Hello All,I have a 1997 Ford Expedition 4x4 and it has the HD towing package. I have the smaller of the two V8's that we're available on my model (4.6 litre).I tow my 6-1/2 x 12 Utility trailer loaded down without issue to the Desert and back. I am looking into moving up to a Toy Hauler. 19 - 23 foot range. My gross weight for my Expy is 11,000 pounds. Was wondering if a 23 foot Toy Hauler be ok for me to pull safely? I would get the Weight Distribution hitch for sure.Your thoughts?

As long as the fully loaded TH is light enough to stay below your max gross weight by 15% then you'll be safe. Once you get at or above your max then safety and longevity of drive train components becomes an issue.

Thanks for that. Where I am confused is the Gross weight of my Expy. Is it the weight of my Expy and contents, then subtract that from 11,000? Then whatever is left is what I can safely tow?

You need to figure out your GCWR. That will tell you what you can safely tow.I can tell you right now that a 20' toy hauler is going to be pushing the limits of your Expedition, if you're able to tow it at all. That 4.6 will be hating life and be getting atrocious mileage in the process.

Your Expy is on a 1/2t chassis which limits the payload and tongue weight more than what it can actually drag behind it. Your GVWR minus actual vehicle weight will give you an idea how much can be loaded in the vehicle along with the tongue weight of the desired trailer (toy hauler).Expect that the tongue weight will 15% of the GVWR of the toy hauler you are eyeing. If the toy hauler is rated at 10,000 lbs, you will have close to 1500 lbs of tongue weight once you are loaded with water and propane.In general, you need a 3/4t or 1t SRW vehicle for a bumper pull toy hauler. There are some smaller lighter units, but you will need to watch the tongue weight more than anything else when you are looking for one.

Per manual:4.6 L 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio(17 in) Wheels(11000 lb) GCWR(0-5500 lb) Max Trailer WeightThere is nothing mentioning about Tongue Weight.I was looking at one the megalite TH's. Specs like this on a 23'Model: Extreme Mege-Lite 23LTLength 27'6"Width 8'0"Height 10'5"Dry Weight: 4780 lb.Axle: 2Tongue Weight: 630 lbs.GVWR: 7640 lbs.Fresh Water: 100 gal.Gray Water: 35 gal.Black Water: 35 gals

Newbie Question on towing with my Ford Expedition

58 Replies

CarlT100
Explorer
Jan 06, 2016
MPDano wrote:
CarlT100 wrote:
MPDano, thank you for your service, Sir! I started out as an 11 bullet stopper and retired as a personnel sergeant major in 2000. Hooahh!

That's Huah SGM! I keep in touch with a couple of my MP Soldiers on Facebook and they too are SGM's. Time sure flies.

Indeed it does! I am getting old!
Dirtclods
Explorer II
Jan 05, 2016
MPDano I'm glad it all worked out for you!
MPDano
Explorer
Jan 05, 2016
CarlT100 wrote:
MPDano, thank you for your service, Sir! I started out as an 11 bullet stopper and retired as a personnel sergeant major in 2000. Hooahh!

That's Huah SGM! I keep in touch with a couple of my MP Soldiers on Facebook and they too are SGM's. Time sure flies.
CarlT100
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
MPDano, thank you for your service, Sir! I started out as an 11 bullet stopper and retired as a personnel sergeant major in 2000. Hooahh!
MPDano
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
Hey Carl. Was wondering what your MOS was? I was a Combat Medic in the Army Reserves and got out as an MP Captain in 2008. Huah!
MPDano
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
CarlT100 wrote:
Looks like a great trip and a fun time.

Thanks and yes it was. Looking forward for the next one on the 21st.
CarlT100
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
Looks like a great trip and a fun time.
MPDano
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
December 28, 2015. First Trip out. Installed air bags on the same day leaving. Took about 1-1/2 hours. Agua Caliente then Santa Ysabel for Apple Pie on the way home.

Mod Edit: Adjusted photo width, maximum posting size is 800x suggested is 640x so it does not skew the forum window.
MPDano
Explorer
Jan 01, 2016
The trip was a success. Had to to throw it down to low on a couple steep hills but overall did great. Found a few things that needed repair once i was out there.

Had no water pressure and turning the pump on blows water out the city water. This was the valve and replace it and all is great.

Black water tank always showing as full even after dumping. Bought a swivel stick and cleaned out the black water tank sensors. All is good there too.

Ordered some Marine speakers to replace the blown ones. Gonna replace the awning material as it is all torn up.

Bought a Samsung 24 inch LCD, just waiting on the mount to come in. I think i will bring my sons xbox 360 to play dvd's and games.

Everything else worked great while we were out on our short camping trip. Love having that heater and soft bed.
Dirtclods
Explorer II
Dec 28, 2015
I don't own a Diesel, I don't need brakes heading down hill either I just set my cruise control.