Expedition Towing?
 

Getting ready to pull the trigger on a expedition if anyone can confirm the towing limits? I've got a car hauler that weights almost right at the 9K limit but, does anyone tow with the new 6 speed and new suspension set up? I'm definatly getting the air sprung rear but would love to hear / see what you are towing in the 6K + range.

Rember that the rated tow limts are for the driver only and a vehicle without extras. Maximum CGVW is 15,000 for any 2007+ Expedition with heavy duty tow package. I think anything close to 9K is way to heavy, I've towed a travel trailer weighing about #5,500 (loaded) with 2 adults and 5 kids (ages 13-2) without any problem. I haven't weighed my combo, but I figure I'm about #12,500-13,000 CGVW.

Yes I am well aware of GVW, GCVW, and Axles weights but what I want to know is if anyone is towing and having problems, I don't see many people towing over 5K lbs with these. It is all a theory game in my opinion, a great example is your rig, longer wheelbase and more weight means you should be able to tow more then a standard expedition but because they limit you to a 15K lb weight combined, you are rated to tow less even though it is a more stable rig. People read way too much into what companies say instead of real world experiences.

What type of TT are towing? How much square footage does the unit have? Dual axles or tripples? Just wondering as all of these questions factor into how much weight you can tow.

Thanks in advance

I have a 2007 limited non EL with the heavy tow package. pulls great I pulled a open trailer with a tracter on it weighed in around 7500lbs, and have a boat that weighs 6,000lbs. no problem, pulls great. I have a 2008 f-250 that i mostly use for heavy towing, but the expedition does great. You def. know the trailer is back there, but it has the power and breaks for it.

I tow a 31'-7" Trail Cruiser 30QBSS TT dual axle. Its a light weight style and is not quite as tall as traditional aluminum skinned TT's. Width is 96" Heigth is 9'-8" including the A/C. I use a weight distribution hitch, sway control, and a Prodigy brake controller.

Max Towing for the EL is:

9,000 for the 4x2

8,750 for the 4x4

HOw much does your trailer weigh? I also have a 31" that I pull with a 00 Ex V-10 and am considering trading 2 vehicles for the 07 Expedition if it call pull 9K and take a 1100-1200 tongue weight with the Equalizer weight distr hitch. I wonder if the rear air susp will help or is that too much for it?

I ordered my '07 specifically for towing. HD towing package. NO air suspension, it complicates the Equal-i-zer setup to the point of frustation and can hide too much weight on the rear axle.

Maximum towing capacity is just that. Maximum. Just a 150 driver on board. Drops pound for pound for everything inside beyond that. Mine dropped 30 pounds the second my butt hit the seat. ;)

-- Chuck

A lot depends on how often and how far you will be towing the max weight. A short trip here and there is different than every weekend 200 miles.

If the latter, you need an F350.

My trailer weighs about #5,500 loaded. My trailer is a light weight lower profile smothwalled fiberglass Trail Cruiser which really makes it was easier to pull vs an aluminum & wood toy hauler. I haven't put it on a scale yet, but I do have a trailer tounge scale and weighs about #600, which is pretty close to my estimates. I hope to weight it in a couple of weeks when I'm on a trip.
One thing to watch out for is the GAWR REAR (#4,250) and GAWR FRONT (#3,700). I'm worried that I might actually be a bit over on the rear capacity. I estimate my Rear axle weight to be about #4,400 loaded with passengers (#900) and fuel (#200), and hitch (#60). This assumes 55% of the vehicle weight is on the rear axle, plus 60% of the trailer tounge weight (using the Reese Dual Cam weight distribution hitch). I estimate the front axle to be loaded to #3,500.
I've towed about 2,000 miles so far with this setup without any issues.

I understand those variables and I have read the factory ratings, I wanted to hear the "real world" experience of those that might have tried it. I wouldn't want to go the F350 route, I need a SUV and wanted to have something that was more refined than the Excursion that I currently have, get better mileage empty adn can fit into garages and the small parking spaces around here. The Ex is a strictly tow vehicle while I drive the Explorer daily for its convenience. I did a 3400 mile trip during the holidays and although I appreciate Ex I am considering a smaller TV (first) or maybe a smaller TV.

rowekmr, have you considered a lighter trailer then the 08 Jayco 31 BHDS? Being an '08 its obviously new but there are trailers that weigh 1,000 #'s less although they usually cost more. Trailer weight was a huge factor when purchased my trailer. I wanted to stay at least #2,000 under CGVWR. The only drawback of the trail cruiser it has a 6'6" interior and I'm 6'5". I assume you're looking at the EL and not the shorter Expy?

Yes that is my second choice though. I am hoping to find some some sort of compromise if safely possible. Or as some do I am told is they take trip around the hills and mountains. I am 6'4" so I can relate to your low ceiling scenario. I went to the dealership today but they don't have any with the HD towing package and it was too cold to look at the difference in interior space between the normal and the EL Expedition. I plan to do some looking soon though but and am in no rush to trade yet.

I have a friend that has a new EXPY with the 6 speed. He borrowed my 33' Aluma-lite TT (10,500 lbs) and towed it to Valdez last summer. Now he wants to buy a trailer just like mine. He said his EXPY pulled it just fine. Fuel mileage sucked though....like 7 MPG. Not bad for a gasser pulling that much wieght through the mountains.

Dealer stocking recommendation is maybe 10% HD Tow. Mine took 8 weeks to be built.

If you're going to ignore the truck's maximum towing capacity at least get some gages fitted.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...9-IMG_1124.JPG

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...expectancy.jpg

-- Chuck