My Father In Law has a 2007 Navigator with the heavy duty tow package. 3v 5.4 v8, 3.73 gear ratio... 4x4 (true 4x4 with high and low) 4x4. Recently the Cam Phasors bit the dust due to a tech installing a base model Fram oil filter without the anti-drainback valve.
Cam phasors are fixed now with a lock out kit (Much better now)
This is a powerful truck... 300 hp doesn't sound like much but this 5.4 makes power pretty low in the powerband.. very powerful. Here are the specs.
GVWR - 7450 lbs
FGAWR -3450 lbs
RGAWR -4128 LBS
payload is 1370 lbs
(Sum of Axles is only 128 lbs more than GVWR.. not a lot of fudge factor here)
The tow capacity is 8300 lbs...
The Receiver is rated at 885 lbs in Weight Distribution mode...
Note that the payload is the combined weight of Occupants, Gear, and trailer Tongue weight.
We are considering purchasing this SUV for our family and for towing duties. Looking at the math, this is how I figure it up.
Payload subtractions
1) Misc junk in gloveboxes - 10 lbs
2) Weight Distribution Hitch - 80 lbs
3) Occupants (driver, three passengers) - 775 lbs
4) Occupants stuff- 30 lbs
Total load in vehicle - 895 lbs
So, with 1370 lbs of available payload and 895 lbs used up by passengers and hitch... that leaves 475 lbs for a trailer tongue weight. There is no way on this planet that I can Practically use the tow rating of this vehicle with anybody but myself left in the truck.
Its just not a lot of weight capacity left. Now, if you have small children you may gain a few hundred lbs back. Here is where it gets sketchy with ANY tow vehicle.
The advertised "Marketing" towing capacity is theoretically possible... but not practical.. not for families at least. Not many will tow with a half ton SUV unloaded without people in it. Thats why you buy a family SUV like this, to haul people.
Can you haul? Yes.. How much depends on what your weights look like...and as my friend BenK outlines... how much you believe the OEM's ratings.
Thanks!
Jeremiah
