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Old 02-25-2018, 01:44 PM   #1
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Towing Hummingbird with 2017 Ford Explorer w/tow pkg

I am thinking of picking up a Hummingbird for weekend use, east coast, not in the mountains. I have a 2017 Ford Explorer 4x4 with trailer towing package rated for 5000 lbs.

Do you think I will be comfortable towing this combination? Yes, I know if I had a one ton dually it would be better!

I'd like to hear from those towing with the same or similar vehicle, ie. Jeep Grand Cherokee. Thanks in advance, Dan
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Old 02-25-2018, 03:04 PM   #2
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Towing Hummingbird with FordExplorer

I tow my Hummingbird 17RK with a Ford Explorer and have not had any difficulty. The Ford Tow Package can easily handle the weight. I purchased the trailer in the early fall last year and took several short trips before winter arrived. I live in upstate NY and have taken the trailer to Cape Cod and a few places in the Hudson Valley. I have driven on thruways and back roads and have not had an issue. We are planning an extensive trip west this year and are looking forward to the adventure.
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Old 02-25-2018, 04:33 PM   #3
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Depending on the engine and transmission you have you can tackle mountains.
The big number is the payload of the truck and don't forget to add the hitch and tongue weight

We have a similar weight TT ( the 195) and a Honda Ridgeline rated to tow 5000 lbs.
There are only two of us.. We do not use a WDH.. If we had back seat passengers we would have to use one and that adds to the payload and the towing might not be as happy as it is

Been cross country to AZ and back from Maine and also to AK and back and to FL.. one and a half times

Dont be afraid to explore
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Old 02-25-2018, 06:26 PM   #4
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Swcole99: Just curious if you use a weight distributing hitch or just hitch and sway bar?
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Old 02-25-2018, 06:51 PM   #5
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We still have the Sway Command installed
That 2016 experiment
So far no recall : it’s compatible with our tow vehicle
Its electronic sway control
You need Sway bars as this option is no longer offered.
You never want to be caught in crosswinds without some sort of sway control
We get no rear tow vehicle sag
If you do you need a WDH

Our units are a perfect match for us newbies

Any heavier a unit and things would be tougher

O wait

Hubby never passes a gas station challenge. He doesnt worry about if the pumps are parallel or perpendicular to the station;the turning radius is tight. Of course watch what you are doing.
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Old 02-25-2018, 09:58 PM   #6
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In general I would use WDH to recover front axle weight. This is IMO much more important than staying within payload specs. Proper front axle weight is critical for braking and avoiding sway.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Kim Gass View Post
Depending on the engine and transmission you have you can tackle mountains.
The big number is the payload of the truck and don't forget to add the hitch and tongue weight

We have a similar weight TT ( the 195) and a Honda Ridgeline rated to tow 5000 lbs.
There are only two of us.. We do not use a WDH.. If we had back seat passengers we would have to use one and that adds to the payload and the towing might not be as happy as it is

Been cross country to AZ and back from Maine and also to AK and back and to FL.. one and a half times

Dont be afraid to explore
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Old 02-25-2018, 10:10 PM   #7
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I tow a Hummingbird with a Tacoma with towing package rated at 6,500 lbs. I follow the rule that staying as close to or under half the wet weight of your rig leaves enough power for acceleration, climbing, and not maxing out your engine and drive train. Also, WDH and sear bar, and brake controller, are imho mandatory for safe towing.


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Old 02-26-2018, 06:59 AM   #8
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Our Ridgemine is very front heavy

You’d think we were an apocalypse on the road with no WDH

Not so. We stop well even on ice. Yes we tow on ice to get out of our house
Any bigger a unit and there would be weight distribution issues.
We asked our dealer and they said not necessary with our unit.
We were concerned as the Ridgeline is not designed to accept a WDH
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Old 02-26-2018, 07:32 AM   #9
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I understand. With only a 300 lb tongue weight, my dealer says a WDH (weight distributing hitch) would be counterproductive.
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Old 02-26-2018, 08:32 AM   #10
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I understand. With only a 300 lb tongue weight, my dealer says a WDH (weight distributing hitch) would be counterproductive.
Not sure which model you're planning on getting, but I think it's safe to say any of them will have more than 300# TW once loaded. the dealer is likely quoting you dry TW to be slightly misleading. Other than the 10RK, all other models have a dry TW of 300#+.

The dry TW on our 17RK was listed as 335#, once loaded we are around 480#. Our loaded TW is at 12.8% of actual GVR on the trailer.
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Old 02-26-2018, 09:55 AM   #11
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After some more research, I'm thinking a lightweight WDH would be the proper way to go. Ford towing guide says to use a WDH to get 5000 lbs towing capacity, otherwise only 2k.

I have the 3.5 V6 with towing package (trans.oil cooler/class 3 hitch/sway control/6 pin plug).
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Old 02-27-2018, 06:14 AM   #12
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You'll be fine

I'm towing a 2018 Hummingbird 17RB with my 2017 Platinum Exploder with tow package. I have a WDH with anti-sway and I've not had a problem on the interstate with tractor-trailers or any other vehicles.

Didn't need mirror extensions as the Hummingbird is narrow enough to see behind. Was able to verify this with my wife following me home on the initial trip out of the dealer's lot and a 50 mile trip back home.

The Hummingbird tracks very nicely behind the Exploder.

Good luck.

PhB
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Old 02-27-2018, 06:44 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kim Gass View Post
Our Ridgemine is very front heavy

You’d think we were an apocalypse on the road with no WDH

Not so. We stop well even on ice. Yes we tow on ice to get out of our house
Any bigger a unit and there would be weight distribution issues.
We asked our dealer and they said not necessary with our unit.
We were concerned as the Ridgeline is not designed to accept a WDH
Notice you live in Maine and have towed on ice - where do you camp in the winter around New England? We live in NH and might give it a try.
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Old 02-27-2018, 02:28 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by happycampersigns.com View Post
Swcole99: Just curious if you use a weight distributing hitch or just hitch and sway bar?

My Explorer has a 3.5L V6 and a factory Class III tow package. I have an EAZ-lift WDH. As long as I watch speed, I have not had any issues with sway as I am passed by tractor trailers.
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Old 04-29-2018, 05:10 AM   #15
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We tow the Hummingbird with a Toyota taccoma. Did the east coast fro MA to Carolinas last summer no problem
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