Hello everyone,
I have a 2002 Expy EB w/ 5.4 4wd 3.55 axle, 110,000 miles and the hd tow package. My in laws have a tt that weighs in about 6800#. We have towed this locally without a problem (using a Reese HP wd htch).
Now my inlaws have given us this trailer and we are in the process of moving from western Mass. to El Paso,Texas. I will need to tow this trailer there (approx 2300 miles). Once there I will be pulling it with my '03 F-350 SD 6.0 diesel which will even notice this tt) however that truck is already in TX.
I know that is trailer is right at the edge of Ford's recommendation for tow weight but they are usually a bit conservative on that anyways.
What add ons would be recommended? Chip? programer? I only need to tow it this once and we will be traveling with the TT basically mt and we will keep the speed down and take our time.
Thanks in advance

 

Eh, whats the worst that can happen? You blow the transmission? What about the mountains? How are the brakes on the Expy? Its probably best to get a tuner and reprogram the trans to shift tighter. Taking it easy is a good idea when towing any time. I might try it myself. But I dont think anyone here can say "your truck is up to the task" for sure. You know it best. How you've taken care of it will definitely show on this trip, lol!

 

Its in great condition and I will go thru it before we leave and my routing takes me around the mountains this time (went thru the Shenadoah mts last time - woohoo!)
I will have the tranny flushed and checked as well. And if it blows up? we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Was just wondering about mods really and opinions about pulling that much weight that distance.
Thanks

 

Personally I think you'll be fine. Like I said, I'd try it. Good call on the trans flush! I live 1 1/2 hours east of Shenandoah and its very pretty out there!

 

What kind of brakes on the trailer? If electric I'd invest in a controller, best $100 you can spend.

 

we pull our trailer with an '03 Expe 5.4 2WD (98k miles). I'm quite a bit lighter then you at 4300# but we have no problems. I pull at 60mph (the only thing I ever pass are the ice cream trucks). I'd suggest unloading the trailer as much as possible and making a trip to the nearest CAT scale to get a good weight and make sure you are ballanced correctly. Check the brakes to be sure you've got the woah to ballance the go. You don't mention a trailer brake control but I 110% recommend you get one if you don't have one (but I bet you have one). Make sure it works.
Check the trailer bearings (you can get a peek at the trailer brakes at the same time) and the trailer tires (in general they are good for 5-ish years) and don't forget the spare.

 

Yes it has electric brakes and yes I have a quality controller already in the Expy. Works very well with this trailer.

I will be replacing the tires - they are original and on great shape but 2004 era so i will replace them anyways. Will repack bearings when I do that.

 

Good call on the tires.

 

Do you have E rated tires on the X? And I would recommend sway control on the hitch.

 

no E tires - yet but those will be replaced as well (just barely passed this years state inspection!).
The WD hitch I have is a Reese high performance setup with the dual cams for sway control.

 

The tires are important. A lot of people overlook that. Good E tires will keep the rig stable.

 

I just pulled my 31" trailer that I always had a dedicated 3/4 ton or 1 ton tow vehicle with my newly acquired 03 Lincoln Navigator. I emptied out some junk that I never used in the trailer and moved most heavy stuff to the rear because of the heavy TT tongue weights. When I first weighed the tongue it pegged the scale at over 1000# but I got it down to 900# and tightened the WD bars and towed it with the OD off about 350 miles over a weekend. It wasn't a white knuckle towing experience but it was different from my TV's. It's not the power deficit as much as the suspension if you ask me. For the 5.4L though you will have to rev it in it's powerband when you need passing or hill power.