Towing w/ the ST

[sgomez409]

I have a 2020 ST and pull a 27’ travel trailer (23’ box) with a dual axle weighing 4,200 lbs dry with a weight distribution hitch and electronic trailer brake controller. We’ve taken it on 5 camping trips this year, 2 of which were 1000 mi round trips in tow. These 2 trips took us through the mountains (Smoky’s and Pisgah Nat Parks).
It pulls very well for its size but like someone said earlier that it’s not the pulling but the stopping which is most important. I had one white knuckle experience going down a mountain highway when a driver in front of me decided to stop when I was building speed on wet pavement. I didn’t hit anything but I did lose traction. More than anything it was a learning experience. The tow mode works really well, especially on hills. Once you plug in the 7pin it pops up on the screen that a trailer is connected and asks for the length so that the blind spot warning is extended (based on the total length of the trailer and truck) as well as disabling cross traffic when backing up. Depending on terrain I average between 9-11 mpg’s assuming approx 4,800-5.000 lbs w supplies and empty (white, gray and black) holding tanks.

We're very interested in buying the Grand Design Serenova 160LG that's 20' long, 4436 dry wt and 5400 GVWR, 589lb tongue weight. We have a 2021 Explorer ST w/Class III tow pkg. How many lbs is your weight distribution hitch rated for? We were thinking about the Fastway e2 hitch rated for 8000lbs. Is that overkill you think or good enough?

 

[sunshdw]

We're very interested in buying the Grand Design Serenova 160LG that's 20' long, 4436 dry wt and 5400 GVWR, 589lb tongue weight. We have a 2021 Explorer ST w/Class III tow pkg. How many lbs is your weight distribution hitch rated for? We were thinking about the Fastway e2 hitch rated for 8000lbs. Is that overkill you think or good enough?

Just from experience I can tell you that the weight numbers listed on their (and every manufactures) site is hopelessly wrong, mainly the listed tongue weight. I went round and round with Grand Design on this very subject and I will say their explanation to me was "that listed figure is the average weight off the assembly line." Meaning, the 589lb number listed is much lower than it actually is. Being as the ST only rates for a 500lb hitch weight, you'll be way over loaded and no a weight distribution hitch does change that either nor does it add to the payload figure located in the drivers door jam.