dklueck

I believe you are correct about only one compressor, I’ve not seen a second one. However I now realize an Elite II is not in my future. Back when I bought my last boat I had to buy a new vehicle to tow it. I’ve since recalled that I did a lot of calculations, weighing the Explorer, boat, and then the boat connected to the Explorer. The GCWR forthe Explorer is 12,000# and the Explorer alone is 6,000#, which only allows me to tow 6,000#. As I would be traveling 6 months/year and carrying a lot of clothes, supplies, etc. an Elite II would be too heavy. I don’t have a lot of miles on the Explorer, and I just could not bring myself to buy a new truck. I guess I have to go back and look at a Lance, which I believe is better quality than even an Airstream. ☹️

I’m feeling rather foolish because I am also considering an Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB which is rated at 6000# GVW and had assumed (we know what that means) the Elite II was rated at 6000#. No one I have talked to can tell me why the Explorer is de-rated 500# with the rear air conditioner, I can only assume (there we go again) it is derated due to the engine power required to run the 2nd compressor. But being solo, I never run it. Any other ideas, anyone?

My 2008 Ford Explorer is rated for towing 7130# - 500# for 2nd air conditioner (why?) = 6630#and the towing packageis installed. I have routinely towed a 5000+ pound boat/trailer with no problems. A tag on the hitch mount states “a weight disributing hitch is required over 5000#”, so I would definitely install one. Would this vehicle tow a loaded new Elite II? I would be traveling solo so the loaded vehicle weight would not be much, nor do I forsee any mountain (except the Appalchians) towing.