anyway... With the right hitch it seems possible. We would probably use this set up for a couple years.
Thanks in advance!

You'll be just fine pulling that trailer with your Expedition. The tow capacity with full tow package is 8900 (4x4) and 9200 (2x4). I pull our new White Hawk with a 2011 Expedition and its 5960# dry, 7500# GVWR. I don't fill the fresh water tank though and I drain wherever we go.