Towing question

[rio-ranger]

I am buying a travel trailer it is 26 ft (30 over all) 5600 lbs dry. Has anyone towed something similar and any tips? Also people on here were talking about rear air bags that helped but I can not remember the name of them, they were blue . Thanks

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[ctechbob]

30ft tip to tail. Cherokee Grey Wolf 26DJSE (2022)

Bilsteins all around, Sumospring Blue, E2 hitch with 800# bars, 38-40 psi in factory tires. 700# hitch weight on mine.

Trailer has been upgraded with Carlisle Radial Trail HD tires and a Morryde CRE2 spring equalizer as well as a wet bolt kit (which doesn't do anything for towing, just more for reliability and maintenance, the wet bolt kit that is.)

You are going to feel the wind, but set up properly you can avoid having sway.

If you are a first time tower, take it easy, keep your speed down and be careful.

@Grumpaw is at the same length as me, but a little heavier.

 

[rio-ranger]

Did you get your Sumosprings from their website or somewhere else?

 

[ctechbob]

Did you get your Sumosprings from their website or somewhere else?

Umm. I think I got them straight from SS, although I wouldn't swear to that in court. It was either there or Stage 3.

 

[Grumpaw]

Sumo's are made by Super Springs International. Their not "airbags", but a different type of bumpstop.
Like ctech I tow a heavy trailer, but before listing the mod's we've made to our rigs, I would like to know your experience with towing rv's, mod.s you have already made, ect.
I ask this only because, if you have experience, it is easier to explain the mods needed as opposed to a "newbie" who has no idea of what is needed.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

We pull a Gulfstream 24RLS with a stock 22 Tremor ( no suspension mods). It’s about 29’ overall and 5100lbs empty. With our crap loaded probably just around 6000lb . We use a Andersen WD hitch, TadiBrothers camera system and the Ford brake controller. Pulls great for us and dittos to whatever @ctechbob and @Grumpaw share.

 

[Davidjc]

I am buying a travel trailer it is 26 ft (30 over all) 5600 lbs dry. Has anyone towed something similar and any tips? Also people on here were talking about rear air bags that helped but I can not remember the name of them, they were blue . Thanks

I had airlift air bags on my tundra. Git Firestone on my class c. You'll definitely want to use weight distribution hitch and anti sway bar. The biggest thing you notice other than stopping distance (brake controller properly set is so important)
Will be fuel consumption. Expect around 50% decrease in mpgs.
Drive slower and enjoy.

 

[joeduran3]

My trailer is 24' long and about 4200 lbs empty. Stock suspension (so far). I run 40 psi in the tires. No problems towing, but the wind can certainly be felt. Sometimes I miss the F250.

 

[rio-ranger]

Sumo's are made by Super Springs International. Their not "airbags", but a different type of bumpstop.
Like ctech I tow a heavy trailer, but before listing the mod's we've made to our rigs, I would like to know your experience with towing rv's, mod.s you have already made, ect.
I ask this only because, if you have experience, it is easier to explain the mods needed as opposed to a "newbie" who has no idea of what is needed.

 

[Grumpaw]

I am buying a travel trailer it is 26 ft (30 over all) 5600 lbs dry. Has anyone towed something similar and any tips? Also people on here were talking about rear air bags that helped but I can not remember the name of them, they were blue . Thanks

As you can see, there are many of us that pull larger, heavier trailers, and I venture to say that we all have different set ups/equipment based on our specific needs/trailers/use.
It would help if you gave us some specifics such as your backround in towing, equipment you already have, expected use (short local trips or cross country/state to state travel), your budget, your DIY ability......just to give us some basics.
Example....if you already have, and are knowledgeable on setting up a hitch assembly, than there's no need for us to tell you how to set one up....ect.

 

[rio-ranger]

I had a Ram and towed 26ft boat that weighed much more so I am not a pro but do have experience with towing.

 

[Grumpaw]

I had a Ram and towed 26ft boat that weighed much more so I am not a pro but do have experience with towing.

Got it...
First, towing a big retangular high box is different from a boat. It WILL be affected by wind/passing large trucks/busses, ect.
These Rangers are at their max towing these larger trailers...there's some "wiggle room", but it's always best to stay within Fords recommendation.
We all have different equipment/mods to our Rangers depending on our past experience/use/knowledge...
You will need a good brake controller. Many use the Ford unit and many simply use a standard unit like a Tekonsha under dash unit.
Heavy duty rear shocks are a must, fronts can come later if needed.
Suspension mods if you think you need them....many have found they are, either heavier rear springs, rear sway bar, air bags, and definitely Blue rear Sumo Bumpstops.
Some (me included) have gone to heavy duty 10 ply E rated tires that can handle a 700-750 tongue weight and loaded rear bed....tires can be pumped up to 50 psi or more if needed.
If your new to towing a travel trailer, it is different than towing a boat, and a lot to digest, but once set up right, the Ranger makes a good tow vehicle.
A new thread like this can quickly get into a pissing match between us that do tow large rigs and those that will advise not too. Many posts in the Tow section with our rigs/set ups/pictures.
But, always happy to help with specific info....lot of good people here.

 

[rio-ranger]

Got it...
First, towing a big retangular high box is different from a boat. It WILL be affected by wind/passing large trucks/busses, ect.
These Rangers are at their max towing these larger trailers...there's some "wiggle room", but it's always best to stay within Fords recommendation.
We all have different equipment/mods to our Rangers depending on our past experience/use/knowledge...
You will need a good brake controller. Many use the Ford unit and many simply use a standard unit like a Tekonsha under dash unit.
Heavy duty rear shocks are a must, fronts can come later if needed.
Suspension mods if you think you need them....many have found they are, either heavier rear springs, rear sway bar, air bags, and definitely Blue rear Sumo Bumpstops.
Some (me included) have gone to heavy duty 10 ply E rated tires that can handle a 700-750 tongue weight and loaded rear bed....tires can be pumped up to 50 psi or more if needed.
If your new to towing a travel trailer, it is different than towing a boat, and a lot to digest, but once set up right, the Ranger makes a good tow vehicle.
A new thread like this can quickly get into a pissing match between us that do tow large rigs and those that will advise not too. Many posts in the Tow section with our rigs/set ups/pictures.
But, always happy to help with specific info....lot of good people here.

 

[rio-ranger]

The first trailer I was going to get was 4500 lbs , the one we bought is 5700 lbs It might not be to late to switch back to the 4500lbs but we really like the heavier one with a slide out. the question is can the Ranger handle it ok or better safe then sorry. Thanks again

 

[ctechbob]

As long as you are comfortable pulling it, the truck won't have any problem.

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