32' 6300lb Trailer Towing issues

[mauracoog]

Got our first trailer this weekend and took it out.  Towing was miserable.  We have a 2008 expedition with weight dist. hitch and sway bar system.  The trailer is 32' 6300 lb travel trailer.  We were all over the road to where my wife has stated it's not safe to take very far.  What could be the problem?  I don't know where to start with it.

 

[Scott 3]

32 feet and 6k pounds?  Unless you mistyped some of the numbers you need to verify the weight of your trailer.  You should go to a scale and have it weighed.

What type of condition is your 2008 suspension in?

 

[mauracoog]

Am I looking at something wrong?

Heartland Pioneer BH270
Length
31.58 ft. (379 in.)

Width
8 ft. (96 in.)

Height
11.17 ft. (134 in.)

Interior Height
6.67 ft. (80 in.)

Dry Weight
6,354 lbs.

 

[mauracoog]

OBX - suspension is okay but could probably be replaced.  Could that be it?

 

[Gizmo100]

I'm trying to find tow capacity for your Expedition....I finding as low as 6000#s and all the way up to 9000#'s.

In order to help we will need to find out more about your tow limits.

When you hook up the trailer....How's the truck look as far as being level?

 

[mauracoog]

It did seem to be sitting a little low (not horribly) but being a rookie thought it must be normal or the place I bought it would say something. 

Towing capacity is 9200.  We are thinking of upgrading.  Will a 1.5 ton F150 or Dodge help?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The 6354 lbs is dry weight, not the weight when you towed it. At the very least, there was some propane, some water, maybe some option equipment not included in the dry weight, plus whatever you loaded onboard.  Likely north of 7000 lbs, possibly well north.

Nor do we know the tow capacity for your particular Expedition, nor what else was in the SUV (wife, kids, dog, etc.)  ll that subtracts from the tow capacity, which may be marginal already.

Last, we do not know how well the WD hitch was adjusted.

All these are critical.

 

[mauracoog]

Thanks Gary.  All very good points that I was not aware of to take into account since, as I mentioned, I am new to this.  The tow capacity of my expedition is 9200lbs.  It did have two tanks of propane.  Nothing was loaded on board.  Standard equipment and very little water if any (i'm sure there was some residual for the walk through).  3 small children and 1 wife.  Probable 350 lbs combined. 

EAZ - Lift Recurve R3 was installed. 

Thanks

The 6354 lbs is dry weight, not the weight when you towed it. At the very least, there was some propane, some water, maybe some option equipment not included in the dry weight, plus whatever you loaded onboard.  Likely north of 7000 lbs, possibly well north.

Nor do we know the tow capacity for your particular Expedition, nor what else was in the SUV (wife, kids, dog, etc.)  ll that subtracts from the tow capacity, which may be marginal already.

Last, we do not know how well the WD hitch was adjusted.

All these are critical.

 

[SpencerPJ]

Inside your drivers door, is a yellow sticker.  It will say Passenger capacity, or carry capacity, something that gives us a hint what your 'payload' is?  This is for your exact truck, not found anywhere but your drivers door (well maybe in some build sheet). What year Expedition is it?  What motor do you have?  I / we ask this, because often stuff hyped up in brochures or at Dealers, are not exactly whet your specific Expedition might have been ordered with.  Lastly, I drive a 2005 YukonXL, 4wd, 5.3 V8, tow capacity 8100 lbs, and I would never attempt anything near your size, ever.  In my opinion, you are 100% in 3/4 ton truck area.  Give us the above numbers and we all will help you sort through this.  I have a personal interest, I'm considering replacing my Yukon, and the Expedition seems like a possible option, I'd like to see your yellow sticker payload numbers.

 

[Koodog]

Got our first trailer this weekend and took it out.  Towing was miserable.  We have a 2008 expedition with weight dist. hitch and sway bar system.  The trailer is 32' 6300 lb travel trailer.  We were all over the road to where my wife has stated it's not safe to take very far.  What could be the problem?  I don't know where to start with it.

Could you define miserable and all over the road for us?
If your weight dist hitch is set correctly you should have the same measurement between tire and fender on both front and rear. (approx)
I had a 32' TT which I towed with a 3/4 ton diesel(longbed). Like a champ. Wouldn't consider anything smaller.

 

[mauracoog]

2008 Eddie Bauer 5.4l 2wd. Is it GVWR (7400 lb) or total weight if occupants to not exceed 1577lbs?

Inside your drivers door, is a yellow sticker.  It will say Passenger capacity, or carry capacity, something that gives us a hint what your 'payload' is?  This is for your exact truck, not found anywhere but your drivers door (well maybe in some build sheet). What year Expedition is it?  What motor do you have?  I / we ask this, because often stuff hyped up in brochures or at Dealers, are not exactly whet your specific Expedition might have been ordered with.  Lastly, I drive a 2005 YukonXL, 4wd, 5.3 V8, tow capacity 8100 lbs, and I would never attempt anything near your size, ever.  In my opinion, you are 100% in 3/4 ton truck area.  Give us the above numbers and we all will help you sort through this.  I have a personal interest, I'm considering replacing my Yukon, and the Expedition seems like a possible option, I'd like to see your yellow sticker payload numbers.

 

[Gizmo100]

With the limited information I can find. Here are my thoughts

Your weights on the trailer are OK, (But pushing the limits) But the length of the trailer is killing you.
I don't think you WD is setup correctly.
I'm not sure that you Anti Sway is working. (Could be due to the WD not being setup correctly)

I'm just taking a shot in the dark here.

A bigger truck would handle things a lot easier.

 

[8Muddypaws]

When a trailer starts swaying do not try to correct it with the steering wheel.  That will only make it worse.  Actuate the trailer brakes manually.  That usually stops it.

When the torsion bars on the weight distributing hitch are properly set up the rear of the truck will be within an inch or so of how it rides without a load.

When the ball hight is set properly the trailer will be ?mostly level?, with the spring bars adjusted properly.

In my experience the sway brake should be as tight as you can get it with one hand, or twice as tight as seems reasonable. 

This video may help : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mkewkvU8Ot8

Air pressure on both your truck and the trailer may be too low.

 

[SpencerPJ]

Are you sure you have the 'heavy duty tow package' ?  Not just a trailer package.  You can contact a ford dealer with your vin# and verify.  And secondly, my opinion, and others will disagree, you are for sure into 3/4 pick-up territory to safely and adequately handle that trailer you bought.

 

[mauracoog]

So most are stating a 3/4 ton vehicle is needed.  What if that's not in the budget?  Can I make this work with a 1/2 ton and if so what would you recommend?  Thanks for everyone's help.  I guess I was naive to think the salesman and manufacturer (I did contact Heartland) said I would be good with my current vehicle. 

Also, can I take it somewhere and see if the hitch is setup correctly?  I bought the rig at camping world, and I have not been pleased with them.

 

[Gizmo100]

So most are stating a 3/4 ton vehicle is needed.  What if that's not in the budget?  Can I make this work with a 1/2 ton and if so what would you recommend?  Thanks for everyone's help.  I guess I was naive to think the salesman and manufacturer (I did contact Heartland) said I would be good with my current vehicle. 

Also, can I take it somewhere and see if the hitch is setup correctly?  I bought the rig at camping world, and I have not been pleased with them.

So most are stating a 3/4 ton vehicle is needed.  What if that's not in the budget?

Then EVERYTHING has to setup correctly. You don't have much room for error

Can I make this work with a 1/2 ton and if so what would you recommend?

I feel you can make this work. But you will need to spend some time checking your setup and getting everything weighted.

can I take it somewhere and see if the hitch is setup correctly

You could likely find someone else that could check the WD hitch. But it would be better if you were to learn how to check it and make changes as needed. I've seen several WD hitches that were not carrying any weight on the bars. When I mentioned to the driver what I noticed he replied..."I don't know the dealer set it up"

I guess I was naive to think the salesman and manufacturer (I did contact Heartland) said I would be good with my current vehicle. I bought the rig at camping world, and I have not been pleased with them.

Neither of these comments surprise me.

My suggestions....
Find the directions to install your WD hitch and review (And understand)  them with your current setup. Watch as many UTube videos as you can find.
When the trailer is connected to the truck...The trailer should ride level and the truck should maintain close to it's normal stance.

It did seem to be sitting a little low (not horribly)

This is a sign the the WD is not doing it job

 

[mauracoog]

Thanks for your help and suggestions.  I really do appreciate it.

So most are stating a 3/4 ton vehicle is needed.  What if that's not in the budget?

Then EVERYTHING has to setup correctly. You don't have much room for error

Can I make this work with a 1/2 ton and if so what would you recommend?

I feel you can make this work. But you will need to spend some time checking your setup and getting everything weighted.

can I take it somewhere and see if the hitch is setup correctly

You could likely find someone else that could check the WD hitch. But it would be better if you were to learn how to check it and make changes as needed. I've seen several WD hitches that were not carrying any weight on the bars. When I mentioned to the driver what I noticed he replied..."I don't know the dealer set it up"

I guess I was naive to think the salesman and manufacturer (I did contact Heartland) said I would be good with my current vehicle. I bought the rig at camping world, and I have not been pleased with them.

Neither of these comments surprise me.

My suggestions....
Find the directions to install your WD hitch and review (And understand)  them with your current setup. Watch as many UTube videos as you can find.
When the trailer is connected to the truck...The trailer should ride level and the truck should maintain close to it's normal stance.

It did seem to be sitting a little low (not horribly)

This is a sign the the WD is not doing it job

 

[Scott 3]

1/2 tons and 3/4 tons are similar in price if you stay away from diesels.  Think in terms of payload.  Tow capacity is important but payload should be the starting point.

 

[mauracoog]

How do I figure the appropriate payload range needed?

1/2 tons and 3/4 tons are similar in price if you stay away from diesels.  Think in terms of payload.  Tow capacity is important but payload should be the starting point.

 

[Scott 3]

Start with the tongue weight of the trailer fully loaded and the hitch.  Then add passengers, fuel and cargo in the rear of the truck.  The truck's payload should be more than that with hopefully some reserve capacity.