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Post by heyloosie on Jun 24, 2015 15:35:22 GMT -5
 Hi, I'm new to this life as I've always had a motorized camper or a 6Pak to throw on the back of a pickup. I'm very, very interested in a local used 2011 Spree SuperLite 289KS. (See above.) I'm new to towing and need to trade my new Honda Odyssey MiniVan for an SUV. I'm thinking Ford Expedition. The 2011 KZ brochure states this trailer/toy hauler has: UVW - 5667 GVWR - 7000 It is an almost-31-inch trailer. Am I looking at the right vehicle to tow this around and up and down mountains, etc.? We cannot use a truck as my son requires lots of "stuff" (special needs) including his wheelchair - and his service dog is a giant Golden who takes up the whole back seat of any vehicle. Wheelchairs, etc., that would be outside in the rain, etc., will make my life crazy.   So a SUV it is. Thank you - I am a strong, educated woman who has raised my son alone since my husband's death in '86, but I don't know all that typical "guy stuff" about towing and trailers and horsepower and diesel vs. gas, etc. Thus far I have been able to determine that I want to stick with gas, and although the SUV will require some hefty lifting on my part to get my son into the vehicle,  I think it will do the job that I need as far as towing and traveling...and I'll figure out a way to do the "in and out" of the car routine. Thanks, anyone who can offer suggestions or confirm that I am on the right track. I've spotted a private party 2013 seriously-loaded Expedition with less than 14,000 miles that I'm going to look at today. If we can agree on a fair price, I'll check back here first, but I'll likely buy it within the next few days. Thank you!! Loosie  |
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Post by lynnmor on Jun 25, 2015 0:27:03 GMT -5
I think that you will be pushing the limits with the Expedition. The hitch weight will be much higher than the brochure weight after filling the propane, adding a battery and loading the trailer.
Since a truck is ruled out perhaps the best you can do is beef up the Ex with truck tires and better shocks. Check the label on the hitch for weight, some Ford receivers were rated too low for your trailer. Figure on a hitch weight of about 800 lbs. when ready to travel.
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Post by johnr on Jun 25, 2015 6:56:56 GMT -5
Hi. I checked the specs on a 2015 Expedition. You would have to get the Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing Package which would bump your capacity up to 9,200 lbs. Here's the link: 2015 Expedition |
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Post by paroadking1 on Jun 25, 2015 8:08:21 GMT -5
Why not check out a Crew (Quad) cab pickup and add a cap for the bed?
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bluegrass
Seasonal RV’er
2019 1500Durango 259rdd
Posts: 177
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Post by bluegrass on Jun 25, 2015 10:43:30 GMT -5
We too have a son in a wheelchair. Even though he no longer camps with us we understand your situation. We have a KZ Spree that is just about 30ft. bumper to hitch. We tow with a Chevy Silverado crew cab (tow package), it does a great job towing. The wheelchair and extras do pose a possible problem. If you go with a pick-up, think about a cap that is angled higher in the back so it gives extra height at the door/hatch, our wheelchair handles/canes are too high to clear the hatch door on a standard cap and means we have to tip and wrestle it to get it inside the cap. Also, when measuring for the handle height be sure to consider the option in the next paragraph and realize you will lose 4-6 inches of height if you go with the "Bedslide" described below. Another item to consider is an item called a "Bed Slide".. www.bedslide.com (I believe). There are other companies out there too. It is installed in your truck bed and pulls out like a draw beyond the tailgate for easy loading of any items into the truck bed. Ours has 2 stops on it so the first stop is at the tailgate edge and the second stop is at least one more tailgate distance out. We have had one for several years, it has been moved to 3 different trucks as we trade up. Everyone in the campground who sees it wants one. We also use it for everyday use to load everything from lumber to groceries. It is much easier on the back to not have to lift and stretch over the tailgate when using the truck bed for hauling items. This is great for any truck owner and eliminates crawling into the truck bed to retrieve or load items. For the least used items we do put further in, a short stick with a hook retrieves it easiy. Assuming lifting the wheelchair up to the height of a tailgate isn't a problem. this would be a great addition for you. Note: It doesnot destroy the truck bed it is only 3 holes for pins and if it needs to be removed it takes a couple of reasonably strong people but it can be easily removed. Happy Camping |
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Post by cooperrobt on Jun 28, 2015 18:09:14 GMT -5
Perhaps the Excursion or similar 3/4 ton SUV might be a better fit for that size trailer than the 1/2 ton Expedition.
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Post by poppachris on Sept 5, 2015 21:43:20 GMT -5
We just purchased a Chevy Tahoe in order to pull a Spree 262RKS. With Chevy's "Max Trailering Package" (3.42 rear end, beefed up radiator, added transmission cooler, integrated trailer brake controller, it appear to be s good match up. Trailer GVWR is 6800lbs, Tahoe towing capacity is 8500lbs. Plenty of spare capacity.
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larryo
Weekender RV’er
Posts: 82 
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Post by larryo on Sept 9, 2015 20:52:12 GMT -5
We bought a Sportsmen Showstopper a few months ago. One reason we chose this one was because of its light weight. At the time we had a GMC Acadia Denali that was capable of up to 5200 lbs. However we found, even after installing a weight distribution hitch, the Acadia (because of the front wheel drive)was working hard to tow this TT.
In addition we were limited in how much weight we could put into the trailer without maxing out the limit of the Acadia. My wife uses a motorized scooter to get around and that 125 lbs meant we had to leave other thing behind.
We ended up trading in the Acadia for a GMC Yukon that can tow up to 8500 lbs. For us this is the ideal vehicle for our needs.
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Post by northidahohunter on Sept 28, 2015 9:47:49 GMT -5
Consider the max towing weight listed by the vehicle manufacturer to be an occasional towing weight. If you are always towing close to that you will significantly lower the life expectancy of certain parts of the tow vehicle such as the tranny. If you do tow close to that weight all the time it would be very smart to put a tranny temp gauge in and also always use tow haul mode. If you were towing on flat ground all the time it would not be too bad but I can tell you that towing in the mountains it a lot harder on vehicles. Living in north Idaho anywhere we go is in the mountains. Anything over about 6000lbs and we need a 3/4 ton in order to keep up with traffic and be safe. In other areas if the country I have towed over 7000 pounds with a 1/2 ton and been fine because its more flat.
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Rigs
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 23
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Post by Rigs on Oct 13, 2015 15:28:25 GMT -5
A little late to the game here, but a 1500 truck SUV is probably not the best choice here. You may want to consider a 3/4 ton Suburban. The 2500 Suburban gives you the towing power along with the size for the wheelchair and the dog. The best of both worlds! Good luck and hope everything goes OK!
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So a SUV it is.
I think it will do the job that I need as far as towing and traveling...and I'll figure out a way to do the "in and out" of the car routine. 
