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theboneskes's avatar
theboneskes
Explorer
Jan 17, 2016

2003 Expedition and towing a new TT...thoughts?

My 2003 Ex has a towing capacity of 8650... We are looking at buying a TT with a unloaded weight of about 6000 and a GVWR of 7200 approx. I do have a prodigy brake controller and plan on getting a WDH w/sway control or an Equal-i-zer. Thoughts? We won't be pulling in the mountains at all. Would like some feedback. I have read many places try to keep it to 80% of the tow vehicle range. I know this setup is a little over, but will never tow with full tanks. I also have a rebuilt trans and run synthetic fluid in it and plan on getting an external trans cooler for it in addition to the one built in the trans. Also LT rated tires.

Thanks!
Tow Vehicles
  • Garyl53's avatar
    Garyl53
    Explorer
    Jan 18, 2016
    I towed with a 2003 Expy 5.4L (2-valve version) 3.73 towing a 6000 Lb. trailer with wife and 2 kids. I did it but I would highly recommend you stay at or below a 5000 lb. trailer to provide a more comfortable ride. I got pushed around a lot by the trailer when towing even with a good anti-sway hitch. Couldn't tow in the mountains well at all. I would go for a newer Expy (with the 4-valve version and higher tow capacity) or better yet an Excursion V10. You may even look at the GMC/Suburban as they may have higher tow capacities.
  • The_Kroc's avatar
    The_Kroc
    Explorer
    Jan 17, 2016
    we tow 6000 pounds (loaded) with our 2014 espy, wouldn't feel safe going much over that.
  • theboneskes's avatar
    theboneskes
    Explorer
    Jan 17, 2016
    Thanks for your input. I am trying to talk my wife into an Excursion... My Expedition is a 5.4 with 3.73 gears. I live in the Columbus Ohio area and it is relatively flay in most areas. I won't be towing far front home either (average about 60 miles-on a rare occasion 200). I always run Mobile 1 Synthetic oil, and as u said I had the trans rebuilt less than 20k ago and it has Mobile 1 synthetic in it too. I will be adding an additional trans cooler to it also. I am not one of those guys who pulls at a rediculous speed either.
  • Ron_Gratz's avatar
    Ron_Gratz
    Explorer
    Jan 17, 2016
    theboneskes wrote:
    My 2003 Ex has a towing capacity of 8650... We are looking at buying a TT with a unloaded weight of about 6000 and a GVWR of 7200 approx.---
    I believe the Owners Manual for the 2003 Expedition specifies a maximum allowable tongue weight of 865#
    You also should check the receiver to see if there is a TW rating label on it.

    I recommend that your loaded tongue weight percentage should be at least 13%.
    With a max allowable TW of 865#, the max allowable loaded TT weight would be 865/0.13 = about 6650#.

    If the brochure "unloaded weight" is about 6000#, it is likely the factory delivered weight will be 6200# or more.
    That means staying within a max TW of 865# and having a TW% of 13% or more would limit the amount of TT cargo and liquids to 6650-6200 = 450# or less.

    Ron
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Jan 17, 2016
    I towed my TT which is 5500 pounds dry, 6500-7000 pounds loaded depending on the trip with a 2003 F-150 4WD 5.4L/3.73. It towed comfortably with adequate performance. Two gears to accelerate and one to cruise. 25 gallon tank at 6.5-8mpg meant 160-200 mile towing range.

    Your TV is now 6 years older than when I bought my TT with that truck which only had 70k miles, shorter wheelbase, and I'll assume the same engine/gear. Change all the fluids. Get a good WDH with integrated sway control.
  • shadows4's avatar
    shadows4
    Explorer III
    Jan 17, 2016
    I used to tow a 5500 lb TT with a 2001 Ex. I think you will be at your max. The Ex will handle it but will probably struggle at times. Take your time and let that 5.4 rev!!! Let the Ex work and it won't let you down. Try to push it and I don't think you will like the results. Good luck.
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Jan 17, 2016
    Ok, well my .02cents worth is that it is going to be too much trailer for your Ex. I think if it were me, I would look at something a couple thousand pounds lighter.

    Not sure what engine you have or the rear ratio or where you plan on traveling. But I would think that you would be much happier with a smaller trailer.

    Again, just my .02 cents.

    Ron
  • theboneskes's avatar
    theboneskes
    Explorer
    Jan 17, 2016
    Thats why I asked the question... is this ok? My payload capacity is 1600lbs Besides cloths and my wife and daughter, there wont be anything inside the truck. Just want too see if anyone else is doing something similar, or your $.02.
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Jan 17, 2016
    Whats the Ex's payload capacity and how much weight are you going to put in the Ex? You will run out of payload capacity waaaaay before you reach the max towing capacity. A 7200 lb trailer will have a tongue weight of approximately 900 lbs. The W/D unit will be close to 100 lbs. 1000 lbs of trailer plus what ever you put in the Ex (you, passengers, equipment, ect) will be added to that 1000 lbs and subtracted from the Ex's payload capacity. What do you have left over?

    Ron

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