What will tow better?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 79
From: Roman Forest, TX
Well, I think the main thing is, you have too much trailer for the Ex, period. Yes, it may be a weight distribution issue, yes, the flipped axles may be contributing, airbags, etc. But the bottom line is, you have too much trailer for the Ex. You need to get a bigger truck. You can mod the Ex to death, and it will still not be legally enough to pull the 14,000 GVWR of the trailer. It's a great looking rig, but it needs to be safe. The Equalizer is a great brand for a WD hitch, and if that cannot stop the issues you're having, nothing will short of getting a truck capable of doing the job properly.
Thread Starter
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Master of Strokes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,808
Likes: 25
From: CA
Well I guess I just need to get a bigger truck that's up to the task of pulling this Toy Hauler. So my question is 350 or 450 at this point I guess. At this point I don't know which one to go. I bet it does have somthing to do with loading he trailer because some trips its great and other trip it has been so bad that I had to pull over and 
and thats the only time in my life I have done that in a truck.
and thats the only time in my life I have done that in a truck.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Too much tongue weight. Even with a weight distributing hitch, too much tongue weight WILL push your tow vehicle around.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Az City, Az
I agree that there is to much weight in the back of the trailer. Im not saying there are no issues of being overloaded, but I would start at the loading. I went with a 5er because bumper pulls sway more when trucks go buy, pass etc. I have zero sway no matter what goes by and my wife loves it. Good luck!
Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 5
From: Northern Arizona
10% to 15% of the trailer weight.
Curious, what does the spec tag on the left front of the WW show for gross weight?
Here's the 2004 Ford Towing Guide which shows your Ex is rated at 11K for towing: https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...e_Explorer.pdf
Curious, what does the spec tag on the left front of the WW show for gross weight?
Here's the 2004 Ford Towing Guide which shows your Ex is rated at 11K for towing: https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...e_Explorer.pdf
Last edited by Kep4; Jun 4, 2009 at 01:35 PM. Reason: Add towing guide link
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
From: SW Idaho
1200lb-1500lb tongue weight. How are you air bags piped...together or seperate?
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 394
Likes: 1
From: DFW
Well DMD, Nick is familiar with the other forums and does a good job of covering the bases. As most do. There are certainly things one could do to whatever rig to help with towing issues. Is that the safest or best thing to? Consider reading the thread before responding.
anyone to stand up for him.. I bet he already has a mamma.
I answered the question at hand as I felt fit, dont need your lecture.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
OK... You really need to find a better forum that has better knowledge with X-cars..
Need to know that the x-car was not setup to be a good tow machine, but it can
be made to tow. There are many different diesel forums with folks that have
done work on their x-cars. PM me and I can send you to several of them..
Need to know that the x-car was not setup to be a good tow machine, but it can
be made to tow. There are many different diesel forums with folks that have
done work on their x-cars. PM me and I can send you to several of them..
Well DMD, Nick is familiar with the other forums and does a good job of covering the bases. As most do. There are certainly things one could do to whatever rig to help with towing issues. Is that the safest or best thing to? Consider reading the thread before responding.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 10
From: San Ramon Ca.
Attitude
Well you seem well qualified for politics. Run for office. That way the hot air can go somewhere where it belongs. Nowhere.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
i think that DMD is right about the load distribution on the trailer itself. Is there any way to get more of a ballance over the trailer's axles? if you've got air bags and a sway bar on the rear of the X-truck, then it's as good as it'll get. Pjwoolw is right too though, it's just more weight than a bumper-pull should have. Even for a longer wheelbase truck, which is more stable because the extra distance between the front & rear axles effectively creates a better lever to counter-act the swaying of the trailer.
Bottom line, the weight distributed more evenly on the trailer will likely make the biggest difference, with a longer wheelbase vehicle being a close second.
Bottom line, the weight distributed more evenly on the trailer will likely make the biggest difference, with a longer wheelbase vehicle being a close second.