Hitch for Ford Flex 21BHS combo

[fasteddieb]

I'm totally new to this, but will (hopefully) be picking up a 21BHS in a couple weeks.

We recently bought a 2011 Ford Flex with EcoBoost and factory tow package to use as a tow vehicle:






We need to finalize our hitch decision.

The dealer recommended a Reese.

The fellow at CanAm recommended an EAZ-Lift Elite, with a Husky sway control.

The lady at the dealer said that was a bad choice, since it was bolt-on and drilling/bolting into the aluminum frame was a bad idea.

She recommended the EAZ-Lift "Trekker", which has built-in sway control.

But someone on the Airforums Airstream site did not have much good to say about the Trekker.

Any input at all would be appreciated - I hate to over-think this, but want to make an informed decision.

Thanks in advance!

BTW, the "Preview" button doesn't seem to do anything in Safari on a MacBook Pro.

[tinkeringtechie]

I've heard good things about the fastway e2 (and just purchased one myself). No drilling necessary. I'll report back once I get a chance to try it out.

Do you have the Class II or Class III towing package?

According to [a href="http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/11FLMRVTT_FlexNov18.pdf"]this pdf[/a] from ford you'll need the Class III. But that document also indicates that the GVWR is 500lbs over your limit and the frontal area is significantly over your 35sqft limit. It might still be possible if you pack light and drive slowly, but it's definitely pushing the limits.

[fasteddieb]

Well, I assumed I had the Class III.

Silly question: How can I tell?

I do have a Ford dealer nearby. I also have the car outside and can look, if I knew what to look for. I do have the seven pin connector and have had a Teknosha Voyager installed already.

With the Class III hitch the maximum tow limit is 4,500 lbs and maximum tongue weight of 450 lbs., so again I assumed we'd be well within limits.

So much to learn!

[fasteddieb]

That was too easy:


I'm not seeing that. How do you arrive at that? This same EcoBoost engine is towing far heavier trailers in Ford pickups.

[tinkeringtechie]

There should be a sticker on the hitch (or maybe inside the door) that shows the tow capacity (both with WDH and without).

The 21BHS "dry" weight is 3,499. That gives you 1,001 until you hit your limit. Subtract:

80lbs for two propane tanks
50lbs for one battery
75lbs for A/C (assuming you ordered that option)
244lbs for a load of water
112lbs for a 1/2 full black tank

Suddenly you're 440lbs away from your limit and you haven't put anything inside the trailer yet.

So it's still possible, but it will be close. Also keep in mind that the dry weight is an estimate, so you won't know what your's weighs until you get it.

[tinkeringtechie]

Looks like you found your rating while I was responding. I don't think the engine is the limitation, it's most likely the transmission and structure. Trucks use body on frame construction vs the unibody in your flex. Trucks also use high rear-end gear ratios to increase torque multiplication

[tinkeringtechie]

[quote source="/post/150/thread" timestamp="1394836686" author="@fasteddieb"]

But that document also indicates that the GVWR is 500lbs over your limit...

I'm not seeing that. How do you arrive at that? This same EcoBoost engine is towing far heavier trailers in Ford pickups.[/quote]The 500lb number is based of the GVWR. According to the camplite website, the GVWR for the 21BHS is 5,000 lbs, which is 500lbs over your 4,500lb limit.

[charliem]

[font size="3"][font face="arial"]FWIW each axle on my 2014 21RBS built 10/2013 is rated at #3500. The trailer label actually says GVWR = #7000. I think the catalog is out of date. However, nothing says you have to load the trailer to it's GVWR. The critical ratings on the TV are Gross Combined Weight Rating, Payload Capacity, and Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle. On my 21RBS with two 6V golf cart batteries and two full #20 propane bottles on the tongue, and loaded for camping (no water except WH)  I measure #525 tongue weight.
[/font][/font]

[tinkeringtechie]

[quote source="/post/154/thread" timestamp="1394840178" author="@charliem"][font size="3"][font face="arial"]FWIW each axle on my 2014 21RBS built 10/2013 is rated at #3500. The trailer label actually says GVWR = #7000
[/font][/font][/quote]Interesting... does the label also say the actual dry weight?

[charliem]

[font size="3"][font face="arial"]No! For some reason LL does not record the as built weight. At least they don't disclose it. The only thing I have to go on is the shipping invoice which listed the shipping weight at #3500. However, that may be an average or something else not specific to my trailer. I asked LL about this, but never got a reply.
[/font][/font]

[tinkeringtechie]

That's curious... I can't imagine it's exactly 3500.

Your point about the GCW is a good one too, I'm not sure what it is for the Ford Flex (it's not in that handy pdf).

[charliem]

"That's curious... I can't imagine it's exactly 3500"  [font face="arial" size="3"]Ya think?

[/font]

[fasteddieb]

[quote source="/post/151/thread" timestamp="1394837471" author="@tinkeringtechie"]

The 21BHS "dry" weight is 3,499. That gives you 1,001 until you hit your limit. Subtract:




[/quote]

D'oh!

My "mistake" was figuring a HALF TON would give me plenty of leeway.

I suppose I don't have to "tanker" a bunch of water (or poop) and can try to keep heavier items in the back of the Flex.

For background, I used to teach Weight and Balance to Commercial Pilot applicants at the Junior College level. Just putting it out there to emphasize I'm pretty cognizant of how important weight limitations are, and do not take them lightly.

[tinkeringtechie]

It adds up pretty quickly. Bringing water is essential for those of us that boondock. If that's not your thing, then you'll be able to bring 244lbs more stuff. As for the black tank weight, you really shouldn't empty it until you reach 2/3's, which is why I calculated a 1/2 tank. Moving items to the back of the Flex won't change your GCW. As I said from the beginning, it's possible but just be careful. I'd take a trip to the scales once you get it loaded.

[fasteddieb]

When I called Island RV to specify the EAZ-Lift Elite, they cautioned it wad a bolt-on design, requiring drilling of the aluminum frame, which they thought a bad idea.

They said EAZ-Lift made a clamp-on style with built-in sway control called the "Trekker". Searching for it on Airforums showed maybe one opinion of it, and it wasn't positive.

Thoughts?