Towing Capacity Question
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Towing Capacity Question
I have a 2003 Expedition 2WD with the 4.6L engine (the axle is listed as H6 which I believe is a limited slip 3.73 ratio axle). Per the owners guide, my maximum trailer weight towing capacity is 6215 lbs. I used to tow a 21' boat with no problems a few years ago which probably weighed in at around 5000 lbs with trailer.
I am looking to purchase a 23' boat with a heavier overall weight. With a fully loaded rig, I'm looking at a trailer weight of about 6800-7000 lbs. Here's how I arrived at the 6800-7000 lbs (using the max capacity of gas and water):
Boat: 3400 lbs
Engine: 600 lbs (outboard)
Gas: 780 lbs (130 gallons)
Water: 200 lbs (25 gallons)
Trailer: 1200 lbs (my estimate)
Total: 6170 lbs
I added an additional 600 lbs for gear and other things I may have onboard. Granted, it may be much closer to 6500 lbs than 7000 lbs but I want to make sure I don't underestimate. Also, I have to account for the weight of any gear in the Expedition.
I am in Florida and have no hills to climb. My concern is not necessarily on-road towing but actually being able to pull the boat out at the ramp. The boat weight should be lower at the ramp due to fuel burn but it'll still be over the 6215 lbs limit.
Is there anything I can do to increase the weight capacity? I looked at an axle ratio change but I'm not sure if that will change my capacity since the manual states a 6215 lbs limit for all axle ratios. Can a programmer help?
Thanks,
Freddie
I am looking to purchase a 23' boat with a heavier overall weight. With a fully loaded rig, I'm looking at a trailer weight of about 6800-7000 lbs. Here's how I arrived at the 6800-7000 lbs (using the max capacity of gas and water):
Boat: 3400 lbs
Engine: 600 lbs (outboard)
Gas: 780 lbs (130 gallons)
Water: 200 lbs (25 gallons)
Trailer: 1200 lbs (my estimate)
Total: 6170 lbs
I added an additional 600 lbs for gear and other things I may have onboard. Granted, it may be much closer to 6500 lbs than 7000 lbs but I want to make sure I don't underestimate. Also, I have to account for the weight of any gear in the Expedition.
I am in Florida and have no hills to climb. My concern is not necessarily on-road towing but actually being able to pull the boat out at the ramp. The boat weight should be lower at the ramp due to fuel burn but it'll still be over the 6215 lbs limit.
Is there anything I can do to increase the weight capacity? I looked at an axle ratio change but I'm not sure if that will change my capacity since the manual states a 6215 lbs limit for all axle ratios. Can a programmer help?
Thanks,
Freddie
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,028
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From: Edmonton, AB.
Maybe the 4.10 gears might be the way to go, bang for the buck so to speak. One thing that might be an issue, you already mentioned. Lifting it out of the water with only 2wd. If you get a slippery ramp, could be a bit of a worry.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Why don't you take that rig to a scale and find out exactly what you're dealing with? The cost is cheap and will eliminate guesswork. You could hit a scale on the way to putting it in the water for a trial run (you ARE gonna do a sea trial, right?)
Welcome to FTE!!!
Steve
Welcome to FTE!!!
Steve
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