2008 Expedition EL & Classic 30 S/O

[jimjr]

Based on the numbers this combo doesn't seem possible. My TV can safely pull the weight, but the heavy duty hitch package advertises 910# of tongue weight. The 30 ft w/slide out shows 1050#s. Am I reading this right? Anyone use this TV to pull something this heavy? How does it work for you? I'm guessing no slides for me. Thanks.

Jim

[moosetags]

The new Expedition EL may be a little larger, but it is still basically a half ton truck. No half ton truck is a good match for the 30' SO.

Brian

[Silvertwinkie]

Yes, the hitch weight as advertised is 110% correct. You will most likely need a different hitch for the truck. I also agree with what moosetags wrote. The EL is not up to towing a 30' slide unit. The weights are just too much. Ford lists the max towing capacity around 9000lbs. For a slide out, adding fuel for the truck, passengers and cargo, there is NO question at all that you will exceed the stated max tow capacity of that truck. I mean empty, the 30' slide tips the scales at 8000lbs. Add water, LP, food, clothes, etc and it will be very easy to reach the GVWR of around 10000lbs with this unit.

Your best option would be a different tow vehcile. Gasser with 4.10 gears, but most likely a diesel something with over a 130" wheelbase. Forget upgrading the hitch...upgrade the truck.

[Minnie's Mate]

My wife drives a 2007 Expedition standard length with tow package. It has a slightly higher tow rating because the truck itself is lighter...same everything but, lower truck weight is subtracted from the GVWR. I wouldn't use it to tow a Classic of any length because the Classics just come too close to the max tow limit for my comfort. Sure it will tow the the 30' slide, but the hitch weight is just too much and you can't get away from that with any hitch that I'm aware of. If you can shift enough of the hitch weight back on the trailer axles, you will affect the stability of the rig, IMHO anyway.

If you already own the Expedition, you may be stuck. If you don't own it, consider an F-250 diesel crew cab. I have a 2008 and really like it. You might look at a 3/4 ton Suburban or Tahoe (if they still offer them, I'm not familiar with GM products) if you prefer a full sized SUV.

Good luck wih your decision and welcome to the forums.

[moosetags]

There is no 3/4 ton Tahoe. There is a 3/4 ton Suburban, but a 30' SO may be a little too much for the 2500 Sub. A 30' SO ready to go camping is going to push 10,000#.

Brian

[jimjr]

Thanks for all the replies. I pretty much figured slide out models were not an option. The Expedition is my wife's Christmas present from last year, so that isn't going anywhere. We currently have a diesel pusher MH and are looking to simplify a little, without suffering too much. The idea is to get something the existing Expedition can tow. My wife loves Airstreams, I'm still getting used to the idea. I'm figuring I'm safe to the 30, 31 ft floor plans (without slides). Any opinions on pulling a 34 classic with this rig? Just trying to know what my options/limitations are. Thanks again.

Jim

[mustang]

Suburban or Excursion only 2 big 3/4 ton SUV with enough wheel base

[mustang]

I would go with a 25 footer but no bigger than a 27. This is a hot topic, and opens alot of debate. I had a 27 and loved it. Towed it all over with a E150 conversion van. Does your expedition have a 5.4 liter I hope? and what rear gearing.

[moosetags]

I agree. A 27FB would be doable with a really good hitch. It's also a real nice floor plan.

Brian

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by jimjr

...Just trying to know what my options/limitations are....

hi jim welcome to the forums.

instead of looking at length, consider floor plan and amenities and new or old.

for example new 30s and 31s are EXACTLY the same length and shell size.

they differ primarily by bathroom (split=30, streetside=31) which alters the feel inside.

some floor plans have more useable interior space or storage or both...

others have more sleeping surfaces or room around the crapper.

and the safari/internationals are generally lighter than the same size classic models.

and older 34s are 1000s of lbs lighter than new 34s.

so really what is essential is LOOKING at units in person and trying the space for fit and function.

coming from the big moho world u will find MUCH LESS storage space in a stream...

and much less capacity for heavy gear.

there are folks towing newer 34s with sedans and other inadequate vehicles.

the expi' regular or long is very nice,

but capacity for cargo, especially dirty, wet or smelly stuff is not like a truck or diesel excursion...

i'm sure there are folks towing the largest 'streams with your tv,

a 25 would be a good match, 27 or 28 is pushing it, but some "push it" without incident.

which brings us back to knowing our limitations...

cheers
2air'

[Jack46]

The max. tow capacity for the 2008 3/4 ton Suburban with two weheel drive is silghtly over 9,600 lbs. Jack

[mustang]

I thought it would be more considering the wide stance. I wonder what the wheel base is and width

[jimjr]

Our 2008 Expedition EL 4x4 has the heavy duty tow package (5.4 L and 3.73 rear end) and is rated to tow 8750 pounds. The factory hitch (which you cannot remove without voiding car warranty) has a max tongue rating of 920 pounds.

Thanks
Jim

[jimjr]

...And thanks for all the advice. We're going to be heading down to Lakeland NJ to take a look. But I wanted to hear what you all had to say before the salesmen had their say. As far as moving from a MH to a TT, we started in a pop up and have had everything in between. You finally get to a point, where you say enough is enough. The headaches I've had with diesel maintenance and MH upkeep can fill 4 pages of posts. I've got a thousand pounds of gear in my MH that I haven't used once in years. I wont' miss it. I'm losing a washer/dryer and a big generator that's about it. Somehow we'll struggle through it...

Jim

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by jimjr

...You finally get to a point, where you say enough is enough...

true d'at.

there is a lot to be gained from carrying less and and enjoying more.

good opportunity 2 see lots of units at that dealer.

but a quick look at their website showing tow rig/customer/trailer combos...

confirms that some/many of the departing combos are marginal, and a few are wacky!

have fun looking, comparing and matching the components.

cheers
2air'

[Silvertwinkie]

About 28' is as big as you can go without getting into issues IMHO.

[Minnie's Mate]

I would recommend that you look at a Safari 27' FB SE. The name has been changed in 2009 models to Flying Cloud 27' FB SE. They are the same, only the name has changed.

I have a Safari 30' Bunk. Loaded it weighs about 8,000 LBS and can be towed by my wife's 2007 Expedition. We use my 2008 F-250 because that is what we bought to tow it with, but the Expedition would do it.

Like 2air and others have said, the Safari/Flying Cloud line is lighter than the International and especially the Classic Lines. With the Safari/Flying Cloud SE model, you will get contemporary lines in the cabinets (still solid wood with a wood veneer), the same windows with wrap window options as the Classics so the same appearance as the Classic, but you will get the bare aluminum walls of the International. If this appeals to you and the missus, this would be a good option for the Expedition. You can also get this floor plan in the International and Classic trim, but again, it will be heavier and tax your tow limit.

If you are going to Colonial Airstream, I have heard good things about them and talked with their sales folks on one occasion and they were very helpful. They seem to have a very wide selection to choose from, too. One of their folks is a regular here on the forums as well.

It can be daunting if you don't have a good idea of exactly what you want when you go to the dealership, but I'm sure they can help you out.

Good luck and congratulations on your decision to become a 'streamer.

[jimjr]

Again, I appreciate all the info. I'm a little stuck on the weight thing though. Most of you have said stay 28 ft and below for my TV. My Expedition tow weight is 8750 and the tongue weight 920. Why would a Classic 30 at 7095 pounds and 670 tongue weight be too much? I know I'm gonna add a couple hundred pounds of stuff plus water, so it isnt going to be near the max tow weight. How close to the max tow weight is too close? I guess thats what I'm asking. Again, I'm going to look at everything and focus on floor plans, but I want to know my options. Especially if a salesman tells me not to worry my TV will work just fine...

Jim

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by jimjr

...How close to the max tow weight is too close? I guess thats what I'm asking...

jim

there are only several 100 threads here on this issue so read some.

many folks try to abide by the 80% of rated capacity mantra.

it's a sensible approach.

the published hitch weigh is ONLY an estimate and doesn't include 60-80 lbs of lpgas or options or BASIC cargo.

the 30/31 base weight (~7000) is also WITHOUT options.

the 30/31s have about 10k total weight capacity, MANY folks report these uints packed for camping...

at 8500-9000 lbs and with hitch weights of 900-1000 lbs.

while it's suggested you will be scaling back the cargo,

a stocked fridge, kitchen, personal gear, clothing and basic rv needs and a few tools or toys...

quickly reach 1000 lbs even for the weight thrifty IN a 30 footer. so REALLY how light do you expect 2 travel?

the towing rating for the exci' is WITHOUT passengers or gear INSIDE the suv or options.

the hitch apparatus (not the receiver) will add another 100-250 lbs,

in other words REDUCE the available payload of the suv (for towing) by that amount.

so assume 4-500 lbs of people, 200 lbs of STUFF and a HITCH at 150lbs....

NOW the 'towing capacity has dropped by 850lbs already, lower the MAX to <8,000 lbs.

no doubt one can manage the combo, but if your questions are 'what is reasonable'...

consider 80% and work ALL of the numbers...

here is but one example of this process...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...ath-40318.html

cheers
2air'

[jimjr]

Aahhhh.... I get it now. Thanks.