The plan is to travel across Canada from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island and down the eastern seaboard to Florida. We are a married pair of 65 year old retirees active in kayaking, hiking and fishing wherever there is a lake or spilling water. We travel with 2 dogs who are active with us. We like the idea of a Toy Hauler, specifically Freedom Express model 301BLDS built by Coachmen. The trailer is 33'7" from bumper to hitch, has a shipping weight of 6450 lbs., a hitch weight of 950 lbs. and a carrying capacity of 3400 lbs. In the cargo area we will only be carrying 2-50 lb. kayaks,
a 9 ft. 65 lb. fly fishing boat, various fishing gear, portable generator, and various barbecue and outside entertainment items. All told, maybe 1000 lbs. plus the usual items 2 people take with them on an extended travel excursion. With that in mind plus the dogs and their requirements, we probably would not exceed 2,000 lbs.
The tow vehicle is a 2011 F150 Ecoboost Super Crew with max tow, 11,200 lbs towing cap., 6.5 ft. box, 373 gears, 7700 lb. GVW. Tires are Goodyear Duratrac 18", and I have a set of front-end lift shocks that raise the front end 1.5 inches. I have done nothing to the rear as far as lift.
Years ago we enjoyed traveling in our 1-ton truck (F350- v10) and a 33 foot 12,000 lb. dry fifth wheel. So, we are not newbies to traveling this wonderful North American country and enjoying that
lifestyle.
My question I put forward for discussion is: Do you think that putting on 10-12 thousand miles on the tow vehicle will be over-taxing it with a trailer this size? Currently we have less than 20K miles on it. Would I need to
put an extra leaf or perhaps bags on the rear of the truck? Best suggestions for anti-sway and or weight distributing hitch. Would you go to a lighter trailer for such an extended trip. (although there
are no lighter toy haulers with a separated living area from the cargo area). And any other concerns that you might come up with that perhaps I have overlooked.
I hope to gain some valuable information from those that wish to share. Thanks in advance.
a 9 ft. 65 lb. fly fishing boat, various fishing gear, portable generator, and various barbecue and outside entertainment items. All told, maybe 1000 lbs. plus the usual items 2 people take with them on an extended travel excursion. With that in mind plus the dogs and their requirements, we probably would not exceed 2,000 lbs.
The tow vehicle is a 2011 F150 Ecoboost Super Crew with max tow, 11,200 lbs towing cap., 6.5 ft. box, 373 gears, 7700 lb. GVW. Tires are Goodyear Duratrac 18", and I have a set of front-end lift shocks that raise the front end 1.5 inches. I have done nothing to the rear as far as lift.
Years ago we enjoyed traveling in our 1-ton truck (F350- v10) and a 33 foot 12,000 lb. dry fifth wheel. So, we are not newbies to traveling this wonderful North American country and enjoying that
lifestyle.
My question I put forward for discussion is: Do you think that putting on 10-12 thousand miles on the tow vehicle will be over-taxing it with a trailer this size? Currently we have less than 20K miles on it. Would I need to
put an extra leaf or perhaps bags on the rear of the truck? Best suggestions for anti-sway and or weight distributing hitch. Would you go to a lighter trailer for such an extended trip. (although there
are no lighter toy haulers with a separated living area from the cargo area). And any other concerns that you might come up with that perhaps I have overlooked.
I hope to gain some valuable information from those that wish to share. Thanks in advance.
