R7 Trailering question.

[akorcovelos]

I pulled our 252 with my Wife's Expedition EL with the integrated trailer control system and while I couldn't use the sway control or electric brake controller it handled fine. If I was going to use it to tow full time instead of my Superduty I'd get bags installed, but otherwise it's fine. For sure get the longest wheel base you can for pulling, and there is a WDH designed for surge brakes: https://www.equalizerhitch.com/frequent ... -questions

[sailor55330]

I’ve looked at the whd hitches for surge brakes and they reciews I’ve read are all over the board. I did talk to my trailer manufacturer about the swing tongue and they did not suggest using a wdh with the swing tongue.

Personally I think it’s a conspiracy by the Auto manufacturers to discriminate against heavy boat owners through the use of physics and safety laws to force us to strip up to a 3/4 ton. I’m going to go put on my aluminum foil hat now (it’s comedy for relief of frustration people)

[mdadgar]

Check the receiver capacity. I would be very surprised if it was rated for more than 500/5000. Even the f150s have that rating without the use of a wdh. Manufacturers are sneaky.

My 2019 Navigator L receiver capacities are:

Weight Carrying: 600/6000
Weight Distributing: 840/8400

Per:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/ ... gGuide.pdf

You can get your Ford vehicle specs here:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/

- Mark

[Tuscany]

For me, it’s not about power (ok, it is), but rather it’s more about suspension stability and definitely about brakes for me. I’m a previous old school truck driver, and holy cow have I had experiences that made me respect the power and safety of brakes..

HD trucks have brakes that WILL stop a load right NOW, and HD suspension front/rear drive train that will take on bad roads and windy conditions in a very stable and confident manor. IMO, when you start getting into the 8K +range and longer distance towing, there are other variables to consider and maybe over compensate.

I think my wife’s Expedition is rated for 9,900 lbs. but I see it on the very razor edge of safety on the highway towing heavier. So if towing with a properly rated SUV, please be careful because I personally do not trust the brakes.

[sailor55330]

In re-reading this, one thing that think makes a huge difference is local road conditions. The roads in MN are some of the roughest I’ve towed over. Expansion bumps and potholes combine to try and move the tow rig around. When I do get on a stretch of smooth road it is much better, but on my routes those are in the minority. Do you guys experience that much?

Awesome to hear the Sequoia going strong at 210k. Mine is an 08 with 89,400. It seems like the engine finally loosened up in the last 1000 miles or so

[cmattj]

So if towing with a properly rated SUV, please be careful because I personally do not trust the brakes.

Yeah buddy so true..
There’s nothing like that anxious sound, and pedal feel of your ABS engaged for 100 feet while trying to emergency stop in a small braked vehicle. (Ahhh surge brakes.)

In this next chapter we will discuss trailer control for electric brakes. And how to max your gain out To be on the edge of skidding to a stop every time.

[Snowman8]

In re-reading this, one thing that think makes a huge difference is local road conditions. The roads in MN are some of the roughest I’ve towed over. Expansion bumps and potholes combine to try and move the tow rig around. When I do get on a stretch of smooth road it is much better, but on my routes those are in the minority. Do you guys experience that much?

Awesome to hear the Sequoia going strong at 210k. Mine is an 08 with 89,400. It seems like the engine finally loosened up in the last 1000 miles or so

You are correct about our lovely MN roads! That’s what 8 months of freezing temps will do! That’s why I wouldn’t think about towing our R5 with anything less than my wife’s F150!