Hello, Just looking for your experience and help regarding the towing limitations for the 11' Expy EL4x4 with the 536 package. I just purchased a new 34' TT from General RV, Tracer Executive 3150BHD and I have not taken delivery of it yet or signed the final papers as this was at the Chicago Boat & RV Show, we are doing that this Saturday. Since this trailer is loaded, I do not see adding more than 1,500lbs and the addition of the wife and 4 kids. Did I over buy on this TT for the SUV I have?
Would the Hensley Arrow hitch instead of the Equalizer make the difference for safety? I want to be safe, I plan on being cautious and I do not want to replace the tranny in 6 months if the weights are to great for the Expy. Also, IF my stats are off on my Expy Limited, please let me know!!!

Please chime in!

2011 Expedition 4x4EL Limited
Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package 536
5.4L SHOC V8
Axel Ratio 3.31 (Non Limited Slip)
Max GCWR 15,000lbs
Max Trailer Weight 8,700lbs

Integrated Hitch Rating: (Weight-distributing mode)Integrated
Max Trailer weight 8,900lbs
Max Tongue Weight 890lbs
Frontal Area Limitations - 60sq ft.

Tracer 3150BHD
Dry Hitch Weight 595lbs
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 6330lbs
Exterior length - 34 ft
Exterior height 10ft 10in
Exterior width 96in
Tire size ST205/75R14/C

Trailer Load
GVWR - 9045
GWAR (ea) 4522 (two axles)
Electric Breaks

Trailer Hitch: Equal-i-zer
Max Trailer Weight 10,000lbs
Max Tongue Weight 1,000lbs

Thanks, Joe

 

One more item I wanted to add is total estimated weights;
Family of 6 = 850lbs allowing children to grow (ages 6, 8, 10 & 12)
Additional gear = 1,000lbs
Expy + Tracer (fully equipped) = 12,600lbs
Combined total weight = 14,450lbs
96.3% of total GCWR of Expy's 15,000lbs Max GCWR.

 

You way overbought. Too much trailer, even for a F-150 IMO

You can't trust the owners manual. What does your door sticker say for GCVW GCVR?

Also, figure on 10-15% for tongue wieght. So that trailer loaded will be more around 750-800 lbs...easy. Maybe even 900+ depending on water and crap


I'd really rethink it. The Expy will yank that load around. But you'll be over your ratings IMO

 

If you go ahead with this, using a Hensley Arrow will markedly reduce sway and wander. I don't sell or install them, but they really do work.

Steve

 

That is where I am at right now... I talked with a rep today. $2000 used or $3200 new (plus freight). Its amazing how much more expensive these are. I have seen the video and heard the entire pitch. I think if I stay with this model trailer, (signing final paperwork this Saturday) this is the route I would have to go. Also looking at getting the P2 Break Controller to complete the package. Thanks! Joe

 

They have always been a great deal more expensive and, if you need the extra control, they are worth it, IMO.

Steve

 

I just bought the Hensley Arrow, P2 Brake Controller and I will make certain I get this weighed at the scale station to ensure I'm properly weighed and balanced. It will be April at the latest before that occurs, but I appreciate all the information and concerns as I would not have realized as much without everyone's feedback. Thanks, Joe

 

A couple of thoughts from a family that used F250's to tow 19ft TT. It looks like you have pulled the trigger on the new TT. Congrats. I think you are going to me taxing the chassis of the exp. It may be on the margins quantitatively but, qualitatively you will be unhappy. I predict a F250/350 in your future. the leverage a 31 ft travel trailer can put on a 1/2 tonish chassis is extreme. Your new TT would be a handful for a diesel Excursion let alone a independent rear suspended expy.

That is a large TT for 14 inch wheels and tires. I sweat mine on 15 inchers. Good luck and let us know how it works out.

 

my Exped did pretty well with a Uhaul car hauler but I couldn't imagine putting a 34ft TT behind it.

Take lots of pictures when the TT arrives...pics or it didn't happen!!!

 

The maximum towing capacity of your EL is 8700 pounds. Subtract the 850 pounds of family you're left with a real towing capacity of 7850 pounds. With no reserve for high summer temperatures, long grades, or high altitudes.

I doubt the trailer weighs as little as 6330. Adding 1000 pounds of gear gets you to at least 7330 pounds.

This is all theoretically possible but even with the exotic Hensley WDH I doubt you'll be happy. Especially not with the 3.31 axles.

Is there a transmission temperature reading in the Limited info center? There isn't in my XLTs so I added one driven off the CAN buss. Strongly recommend you get one as this puppy will be running 3d and 4th gears with this load and axle.

I ran my poor 5500 max-rated 4.0 V6 Explorer (with HD Tow) in front of my 5000 pound camper for two seasons. This is the reason I now pull the same trailer with a 9000 pound max-rated Expedition. I suspect you'll be looking for a bigger tow vehicle sooner rather than later.

-- Chuck

 

I too think you've got more trailer than you'll be happy with. If you can still back out of the deal and go to a smaller trailer, do it! A trailer that is too big to enjoy towing and rarely gets uses is worthless, compared to a trailer that may not have as much comfort but gets used more often. My prior trailer was at the limits of my prior tow vehicle and it was no fun and almost caused an accident, which is why I purchased the TrailCruier 30qbss, which is a 30' ultra light, lower profile trailer for the Expedition.

I'm very happy with this combo, and would not want anything longer, heavier, or taller when towing. Length is PITA to park, fuel, and get into campgrounds. Height or frontal area is underestimated for the wind drag it will cause at highway speeds. This will slow you down, kill you fuel economy, and make you more susceptible to wind sway.

I weighed my trailer at a truck scale and this is what I found (with only a driver).

Steering Axle #3500
Drive Axle #3900
Trailer #5220
GCVW #12620

I’m only about at 86% GCVW capacity, compared to your >96%. You will be overloading your axles too. Not sure where I found it, but I found the ratings to be #3700 front & #4250 rear. My goal for the trailer/truck combo was to be #2000 less than GCVW so I had enough power for the mountains, not to cause extra wear on the TV, less stressful towing experience, and most importantly safety for my family. I have a documented 9,800 tow miles with this expy & trailer so I'm speaking from a bit of experience.

I think the 2011’s have a heavier duty transmission than my 2007 but I do have the 3:73 gears which help with the towing power. I have added a transmission temperature monitor and have the Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller which I highly recommend.

 

If it trully is an Expy "EL" then are you sure that it has 3.31 rear? Ford shows that the "EL" comes standard with the 3.73 rear.

Johnny

 

I have a 2011 EL and pulled my 36 TT that weighs around 7500#s pulled it about 300 miles here in Iowa. And have had nothing but trany trouble from that time on. I have been fighting ford for around 6mos now. I had to file a lemon law complant with the BBB. After that Ford is looking into the problem. I ended up buying a new Ram to pull my TT. And now my wife drives the EL as her car. But we are still working with the trany. Now I find out the dealer has had 3 other Espy come back in with the same problem with reverse and shifting. So I don't know if pulling the trailer did any damage or not. But I will not pull it again.
But I will say we do like the EL as a car but will not tow with it.