I know this isn't F150 related, but it is the best place I can think of to ask.

We are picking up a 2023 R-Pod 171 Monday. Dry weight is 2800 and change. It has about 1100 lbs payload so almost 4000 lbs is possible, but I doubt we'll ever go over 3500.

r-pod RP-171 | Forest River RV - Manufacturer of Travel Trailers - Fifth Wheels - Tent Campers - Motorhomes (forestriverinc.com)

My F150 and Tacoma will pull it easily, but we also have a 2020 Explorer. The Explorer has a hitch, but only a 4 wire plug. The dealership we are buying the TT from will set the Explorer up for trailer brakes and the necessary wiring for $350. If I do it at the time of purchase. If done later, it will be about double that price.

I think the Explorer will pull that small trailer, but I can't think of a reason why I'd use it with 2 crew cab trucks in the driveway that will pull it better. The Explorer is great on gas, I've gotten 27 mpg on some road trips. But I have a feeling that when hitched to a 3500 lb trailer it won't get much, if any better fuel mileage than with my trucks.

We used to have a 3400 lb NOBO 16.5 (around 4300 lbs loaded) and I got 10.6 mpg-10.8mpg pulling it with my trucks. I'm thinking the smaller, more aerodynamic R-Pod will be closer to 12, maybe 13. I doubt the Explorer would do much over 15 pulling the trailer.

Anyone have any experience towing with an Explorer, even 2nd hand knowledge. Trying to decide if I want to spend $350 for something I may never use. What are your thoughts.

 

I have no experience with the Explorer. But I too wouldn’t be able to find a reason why I’d use it over my F150. The truck will pull it and stop it better and not to mention get pushed around a lot less when encountering winds or large trucks passing.

 

That's exactly what I'm thinking. But $350 isn't bad to get it set up to do so just in case. And if the Explorer will get enough better fuel mileage to justify using it at times I'd at least have that option. If I don't get the Explorer set up now, it will cost more later.

I'm leaning towards NOT spending the money to set up the Explorer. But I'm still open to the idea.

 

It actually looks fairly simple if you choose to do it after the fact.

 

Your truck probably won’t be too bad for fuel economy towing. I’m not sure what a 2014 5.0 gets, but I’ve heard many say the 15+ 5.0 gets better fuel economy than the EcoBoost when towing.

That said, with my 2.7 EB, I get 15-16 towing our 4500 lb Airstream going 72 mph. So you should get some decent numbers.

 

How far will you take it with the Explorer? I’m not sure your fuel economy will be considerably better, but I don’t see why it couldn’t get the job done. You will definitely be filling up a smaller tank more often however.

 

And there is that. Regardless of fuel mileage a 36 gallon tank trumps an 18 gallon tank.

From past experience I got just under 11 mpg pulling my 4000ish lb NOBO from GA to CO and back 2 years ago. Of course a lot of that was at altitude. And some without the trailer. I normally get 13-14 pulling a 10' utility trailer with a Honda Pioneer. Roughly 2500 lbs loaded.

I'm expecting somewhere between that pulling the R-POD with the F150. The R-POD is a little lighter, and more aerodynamic. I'm not ready for a new truck yet, but in another 2-3 years will be, and the 2.7 is something I'm considering. Seeing fuel mileage like that is encouraging.

 

Is the 2020 Explorer the new one on the RWD platform? Either way it's always nice to have another vehicle capable of towing if you need it. Sounds like you already have two, but there may be times (even if seldom) that the Explorer might be preferred or needed. Who knows too, you might be surprised and like how it tows. I used to tow this with my little 180hp Taco and it was surprisingly easy and effortless (aside from steep hill starts with the manual, but that's a different story lol).

 

I do not think there is a wrong answer, rather a preferred answer that works for you. If you are considering the SUV, provide the rationale for this choice (comfort, passenger space, fuel efficiency once camper is parked, short camper hauling, etc.). Any one or combination of those factors could help with the best decision for you.

I did not tow with an Explorer but had a similar vehicle (2014 Chevy Traverse with max tow package). It offered a bit more in payload to account for passengers/tongue weight. It did the trick but we were limited in terms of trip length, frequency of stops and total cargo. Overall, for your sized camper, I think that SUV size does well enough for short to moderate trips 2-3 times a year with 2-3 passengers and light cargo.

I am also no expert but for me and how I camp, I would go with my larger vehicle based on longer trips and 4 passengers, 2 dogs and bikes. Also, I am not sure how easy it is to switch tow vehicles after purchase as they may fit the initial vehicle with a WDH. When I purchased my vehicle, I had to readjust the WDH due to change in hitch height of the tow vehicle. Many on hear have experience readjusting WDH setups so it might not be an issue but for me, I would not want to complete that setup for multiple vehicles.

 

No need for a WDH on a 2800 lb single axle trailer. They did recommend a friction sway control bar if I pulled with the Explorer. Not needed with either truck. Which they are installing on the trailer tongue at no extra cost. I can use it, or not.