Ok, so we've finally decided to bite the bullet and start looking for travel trailer. We could use my 2000 gas F250SD4X$ short bed Ext. Cab. With 3 kids now, that's not really an option unless it's a short drive.

The wifes 2010 Expy EL 4X4 XLT will be the likely tow vehicle.

The travel trailers we're considering will be 28'-31' single slide outs. I've been trying to stay at a max dry wgt. of 6000lbs. I understand that doesn't include anything loaded into the camper. I know I have to worry about MGVW which of IIRC is 9000lbs. I know that max includes the tow vehicle and its contents + the trailer and its contents. Then there's tounge wgt.

I need advice from some of you experienced towing guys.

I need some "do's"..."DONT's" and "gotcha's".

Is there a specific tow guide that Ford put out for the Expy's with the HD tow package?

I bought the vehicle used, how do I know for sure if I have the "Full Monty" HD tow package??

I'm obviously a towing noob so even some of the obvious hints and tricks will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

Check to see if you have a 7 blade tailer connecter by the hitch below the rear bumper. If so, you should have a HD tow package. You certainly can tow up to a max of 9000 lbs, but it doesn't mean you should. You have to keep in mind total vehicle weight combined with the camper, and towing near or at max CVWR quite often isn't fun. You may also want to check your rear axle ratio. 3.73 would be a much better option than a 3.31 for towing such a heavy trailer. Just my $.02.

BTW...max towing capacity for an Expe with HD trailer tow is usually 9000 lbs. That is not max CVWR. Also, with a trailer that heavy a weight distribution hitch would be necessary.

 

I have a Trailcruiser 30qbss which is a light weight 31' trailer with a single slide. Interior height is only 6'4" but because of it's lower height it greatly reduces the wind profile. Weight is not everything, but it is a huge factor. I weighed it at #5,500 loaded, dry weight is about #4,800. I would not want it to be heavier as it would make me want to have a more powerful tow vehicle.
Weight distrubution and sway control are a MUST as are trailer brakes.

 

I finally found a little time to do a bit of digging.

I have the HD tow package and the 7pin receptacle at the receiver.

The 2010 Expy EL 4X4 has a max tow capacity of 8700#.

Not sure of the gear ratio. Have to check when I get home. If I have the VIN, can I find that info online??

I found two online tow guides from Ford...

2010 Expy Towing Guide PDF - click here
Complete 2010 Ford Trailer + RV Towing Guide - All Vehicles
Listing of Complete Towing Guides 2002-2012

I need to add a brake controller.

I need to add some towing mirrors (maybe the snap on rather than replace our $300 a piece heated power mirrors)

We have a deal on a 2007 Crossroads Zinger 27BH no slide. Dry Wgt of 4800#. Well within our towing envelope with room to spare so we shouldn't have too much troubles crossing the hills here on the east coast. IIRC, it does have trailer brakes.

Hope I've uncoverd a few resources for others to use in the future.

Thanks for the info gents.

 

If you have the EL they only came with 3.73's. The regular length came standard with 3.31's and optional 3.73's


Matt

 

Well, thank goodness for small miracles. You learn something new every day!

 

JetFuelBurner,
If you're interested in a copy of your window sticker to see what options it came with, use this link below and just add your VIN after the = sign.

Untitled Page

The HD tow package would have shown up on this.


Matt

 

Cool. Thanks.

 

Link doesn't seem to work. Then again, I'm using a mac. I'll try to use my pc when I get home...

 

Disregard. I see...you enter the vin at the end of the URL and up pops the sticker. Very cool!

Thank you again...

 

There's an axle code on the data plate in the drivers side door jam. I don't have them handy but someone here probably knows them by heart and will reply!

I've used the same set of McKesh (brand) towing mirrors for 11 seasons. Different trucks. Different trailers. Set them 6" wider than the camper on both sides. If the mirrors fit, the trailer will fit. Before EZpass they'd brush back the toll collectors as well.

Tekonsha (brand) Prodigy P2 or P3 electric brake controller. The only choice in my experience. Proportional braking. Avoid the dealers "best selling brand" as it's probably a cheap time delay controller.

Equalizer (brand) weight distribution hitch includes sway control. No chains, friction bars or other nonsense. Do the final setup after the trailer is loaded. Switch the air suspension OFF while doing this. Switch it back on later to take the last 1/4" out of the truck being level.

-- Chuck

 

I don't think this is accurate for every model year.

 

Just going by the Ford literature. Do you know of an EL that has 3.31's ?



Matt

 

Pretty sure all ELs come with 3.73s, i don't think there is another choice.

 

Based on data in the towing guides the EL has never been offered with the 3.31 axles.

The 2010 Ford Towing Guide (that's a link), the guide for your year, also only shows the 3.31 axles for the non-EL models. EL and all Navigators show the 3.73 axles which are optional on the short wheelbase models like mine.

The 3.73 axles may have been part of the HD Tow or other option as it doesn't show on my window sticker.

-- Chuck