I am attempting to determine the maximum trailer weight that anyone has towed with a 98 Expedition 4.6 ltr all stock.
I know what the book says, I am looking for real world data.
AND what sort of issues did you have?

 

I towed my Chevelle with my 00 Expy 4.6 in an enclosed trailer with a total weight of 7500+ lbs. It was an absolute horror and the truck just didn't have the power or stopping ability.

 

I have a 11' 5.4L Expy with HD Tow packang and a Hensley Arrow hitch. I tow a 34' TT that weighs on average 8700lbs (including my family of 6). Take in consideration, your hitch (sway & weight distribution) properly set up for you truck. Wheel base length plays a key role, but your hitch and driving speed dictate handeling the most. Find out what you truck's gvwr is and stay within those guidelines and you should be ok. With the right equipment and a lot of common sense, it can be done safely.

 

I towed my Buick from TN to FL with my 2008 EL, about 700 miles and it was easy
I figure the trailer and car weighed about 5500 lbs
(picture in my signature)

 

I tow a 16' trailer loaded with 1 6' Mower deck , 1 6' box blade' 1 6' rotor tiller. 1 Ford 3000 diesel tractor 1 post hole digger; from Katy Texas to Junction TX.

The only problem I had was the 7% grade about 50 miles out from Junction. I dropped to 40 MPH going up it

At the time the truck had over 160,*** miles on it...and yes it was a 4.6

 

I'm not saying this to be negative but you are most likely over loaded and should not be towing that much weight. The payload of your expedition is about 1650 pounds. Your hitch weight is going to be in and around 1100 pounds that only gives you 550 pounds for 6 people and all the stuff that comes with them. I would also bet that you are over your rear axle weight rating.

Now that being said it is possible that you have checked all your weights and axle ratings and are within the limits, if so fantastic!

I just say this because I was given the old "yeah you can tow that easy" at the trailer dealership, and expecting them to be the experts I purchased a trailer that was too big for my vehicle after I loaded the family in it.


To the OP

99% of the time you will run out of payload before you reach your maximum towing capacity for any vehicle. I recommend looking at the payload of your expedition (on the tire sticker) subtract the weight of your family if you have kids remember they grow, take a good guess at the weight you think you haul in the car with you (and probably add at least 100 pounds )

My example is this 1650 (payload) - 700 (Family 5+dog) - 300 (junk we pack in the car) this gives me 650 pounds for my hitch weight. your hitch weight should be in the 10-15% of the trailer weight range. I use 13% as an estimator. Based on my family the maximum I can tow is 5000 pounds without exceeding the payload capacity.

Good luck with your towing adventure! I have no doubt that if you stay within your payload and towing capacity you will have no problems at all.

 

if you dont have a lot of experienced with towing stay within maximum towing capacity for the vehicle

but if your going to do this (not saying its ok) make sure your trailer is loaded right, if not trailer sway and stopping is going to be a problem dont be in a rush and leave plenty of room for stopping

how much weight are you wanting to tow?