Towing 3,000+ lbs - Actual experience input requested

[PAULWESTSKI]

@23OBX2.7

There are not any lowering mods for that suspension type that I'm aware of. The camper rides extremely well on the independent coils, it is a relatively sought after suspension system. I don't want to loose ground clearance on the camper, we will be camping off the beaten path at times.

Air springs are inferior to replacing the coil overs themselves (band aids) They would also severely limit the suspension travel off road while not towing.
I have a heavy front winch bumper that required heavier springs so it made sense to replace the coil overs front and rear.

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[jakej]

We are looking at some new travel trailers, and the ones we like best have a dry-weight ~3,200 lbs. So, with our stuff we will be close, if not slightly over, 3,500 lbs rating. I have towed our current, 2,900 lbs trailer for over 20k miles with the Bronco (2.7L V6). It tows great, with plenty of power and 17+ MPG, but I do feel the weight a little bit on downhills.

Request - I'm looking for input from other Bronco owners that have towed with trailers >3,000 lbs. Good/bad/other? Extra credit for those towing R-Pod trailers.

Note - I've read several other threads (and other sources), so understand how tow capacity works and to include passengers, luggage, etc. Really hoping to get actual experience vs. opinions. Thanks.

UPDATE - I thought I would circle back and let people know where our trailer search ended up, with help from this thread. This week we found and purchased a very little used 2018 RPod 179. This trailer has the perfect layout for my wife and I, including a bathroom and shower, which opens us up to wider travel options. We've been camping last 10+ years in a pop-up tent trailer.

The dry-weight of the RPod 179 is ~2,950, and I expect we'll travel between 3,300 and 3,500 lbs. The prior owner gave me his weight-distribution / sway bar hitch system (EAZ Lift 800), which makes a big difference in front-end stability (almost no bounce) on my test drives. We're heading out to Anza Borrego Desert next week for our trial run.

FWIW - After reading posts to this thread, I did some research on weight-distrubtion hitch (WDH) vs after market shock options, and learned that the shock options don't really shift the weight off the vehicle rear-end. In other words, the WDH seems much more effective. This YouTube test was very helpful to me:

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Really hoping to get actual experience vs. opinions. Thanks.

3 pages deep now, not sure what all the other replies covered, but here is my testimony ... lol
I've posted this in a lot "towing" threads over the years.

I've towed the same load with numerous "trucks" ... The load being my Dad's Ranger fish-n-ski boat.
A year or three back I dropped the boat and trailer on the scales, loaded for a trip .... a hair over 3000 lbs.

Most recent tow vehicles:

• 2006 Chevy 1/2 ton crew 4x4 , brand new motor, 5.3 V8.
• 2021 Bronco 2dr 2.3 7spd 4.46 gears , using both factory 30" and aftermarket 35" tires.
• 2023 Bronco Badlands 4dr (33") 2.3/ auto/ 4.46

Our normal trip has interstate, hilly 2 lane highways and back country county roads that are hilly and twisty. We have traveled the same route for literally decades. I know these roads well and how a vehicle handles them.

Of the three, the Badlands was the best puller. The 10 spd auto is straight up MAGIC. It made it feel like this set up had the most power. Yes, even more than the V8 truck.

Stability-wise, the truck with more length and girth weight was only slightly more stable. Very negligible difference.
I'd choose the Bronco every time. It does get pushed a bit in the twists and turns, but it was nothing that gave me any concern. The only vehicle I've had that made you forget the boat was there was a diesel F250 super duty ext. cab, and the Bronco or the Chevy ain't that. They both do fine, the truck is just a smidge more stable.

2nd place, I'd probably take the truck. Primarily because it has a "boat load" more room than the 2 door Bronco.

3rd in this contest of three is the 2dr Bronco. It really wasn't bad, the tranny being the weak link in the set up. It just felt like there were speeds that I didn't have the right gear. It made you remember that you're driving a 4 banger. So on steep hills, find that speed/gear that keeps it at 2700 rpm and let it purr away.

I don't recall having any issues in the twists and turns with the 2dr, it still handled really well, but what did stand out was the slight "whoops" that happen on interstate bridges. Between the boat pivoting and the short wheel base of the 2dr, it takes some getting used to.
It really gives meaning to the term "bucking Bronco".

The 2.3/auto did so well, it makes me wonder how well the 2.7 would do? I'd love to try !!!
Maybe give a 2.7 Ranger a whirl, see how that goes.

 

[PAULWESTSKI]

UPDATE - I thought I would circle back and let people know where our trailer search ended up, with help from this thread. This week we found and purchased a very little used 2018 RPod 179. This trailer has the perfect layout for my wife and I, including a bathroom and shower, which opens us up to wider travel options. We've been camping last 10+ years in a pop-up tent trailer.

The dry-weight of the RPod 179 is ~2,950, and I expect we'll travel between 3,300 and 3,500 lbs. The prior owner gave me his weight-distribution / sway bar hitch system (EAZ Lift 800), which makes a big difference in front-end stability (almost no bounce) on my test drives. We're heading out to Anza Borrego Desert next week for our trial run.

FWIW - After reading posts to this thread, I did some research on weight-distrubtion hitch (WDH) vs after market shock options, and learned that the shock options don't really shift the weight off the vehicle rear-end. In other words, the WDH seems much more effective. This YouTube test was very helpful to me:

Thanks everyone for your help!

Nice camper upgrade from a pop up.

You may want to research different weight spring bars.....something closer to the actual tongue weight.
The correct weight spring bars will allow the weight distribution system to be more compliant, and fine tuned to the towing configuration.

EAZ Lift (Camco) makes 400 and 600 WD hitches you may be able to use those bars in your WD hitch. Depending on what model you have.

Be cautious of severe angled approaches (parking lot entrances etc) folks have bent the camper tongue "A" frame with incorrect (too heavy) weight spring bars.

Safe travels on your maiden voyage.

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