Notices
All Things Towing Conventional, 5th Wheel, Toy Hauler, Flatbed, Gooseneck, Electrical/Brakes/etc.

Dumb Question: HD Trailer Tow Package

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 31, 2011 | 01:55 PM
  #1  
MADEXP's Avatar
MADEXP
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: Aldie
Dumb Question: HD Trailer Tow Package

Going over my 2004 Expedition Window Sticker at it says I have the "Heavy Duty Trailer Tow" Package....what exactly is this?
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2011 | 02:10 PM
  #2  
BPofMD's Avatar
BPofMD
FTE Legend
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Club FTE Silver Member

Check your OWNER'S MANUAL....if you don't have it, you can download one at ford.com.
Prob consists of tranny cooler, HD brakes, wiring for trailer hookup, hi-amp alternator and possibly other various and sundry things.
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2011 | 02:25 PM
  #3  
MADEXP's Avatar
MADEXP
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: Aldie
Thanks, but manual is not much help describing what is included in this package other than wiring for trailer hookup. So far the best description is located via Wikipedia (yes, I know how reliable (or not) that is):

Heavy-duty trailer tow package

Expeditions equipped with the heavy-duty trailer tow package are prepped and readied for towing at the factory. The package includes a heavy-duty V-5 rated Class IV trailer hitch with weight distribution capability, heavy-duty radiator, heavy-duty auxiliary transmission fluid cooler, hitch mounted 4 and 7-pin trailer electrics connector and factory prewiring for an electronic trailer brake controller module. The brake controller wiring harness is located under the dash on the driver’s side for easy installment of the brake controller module.
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2011 | 02:55 PM
  #4  
BPofMD's Avatar
BPofMD
FTE Legend
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Club FTE Silver Member

Sounds right to me!

You COULD try contacting FORD with your VIN and ask what the truck came with.....
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2011 | 02:58 PM
  #5  
MADEXP's Avatar
MADEXP
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: Aldie
Good idea. Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2011 | 04:24 PM
  #6  
powerstroke72's Avatar
powerstroke72
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
According to the 2004 Trailer Towing Guide, it includes the following:

7-Wire Harness & 4/7-Pin Connector
Aux. Auto Trans. Oil Cooler (22-plate)
Super Engine Cooling (1.42" Core Thickness)
Electronic Brake Wiring Kit

It also raises the Maximum GCWR to 14,500 lbs. and the maximum trailer towing capacity from 6000 lbs to 8650 lbs.

You can get a copy of the trailer towing guide here:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...ng/default.asp

The information is located on pages 14 and 20.
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2011 | 06:02 PM
  #7  
MADEXP's Avatar
MADEXP
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: Aldie
That's a great find John--I appreciate it. I was asking the questions because I am planning on towing my 99 Ranger across the country (from WA - to - VA) as part of my military move. Wanted to ensure Expedition could handle the tow (via tow dolly). I also have the 3.73 Limited Slip Axle and electronic brake wiring kit. BTW, I am shipping my 2006 Mustang, but may end up towing (not via tow dolly, but car trailer instead), if the enclosed carrier deal falls through.
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2011 | 06:18 PM
  #8  
powerstroke72's Avatar
powerstroke72
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
No problem. And thanks for your service.

You should be fine with the dolly but consider the fact that the dolly may have, at best, only surge brakes. Other than that, the Expedition platform is up to the task. I had a 2003 Expy and it was a great tow vehicle.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-1

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-8

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 31, 2011 | 06:58 PM
  #9  
rattleNsmoke's Avatar
rattleNsmoke
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: Western Connecticut
Other than wishing it came with a diesel......yeah it's a comfy and capable tow vehicle.
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2011 | 10:56 PM
  #10  
MADEXP's Avatar
MADEXP
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: Aldie
Well after completing almost the 3K mile trek from Washington to Virginia I think I have an obligation to share my experience.

The bottomline is that my 2004 Expedition XLT (tow package, etc) as described above flawlessly towed my 1999 Ford Ranger across the nation via U-Haul Tow Dolly. Here's what I experienced:

- 2004 Expy has an excellent pulling/towing capability.
- Was able to maintain an average speed of 70-80 MPH on flat highways, using cruise control, and under 2,000 RPM.
- Of course, I would slow down going up hill, but if I found myself having to pass an 18 wheeler I could do it with plenty of prior planning.
- I disconnected my 1999 Ford Ranger drive shaft to ensure I did not bust my transmission.
- U-Haul tow dolly was flawless...new design has two pivot points, so backing up is a no-go....had to plan ahead pulling into places.
- Braking and slowing down also took prior planning...panic stop was a no-go. Almost kissed a doggone dear near Ohio...no cars in front or back and this thing had to cross in front of me...thank God it was around 8 am...and I saw it coming.
- As expected, gas consumption was high..overall around $900 worth of gas.

Feel free to ask questions...

Here's a quick pic...some rest stop along the Ohio Turnpike...


 
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2011 | 06:11 AM
  #11  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,383
Likes: 1,867
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
congrats and welcome to the east coast. Get ready for winter.

I was stationed here at Ft. Detrick back in 1997 and just stayed when I retired.
 
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2011 | 04:00 PM
  #12  
MADEXP's Avatar
MADEXP
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: Aldie
Ah, yes. Thank you...this is my third time in Virginia, hopefully no more moves for me.
 
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2011 | 04:28 PM
  #13  
BPofMD's Avatar
BPofMD
FTE Legend
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Club FTE Silver Member

Army or Navy. MADEXP?
 
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2011 | 06:59 PM
  #14  
powerstroke72's Avatar
powerstroke72
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
Good to have you (back) in Virginia Tony! When you get a minute, drop by the VA Chapter forum and post. We've got our monthly BS session going on in there so don't be a stranger!

Congrats on making the trip safe and sound.
 
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2011 | 12:12 PM
  #15  
MADEXP's Avatar
MADEXP
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: Aldie
Originally Posted by BPofMD
Army or Navy. MADEXP?
Army...26 yrs now and counting....
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:47 PM.

story-0
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-7
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-8
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE