Can my 2019 RR Sport tow my FC 23FB?

[switters]

I just spent an hour reading various threads about Land Rovers as TVs. I'm new to towing and to Airstreams, so my head is spinning. I did come across this passage in one of the threads which leads me to believe that I can safely use my 2019 Range Rover Sport TD6 HSE to tow my FC 23FB:

So, my 2016 RR Sport HSE Td6: tow cap of 7716#, 23FB GVWR is 6000#; hitch max is 772#, 23FB is 467 (interestingly the LIGHTER than the 19', 20'FC, or 23', presumably because of the balance on the dbl axle). And at 254hp, 440 lb/ft @ 1750rpm, it should do well. The Land Rover web site says something like "it's a great set up for towing heavier loads.

My 2019 RR Sport has the same tow capacity (7,716 lbs) and max hitch weight (772 lbs). So, it would seem that I shouldn't have a problem with the RR as a TV for this trailer, right?

[Joe15601]

My first airstream was a 23D International. The vehicle I first towed it with was a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder with the 5.6L V8 (rare option) and 7000# Tow rating. The V* Pathfinder wouldn't pass a gas station when towing. With a weight distributing hitch and airbags it towed great, but I was always payload limited. Eventually we got a F150 with max tow for the mirrors, cargo hauling and 36 gallon fuel tank. We are on our 3rd F150 and now got a larger Airstream so are back to the payload limited arena. Patiently waiting on a 2021 or 2022 F150 heavy duty payload package to hopefully be available in the higher trim levels.

If you are comfortable with the payload capacity listed on the tire pressure tag in the door jam, give it a try. The 23s tow great. If you are uncomfortable with the capacity and handling you could then consider your options.

[BayouBiker]

The ideal tongue weight for a 23' at about 6000 lbs would be 800-900 lb so you will want to carefully inspect the hitch receiver mount to be sure the welds are complete on all four sides where the receiver penetrates two or more plates. If not replace it. Then consider stiffening up the rear suspension with airbags or helper springs and you will be good to go. The RR will tow stably with a modest amount of weight distribution and strong sway control, so get a quality hitch and it will be safe. Then as Joe indicated, take it out and see if you are comfortable with the feel and ride. You could hold off on the suspension, it will make the ride more stable and comfortable but won't have a huge affect on safety unless the suspension bottoms out regularly, but it won't with a 23'. See if you are happy with acceleration and braking. If you like it, stick with it, if you don't, get a larger vehicle.

[switters]

Originally Posted by BayouBiker

The ideal tongue weight for a 23' at about 6000 lbs would be 800-900 lb so you will want to carefully inspect the hitch receiver mount to be sure the welds are complete on all four sides where the receiver penetrates two or more plates. If not replace it. Then consider stiffening up the rear suspension with airbags or helper springs and you will be good to go. The RR will tow stably with a modest amount of weight distribution and strong sway control, so get a quality hitch and it will be safe. Then as Joe indicated, take it out and see if you are comfortable with the feel and ride. You could hold off on the suspension, it will make the ride more stable and comfortable but won't have a huge affect on safety unless the suspension bottoms out regularly, but it won't with a 23'. See if you are happy with acceleration and braking. If you like it, stick with it, if you don't, get a larger vehicle.

The RR Sport I got has the factory-installed hitch, and it's almost brand new so I'm assuming/hoping that it's in excellent condition. Thanks for your reply.

[BayouBiker]

I'm sure it is in near new shape, but it may not be strong enough. I have not seen one so I don't know. As I say, check the welds, not for condition, but to tell you how strong the hitch is. A strong hitch will have full welds (probably not on the corners), while a weaker one will have incomplete or missing welds where you would expect them for strength. A strong hitch will allow you to slightly exceed the tongue limit and use a WD hitch without concern for the mounts. With that out of the way you can presume the suspension is the reason for the lower than ideal tongue weight recommendation. Suspension is largely a comfort issue for the range of additional load we are talking about.

[Gibson3798]

I’m in the “I’d rather have more TV than I need, than just enough.”

[gypsydad]

My concern from what you have posted, is "max payload" listed on the drivers door jam sticker on that RR. If your at least 1200#, think your good to go. If not, you may consider a beefier TV. Nice ride for sure! Having just read the "other" post on the LR, I suggest looking at post #23 in this thread:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f46...-193981-2.html

[Ken G]

I tow a 23 fb with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Eco Diesel using a blue ox WD hitch, it works well. My max tow rating is 7200 lbs. Jeep rates the max hitch weight @ 500, etrailer.com claims the blue ox raises this to 600 lbs. AS states 23 fb tongue weight to be 465 with water, I have never weighed it but everything is level, I have never had an issue with sway or porpoising. I would believe your RR is just as capable.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Ken G

I tow a 23 fb with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Eco Diesel using a blue ox WD hitch, it works well. My max tow rating is 7200 lbs. Jeep rates the max hitch weight @ 500, etrailer.com claims the blue ox raises this to 600 lbs. It all works well, I would believe your RR is just as capable.

"Capable towing" is not the same as "safe towing". Safe towing means staying within the MFG. SPEC's...this includes payload.

[rmkrum]

Yup. My son has a Toyota Land Cruiser with a V6. It’s capable of towing our Airstream (barely) but the hitch is NOT solid enough to handle WD loads and do it safely. We might use it to move the trailer into a spot I can’t get into with the Tacoma being too long, but using the LandCruiser for towing on a highway or long trip, forget it.

[BayouBiker]

I'd offer that safe towing means staying within the technical operating limits of the vehicle. The manufacturer provides minimum guidelines that partially reflect the safe technical limits and partially reflect other considerations including comfort, feel, image, liability and licensing. Payload can be a structural limit, but for trucks, 98% of the time it is derated either for comfort or to stay below DOT regulatory limits. It is rare for payload limit to be based on stability or safety.

[bono]

At least once I can agree with BayouBiker on something Unfortunately, most people do not understand that there are more important things important for towing than "payload". Axles and tires load limits come to my mind.

[romeb]

The CGVW (combined gross weight of tow vehicle plus trailer) is what should be most important criteria. It should be either in the owners manual, on the door jam, glove box or somewhere like.

[BayouBiker]

CGVW primarily is a limit on the technical and structural capability of the vehicle including acceleration, hill climbing without overheating, transmission and differential stress and braking. Front and rear axle limits primarily address structural capacity. Payload is generally suspension performance and comfort. Safety and stability are addressed with tongue limits and towing limits. I would offer that safety and stability are at least as important as vehicle technical capability.