Trailer Weight Range and Towing

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Apr 3, 2006 | 07:23 AM

budhead1

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Trailer Weight Range and Towing

Would someone please explain what “Trailer weight range” means as it is referred to in the owner’s manual for my 2000 Expedition? I am trying to determine how much I can tow with this vehicle. I understand needing to subtract the weight of the vehicle (passenger and load included) from the GCWR. But where doe the “Trailer weight range” come in? In the manual the trailer weight range is written as 0-6 400lbs (as an example). What does that mean?

Also, how do I find out what the rear axle ratio is? I bought this used, so I don’t have the original window sticker. Where else is that listed? Also, how would I know if it has a “tow package?” It has the wiring by the hitch to connect to the trailer, but I don’t know if that means it has the “tow package,” which I understand to mean additional cooling for the tranny, among other things.

Thank you for your assistance.

Apr 3, 2006 | 08:05 AM

jas88

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From: Greater Austin, Texas

I'll have to look at my manual and get back to you. I towed ~5000 with it just a few days ago and it didn't have any trouble at all with the weight. I also have the 8-pin trailer connector and the Class III hitch but I don't have an external trans cooler.

Apr 3, 2006 | 08:33 AM

budhead1

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Thank you. How do I know what type of hitch I have. It's connected to the frame, but other than that--?

Apr 3, 2006 | 08:37 AM

cdolor

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From: Fair Hill MD

I did the same thing a while ago. The manual is printed strange. What it saying is 0 - 6,400 not 0 - 6 400. All scale are like that in my owners manual as well. If that is how you are reading it. I believe you can find the rear ratio by getting the code number off the tag on the rear.
Chuck

Apr 3, 2006 | 12:23 PM

eric james

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Do you have a VIN sticker in the driver's door jamb. Look for the box for axle code. I think H or I6 means 3.73 gears. Once you have the code, you can look it up here.

As for towing, it is a safe range to tow 80% of your maximum capacity. So if your towing capacity is 6400 lbs, you can safely tow 5100 lbs forever.

My 26' travel trailer tips the scale at 4500 lbs loaded - 5100 lbs doesn't alway mean dinky trailer.

Here's a great rv towing website: http://www.rvtowingtips.com/

Apr 3, 2006 | 02:01 PM

budhead1

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Thanks for all the great info.

Now I understand about the numbers (0-6400). But I'm still not clear on what they mean by trailer weight range. What, it can tow a trail that weighs from nothing to 6400 lbs.? Still not clear. I just want to understand.

Thanks again.

Apr 3, 2006 | 06:49 PM

eric james

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You can tow zero to 6400 lbs.

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Apr 4, 2006 | 07:50 PM

eric james

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You are correct, if you know the weight of the tow vehicle loaded with passengers and gear, you subtract it from the GCVWR and then you have the max trailer weight you should tow.

You still don't want to exceed the Expedition's GVWR when you add the tongue weight of the trailer.

Apr 7, 2006 | 10:13 PM

#10

lahiggs

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I have a 99 EB 5.4L 4wd. I tow a 30' travel trailer with mine with no problem. It weighs 6600 empty, so around 7100 or so loaded. I have no problem and I live in WV, where it is hills to get anywhere on the interstate.

Apr 10, 2006 | 09:50 AM

#11

budhead1

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What do you mean by adding in the tongue weight? I know I'm supposed to keep 10% of the weight on the tongue, according to the documentation, but doesn't that just mean making sure the weight of the load is distributed such that 10% it towards the tongue? Am I actually putting weights (i.e. for my weight bench) on the tongue itself? I'm assuming the whole issue with the weight at the tongue it to not have the load act as a lever and actually pull the trailer off of the hitch if the whole load is at the rear of the trailer?

Thanks.

Apr 10, 2006 | 09:53 AM

#12

TDN

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From: Maryland

The calculation for GVWR of the vehicle includes the tongue weight of the trailer because that weight is going through the vehicle suspension, wheels etc. When you consider the vehicle weight plus occupants, cargo, etc. you have to remember to add the tongue weight, that's all.