Hey guys! I have found a 2006 Expedition King Ranch with the HD towing package for sale. I like it, but if I bought it I would be towing a 23Ft travel trailer(4500 lbs dry). I know this in well within the weight parameters, but I would like some real world towing feedback. The TT has a huge front which causes a lot of wind resistance. Any opinions will be welcomed. Thanks!!

 

I've towed a 24' bumper pull toy trailer rated at 10k gvw, a 25' boat weighing approx 7500 loaded and motorcycle trailers with up to 5 bikes with ours.

We always got there, just not so fast. I always felt the TT was a little too much but always pulled it very light.

Your trailer seems very light for the size and your gvw towing capacity is about 8,500 lbs max.

Make sure you have a weight distribution hitch to help but the truck should have air bags with the tow pkg to really help. It's also got the hd cooling pkg including the tranny, LS diff, and the easy plugin wiring assembly under the dash for electric brakes.

I now pull with our PSD and would never go back but the Expy worked for a good daily driver besides.

 

When pulling bigger trailers with mine, interstate type speeds really kill the fuel mileage. 70-75 mph = 6 mpg with a bigger trailer.

Truck handles it fine, but you will pay at the pump with a heavy foot...

 

Air bags, That kinda gives me the ******, I have heard of lots of problems with the air ride suspension. I towed the camper with a 2001 f150 supercrew 5.4 4x4 for 2 years but at 200k miles I started getting nervous about towing long distances. I assume it would be similar but you never know, so thought I would ask the experts.

 

The air bags worked great for towing. I did have to replace both rear bags after about 10 years. As a rubber product, it's just a matter of time before necessary.
If the bags are still in good condition, they hold the load just fine.

 

I think I will go check it out , thanks for the info.

 

don't confuse add-on air bags with OE air suspension... the aftermarket units are in addition to the OE spring setup, whereas most of the "air ride suspension' you probably hear about is on like the navigator, where air -is- the suspension.

anywho, before i got my truck in sig i pulled our 24' enclosed with the wife's '04 expy, and it never ceased to amaze me. now granted the trailer was outfitted such that there wasn't much tongue weight, but at 3600lb curb weight empty, along with the front 11' that i converted to living quarters, my rolling toolbox, race quad, and a bunch of other "stuff" it pulled it like a champ. the trailer was taller than most enclosed too, so it was a kite in the wind. the only advantage my '99 5.4l F250 had over the expy was the towing mirrors, lol.

my inlaws have a '10 expy, and the extra hp's along with the extra trans gear really pulls their 24' boat well.

 

Well I finally got my ducks in a row and I have my $$ ready and I'm going Saturday to look at the KR. It's 2 hours away so it will be an all day deal. Is there anything special that I need to look for other than the spark plugs?

 

I have the weight distribution bar, I will probably have to get the Trailer brake controller. Its just plug and play isn't it?

 

I get about........towing my 24' Ultralight travel trailer - rated weight is 5500# - Four Winds 24R
using my 99 EB Expy = ...3-4 mpg hwy... (I get about 10.7mpg in the city without the trailer...no not lead...footed I live up a mountain)
using my 1997 F350 Powerstroke ....17mpg hwy.... (has a 1988 body on it)

ymmv.

My expy needs the stabilizer bar and 2 weight distribution bars pulling my trailer....
I went 10 miles with neither - BAD IDEA - bottomed out my air bags too.

Yes they are just a plug in - My 99 EB had all the plugs installed.
You can move controllers from one vehicle to another.

I have replaced the air system in my 99EBexpy.

 

Finally!!!!! Got a deal worked out!!! I am going tomorrow to pick it up. It's a 3 hour drive through Fancy Gap Va. I just pray that the weather holds out long enough to get the mustang up the mountain.

 

GOT IT!!!!! super tight and smooth, the interior is a little dirty. Loving it so far, thanks for all the advice!!!

 

congrats, hope it works out for ya!

 

5.4 our nice motors but dogs when towing even in a f250.They will do it but it feels like a non turbo diesel. If your only goin to be towing a time or 2 a month it will be fine. Just run good oil and filter. Id run 5 w30. I dont care what ppl say about 5w20. Unless your under warranty. So ford has to pay for there mistake phasers. But ya medioker tow rig. Buy if your going to daily drive 80-90% of the time tow 10-20%. Buy diesel or v10 or 6.2 new gasser if towing alot. I tow a 4 horse trailer with my expy once in a while. It knows its behind me.