Choosing the right Expedition for towing (and should I boost)?
 

Ok folks, I need some advice on 2006 vs 2007 (transmissions) for a high altitude towing application.

Wife would really like another Expedition (her 1997 is a tank, with almost 200k on it).

The catch is we have a travel trailer to tow. It is only 5500 lbs loaded but we live in Colorado at 7500 feet and frequently tow between 5000 (-2.5 atmostpheric psi) and 10000 feet (-4.5psi) with long large hills and high winds. So with our existing Expedition we spend extended periods of time at 4000 rpms, stuck in second gear and not keeping up with traffic.

Yes - the newer Expeditions are more powerful but trust me - power alone isn't enough. So I'm strongly considering 4-6 psi of boost (definitely on a 4spd, maybe on the 6spd). This will make a huge difference in towing performance.

Budget being a limiting factor - would you get a an '06 with a 4 speed or an '07 with a 6 speed (knowing there are some concerns with that tranny)? The 6 speed is much, much more appealing to me, and I would see if we could get by without boosting the engine. Would love to get an '09 but I don't see the money being there.

I'm envisioning doing some long towing with this setup (i.e. from Colorado to the coasts).

Thoughts?

Avoid the 2006 with the 4-speed transmission. The 2007 is 6-speed and ideally suited for towing. I'm towing a 5000+ pound camper on many weekends with mine. I consider the HD tow option to be mandatory -- bigger engine and transmission radiators and full RV wiring.

-- Chuck

Well I did some more research and talked to a tuner. He said if you boost it, you'll shorten the life of the engine dramatically (then add the towing - double ouch!). So we were eyeballing an '09 when we suddenly inherited a car. So now we have a very low-cost get-around-town vehicle and next spring we can throw an old Excursion 7.3 diesel at the trailer for about 1/3 of the price. That should do it!!!

look at a Navi 2005 or 06 it came with a Six speed already 2 years before the Expedition :)

im sure your lady will like it