2012 Ford Expedition Towing 30' Travel Trailer

According to Ford the 2012 Expedition without the HD trailer towing package has a 6,000# towing limit and an 11,800# GCWR.
2012 RV & Trailer Towing Guide

Burbman,
Going to only 3 links under tension would most likely result in some type of problem on turns. With only 3 links there is simply not enough chain links to allow the spring bars to move back and forth during a turn. I would follow the manufacturers advice and use a minimum of 5 links under tension. He can then adjust the head tilt to get the WD he needs without worrying about whether the bars are going to cause problems. Worked for me all those years until I got my Hensley.:)
Barney

txnese wrote:
Here’s what I found. Similar to newer expeditions. If you do not have HD trailering package, you can town about 7000 lbs and with HD trailering package you can do 9000 lbs.
Finally got to CAT scale. Wheelbase 119.
Here’s the measurements Steering Axel-Drive Axel-Trailer- Front fender- rear fender
Tow Vehicle/5780 Travel trailer/6020--------------------36”-35”
Without WDH engaged.----------------2360-4160-5280-36.75”-33.5”
With WDH engaged (5-Link)----------2500-3960-5320-36.50”-33.75”
With WDH engaged (4-Link)----------2620-3800-5360-36.25”-34”
At 5 chain links as recommended, the trailer is almost perfect level. At 4 chain links, it’s got a slight incline.
I did drive it back from CAT scale about 10 miles with 4-links, and it did feel better. I’ll try this setup on the next trip.

You should also weigh the truck without the trailer to get a baseline on what the back and front axle weights are. Also measure fender heights unloaded so you can see how much drop you get. You can see going from 5 links to 4 took 160# off of the back axle, sending 120# to the front axle and 40# to the trailer axles.

You might be better still going to 3 links and sending more weight forward, then adjusting the ball mount height to keep the trailer level.

The Expy can be a solid tow vehicle if not overloaded...and don't forget that trans temp gauge!

The Expedition has always been a questionable tow vehicle. You need to have everything perfect.
As far as the tongue weight you want it to be 12% of the trailers loaded for travel weight. So be prepared to move some stuff around.

As far as struggling. Gear ratio makes a big difference! Also the 5.4 (if that’s what you have) needs to rev to make power, so don’t be afraid to let it spin to 4000-4500 rpm if necessary and always use tow haul mode!

Didn't even think about that. Thank you BarneyS.

Make sure your snap-up brackets are firmly mounted to the trailer A frame if you are going to only use 4 links between the bars and the snap-up. During a turn, the bar ends move back and forth and with only 4 links under tension there could be a chance of sliding the snap-up bracket back and forth on the A frame. This could cause trouble with anything mounted there such as breakaway switch, propane tank mounts, etc. or the chain links themselves crashing into the snap-up brackets.

If 4 links feels better, then I would go back to 5 links and tilt the hitch head back towards the trailer a bit more to make up the loss of lift by adding back the chain link.
Barney

Here’s what I found. Similar to newer expeditions. If you do not have HD trailering package, you can town about 7000 lbs and with HD trailering package you can do 9000 lbs.
Finally got to CAT scale. Wheelbase 119.
Here’s the measurements Steering Axel-Drive Axel-Trailer- Front fender- rear fender
Tow Vehicle/5780 Travel trailer/6020--------------------36”-35”
Without WDH engaged.----------------2360-4160-5280-36.75”-33.5”
With WDH engaged (5-Link)----------2500-3960-5320-36.50”-33.75”
With WDH engaged (4-Link)----------2620-3800-5360-36.25”-34”
At 5 chain links as recommended, the trailer is almost perfect level. At 4 chain links, it’s got a slight incline.
I did drive it back from CAT scale about 10 miles with 4-links, and it did feel better. I’ll try this setup on the next trip.

What's your wheelbase? 119 inches? Regarding "some sway" there is a BIG difference between my 2015 Tahoe at 116 inches and the Silverado's 147.4. IMO your Ford's wheelbase is too short for your trailer.

His capacities are about 9,000/1,300 w/wdh. He's withing capacities. But, no one knows how your trailer is loaded. No one knows if your vehicle is overloaded. Yea....that'll play a part too. Coolers and kids in the rear add up fast.

Sorry, guys. Tongue weight is actually rated 775. Didn’t have my coffee this morning when I typed it. We typically only go for a 2-3 days, so not really a lot of gear, but I guess if you’re closer the limit. Every pound counts. I’ll try to verify actual weights at CAt this weekend.