I need some suggestions & advice. I'm getting ready to make my first long haul (1200 miles) with my new Expy & my old 18 Ft Pace enclosed twin 3,500 Lb axle trailer, 6,000-7,000 LB. fully loaded, tongue weight 800-900Lb. I recently replaced my 1998 E350 V10 Ford van with a 2015 Expy which may have some down side compared to the old van. Both weigh approximately the same, 6,200 Lb, but the suspension, wheel base, tires, & load capacity of the Expy seem to be less capable. I have purchased and installed a used 1,400 Lb anti-sway weigh distributing hitch called a Pro Pride 3P, which is an improved version of the old Hensley Arrow Hitch. My previous hitch was a Draw Tite 750 Lb WD hitch with the friction type anti-sway device. I made a short pull (125 miles) with the old Draw Tite and wasn't real happy with the pulling experence. I'm hoping that the 3P hitch when I get it dialed in, will improve the experience. I'm not sure if I should increase the tire pressure on the Expy Passenger type tires 35 PSI F&R. The old van had LT tires with a recommended rear pressure of 55 PSI Front & 80 PSI rear. In addition, to the tires what other things would you recommend I be aware of. Thanks in advance!

 

Looks like a lot of people have read your post, but have not commented yet, so I guess I will be the crash test dummy. I am not too familiar with your new suv, but as long as your trailer is within the weight limit listed for your truck is a good place to start. On your tires, I assume 35 psi is what is listed on your door label. Ford comes up with this number based on the rated load of your vehicle, adding in comfort and best gas mileage. If you look at the tires, there will be a weight rating branded into the side wall. Example, "max load xxxlbs at 44 psi". You should be able to increase your pressure a little bit. I am no engineer, just an opinion.

 

I think your pro pride hitch is going to make most of your worries disappear.

The pressure listed on the door tag will cover your up to your GAWR's, so as long as you aren't overloaded you will be fine.

 

The Ecoboost will produce more power at a lower RPM than the old V10 did. And with the ProPride hitch you will NOT have any sway. Should be an all around great towing setup.

 

As noted above, you probably won't have LT tires on your Expy, just HD SUV tires, capable of 44 psi max.
No where near the E rated LT's with 80 psi.
Love to hear more after you get back on the power difference.

 

I'd definitely run more pressure in at least your rear tires. It depends on your tires maximum pressure to determine how much though.

And a huge part of a successful tow is slow it down. You might not always (if ever) be able to maintain the speed limit, that's fine. Find where it's most comfortable and just cruise.

And as others have said, you have the best hitch available so that should help a lot.


.

 

Air all tires to the max psi on the sidewall.

Keep your speed at about 65 due to the tires on the trailer. They are probably ST which has a max speed of 65.

I think you will be fine. the ecoboost motor tows really good.

Not sure of the powerband they programmed into the expy but I expect it to perform well.