Need newbie towing advice (trailer, trailer brakes, etc.)

[Jay5.9L]

I have this (2008 expedition with tow package rated about 9,000 lbs.)



And want to tow this (86 CJ-7 on 37”s)



I have never towed anything with the Expedition and really have not towed much in general. What type of trailer do you guys suggest? What type and where should I get a trailer brake installed? Any suggestions (other than get a diesel ) how to get my family and Jeep "there" and back safely are appreciated.

 

[mbryson]

Your basic "car hauler" trailer will be fine for your tow and towed vehicle. What type of trailer brake is kind of a Ford/Chevy thing but just get a brake controller and you'll learn how to use it. You can likely install easily in the Expedition. Should just plug right in. I wouldn't suggest "getting a diesel" as that Expedition will drag the Jeep around pretty well. Tow slower 65-70 mph and you'll be fine as you get used to it.

 

[Pile of parts]

Yep, what he said. If you truely do have the tow package, the controller should just plug in to a harness under the dash.

 

[rholbrook]

This is what I did and it worked great. This Expedition was a 2010 with the factory air-ride. I loved the air-ride because it automatically leveled it. My boat which I also pulled with it was much heavier and it handled that just fine too. I ordered it with the higher numerically gears (lower gear ratio) knowing that I would put 22s and pull with it. I also installed a electronic brake controller for the trailer. It pulled great.

This picture was taken out on the tarmac at the airport getting ready to run HITR.

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[jeeper]

Hey Russ, they make adjustable hitches.


We pull with our '03 expedition when needed. It's not my favorite by any means, especially as we don't have air ride, but it can ha fle it.
A Good trailer controller, and good brakes on the trailer are a must, keep speed reasonable, and keep plenty of following distance.

 

[Kevin B.]

Not to call anybody out because I'm a towing noob too, but I was going to say isn't that less than ideal angle on that hitch? Is that a "eh it'll be ok" angle or a "hey that's kinda sketchy" angle?

 

[jeeper]

Not to call anybody out because I'm a towing noob too, but I was going to say isn't that less than ideal angle on that hitch? Is that a "eh it'll be ok" angle or a "hey that's kinda sketchy" angle?

That's like "Hey, we don't need ramps to load" angle..


But for reals, IMO.. It's sketchy angle. Back tires have majority of weight, front tires provide less stopping help, sway potential goes up, etc.

 

[rholbrook]

Hey Russ, they make adjustable hitches.


We pull with our '03 expedition when needed. It's not my favorite by any means, especially as we don't have air ride, but it can ha fle it.
A Good trailer controller, and good brakes on the trailer are a must, keep speed reasonable, and keep plenty of following distance.

If you look carefully, it is an adjustable hitch. I can't tell you why i never adjusted it but I didnt.

 

[Jay5.9L]

So I'm not the only one that thought the front was a bit high . Any suggestion on what to look for in a car hauler?

 

[TurboMinivan]

As Marc suggested, a dual axle car hauler will suit you perfectly. I bought a 16' PJ, and it fits a Jeep very comfortably. I do on occasion tow larger vehicles, and sometimes that makes me wish I had a longer trailer... but since I do that so infrequently, I just deal with it when necessary. If you think you might ever want to haul something larger, an 18' trailer would be an even smarter choice (though I will still recommend a PJ brand).

Make sure you follow all the safety specs. Keep an eye on tongue weight, f/r loading of the trailer, all tire pressures, and so on. Personally, I am a big fan of keeping your tow rig 100% stock (including the tire size and construction type) so as to not compromise its hauling capability in any way. Others may feel differently.

And finally, a diesel tow rig is certainly not needed. OTOH, there is a lot to be said for going heavier duty, ie a 3/4 ton chassis rather than a 1/2 ton chassis... but that's a topic for another day.

HTH

 

[jeeper]

I had a big bubbas trailer, with short sides, last time. It was a good trailer. I now have a pj, without sides. It's a nice one also. I bought the 'upgraded' frame, but am still blown away by how much the trailer flexes when being loaded. I always use blocks under the back to support it.

 

[mbryson]

So I'm not the only one that thought the front was a bit high . Any suggestion on what to look for in a car hauler?

There are some good brands out there. Just look for solid construction and good welds and such. You'll know if you take a look at something sketchy. Even if you're saving a few hundred $, it's worth it to get a solid trailer over a "project". I have a PJ currently and like it. I've had a Big Bubba and liked that. I LOVED my Paiute (from Salina, UT) and would probably like another one someday (depends on what my needs are).


Desires in a trailer for me
1-the tongue jack (I've yet to have a "cool" one)
2-storage for chains (less cool people use straps, but store whatever you tie down with)
3-ramp storage under trailer
4-padded hitch to protect your knees

 

[boogie_4wheel]

Make sure you get a 7k and not a 5k. An 18' would be nice for more room for a larger vehicle, or to locate a car/truck/jeep/crap for better tongue weight.

I also have a 16' 7k GVW trailer (because I got a screaming deal on it). Sides are removable, diamond plate fenders can be removed with 2 bolts each (if I load a wide-tired rig). My ramps store underneath the deck, and are accessed from the passenger side. Great that they are stored (and can be locked) on the trailer, terrible if I go to 'rescue' a down vehicle on the freeway and can't get my ramps out because of the concrete barrier

I added a Harbor Freight tongue box to keep my chains & binders, straps, lug wrench, and misc other items.

I have a Tekonsha Voyager brake controller in my current truck, had one in my last truck, dad has one in his older truck, and we had one on a 4th truck back in the day. I think they are a good unit for a pendulum-actuated controller. They have served us well since the late 90's, easy to set up and easy to adjust on the fly. But there are other/better units out there.

 

[ID Bronco]

get an equalizer hitch, it will help the Expedition.

 

[mbryson]

get an equalizer hitch, it will help the Expedition.

This is good advice

 

[sawtooth4x4]

i have one, and never use it. but i have a long bed crew cab ford. not much affects it

 

[ID Bronco]

It helps on everything, even with my dmax it is helpful to get the tongue weight under control.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

Its a Chevy thing, I wouldn't understand. LOL. I've hauled a lot on the back of my F350, and i've never ever had any swaying. 15000 # camper, 17K fifth wheel, 9000 lbs of tilt trailer and Land Rover. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but I think it might be how some people load their trailers.

My father-in-law had a 2009 GMC 2500 Crew Cab Long Bed, and the camper would always try to kill him until he got the stabilizer bars and hitch. He recently traded it in for a 2015 F350 and said it doesn't sway at all now.
I've towed the same camper and I can't even tell it's back there on my F350.

It helps on everything, even with my dmax it is helpful to get the tongue weight under control.

 

[1adam12]

Once you get a trailer and you are on the road remember to keep your distance. It's going to take a lot longer to stop and you won't be able to to swerve as fast. Allow plenty of room and time to adjust for changing conditions ahead of you. Keep your eyes up farther ahead of you. And remember you need more space behind you for lane changes.

 

[mbryson]

Once you get a trailer and you are on the road remember to keep your distance. It's going to take a lot longer to stop and you won't be able to to swerve as fast. Allow plenty of room and time to adjust for changing conditions ahead of you. Keep your eyes up farther ahead of you. And remember you need more space behind you for lane changes.

i figured that went without saying but it is good to say . Thanks for putting that up there