Newbie to towing but not to camping. Just downsized to a 25' TT that weighs 5200# with a 600# tongue weight. Need to buy a 4x4 TV, can't afford a new one so am looking at 2003 to 2009.I expect my total weight added with wife, stuff, weight distribution hitch, propane, etc. will bring it up to 6,500.I prefer an Expedition as it will fit in the garage, but a F-150 won't. Also, an Expedition with the right axle ratio and tow package can tow 9,000 while the F-150 V8 is somewhat less depending on the year. We are planning on a trip out West, so mts are a consideration.Assuming both have a factory installed tow package and towing capacity, are there any factors that would push me towards one or the other??Thanks in advance for your help!

I'm a relative towing newbie, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but the wheelbase of the TV would be at least as important to me as the towing capacity. I opted for a Suburban over a Tahoe, for example. Our TT is similar to yours in length & weight.An extended cab F-150 short bed has a wheelbase more two feet longer than the Expedition (I looked at 2005 models for comparison). A SuperCrew has an even longer wheelbase (pulled from Edmunds.com, assuming their numbers are correct). So, given just those two choices, my preference would be the truck. JMHO.

Forget about the BS marketing 'tow rating' and compare the wheelbase (stability) and payload capacity. The payload will be your real limiting factor for towing. Also, if you're planning a long trip out west, be prepared for STRONG cross winds. A longer wheelbase will definitely help. I just got back from Utah myself and several days of 20-30 mph cross winds.I'm not familiar with Expeditions, but that TT should be easily handled by an F150. I imagine the same is true for an Expedition, given their comparable size, but I predict the F150 will handle the TT better.

With either one you'll need to watch how much cargo you put into the TV.I went with the Expedition because I need the interior space for dog crates.

My F-150 4x4 has a max cargo capacity of 1411 lbs. It is stated on the door sticker.With 500 lbs. for two adults and a dog, 250 lbs for the truck cap, 600 lbs for tongue wieght on a loaded 5000 lbs. trailer, there is not much capacity left for toys etc.Yes it can tow 9000 lbs. but 900 lbs or so will be on the hitch; This does not leave much room for stuff before you exceed the max cargo wieght.

They are different vehicles for different needs. Similarily equipped both will tow similarly, and both will be limited by their payload. What are your needs and priorities?We wanted 4x4 and needed something to haul the family and ALL THE STUFF associated with 3 young kids in carseats (2 1/2, 1, and newborn at the time). For us that eliminated F150. We needed additional seating that was easy to set up for additionally family (3rd row). We needed something that could carry some cargo with 2nd row in place or sheet goods (plywood / drywall) with 2nd row folded. And something to pull the travel trailer. The Expedition EL fit the bill for us. We love it and use it to it's fullest extent.Couple things to consider. There were a couple major changes in those years. The Expedition got the 24valve 5.4 in 2005, and got the 6speed in 07The F150 got the 24valve 5.4 in 04, and got the 6 speed in 09Both of these are MAJOR improvements, the 24V makes 40hp and 15ftlb more than the 16valve, and the 6spd makes a substatial difference in towing. It has a VERY deep 4.17:1 first gear which helps get almost anything moving, well spaced ratios keeping the engine in the power band, and a 1.14:1 4th which with a 3.55 axle ratio provides a final of 4.04, or with a 3.73 provides a final of 4.25. The 6speed goes a long way in making the best of the 5.4 and something weighing over 6000lbs surprisingly responsive.The very first thing to check on ANY vehicle you are considering is the TREAD act sticker if 2006 or later. It states the total of cargo and passengers not to exceed XXXX. This is accurate for that vehicle as equipped as it left the factory. The higher the better. My Expy EL 4x4 XLT with sunroof and rear air is 1672lbs. This number can vary significantly depending on trim and options. ESPECIALLY for F150. It can be anywhere from under 1000lbs to over 3000!! Many are in the 1400 range but you want something in the 1600+If pre 2006 look at the sticker for the GVWR. You want as high a number as possible, and stay away from the upper trim levels that eat hundreds of pounds.On any F150 a GVWR of 8200 and 7 lug wheels means it has the rare "HD payload package" This means you don't have to worry as much about payload as it will be well in excess of 2000lbs. The longer wheelbase of the F150 will help with stability, but a 25ft TT is fine for a regular wheelbase Expedition or the EL (came out in 07)That trailer is in the sweet spot for 1/2 tons and all the numbers pretty much work out as long as your payload is high enough. Figure that tongue weight will be in the neighborhood of 850lbs loaded, you need enough payload to absorb that after accounting for all your passengers and stuff in the vehicle.Good luck!

Ford Expedition or F-150 best for towing? | Good Sam Community

Atlee
Explorer II
Jul 09, 2014
Each person's situation is different. The truck is best for me because I must take my generators and gasoline with me. I couldn't do that if I had an Expy. Wouldn't want oil and gasoline fumes inside.

Also with us, it's only two plus the dog. Plenty of room inside the extended cab F150.

Northstar451 wrote:
Newbie to towing but not to camping. Just downsized to a 25' TT that weighs 5200# with a 600# tongue weight. Need to buy a 4x4 TV, can't afford a new one so am looking at 2003 to 2009.

I expect my total weight added with wife, stuff, weight distribution hitch, propane, etc. will bring it up to 6,500.

I prefer an Expedition as it will fit in the garage, but a F-150 won't. Also, an Expedition with the right axle ratio and tow package can tow 9,000 while the F-150 V8 is somewhat less depending on the year. We are planning on a trip out West, so mts are a consideration.

Assuming both have a factory installed tow package and towing capacity, are there any factors that would push me towards one or the other??

Thanks in advance for your help!
APT
Explorer
Jul 09, 2014
TeamCyBo, there has never been an Expedition with over 10k tow rating. Yours is likely in the 9000 pound range. You are likely exceeding the receiver rating and rear axle too.
TeamCyBo
Explorer
Jul 08, 2014
For what it's worth. We have a 2007 Expy with a 10,500 towing capacity and have towed SunnyBrook 292RL at about 7,200 lb dry weight and it pulled Great. We now have an Outback 316RL at about 7,600 lb dry weight and it still pulls like a dream. Both vehicles are great. One small little note, the air ride will eventually blow on the Expy. Consider replacements with the coil over struts. Mine blew andI did the rplacement. I not only don't have to fight the air ride with the WDH but the replacement struts put the vehicle at factory specs and the ride is just as good. Good luck.
phenrichs
Explorer
Jul 08, 2014
We had a Jayco hybrid that weighed about 5500 loaded. We have a 06 Expedition and I used to have a 06 F150. Believe it or not the Expy actually towed better. I think it was aerodynamics of not having the box, the air just went up and over.
BubbaChris
Explorer
Jul 08, 2014
Congrats!

FYI when I bought my 2013 the cover for the 7-pin was broken off. Just the part itself was quoted at around $67. So the $250 for parts and labor sounds within reason.

Does your truck have the brake controller built into the dash?
Northstar451
Explorer
Jul 08, 2014
Thank you to all who responded, it was a HUGE help. I found out the following:

1. I bought a lightly used 2007 Expedition (non EL) which just fits in my garage
2. Most have factory installed "tow package" but they are class III, rated 6,000# but they do have a class IV receiver rated at 9200# and 900# tongue weight with a 4-wire boat connector and a non-connected "brake wire".
3. It will cost $900 to have a Ford dealer upgrade the radiator to the heavy duty and transmission cooler to the heavy duty ones: 9L3Z8005B and 7L1Z7A095B
4. It will cost about $250 to upgrade the boat connector to the 7-wire trailer connector.
5. Most SUV's that were special ordered with the Class IV tow package were used to tow heavy loads. Those with only class III packages may not have been used to tow anything, they just came equipped that way.
6. Most owners and sales people don't know the difference between class III and class IV tow packages, but they assure you theirs can tow a lot of weight. Check the free VIN checking web sites to get a free picture of the original sticker before you go see a car or truck. It will list exactly what it was built with.

Again, thanks and I hope I can give back to this forum more than I get!
Kevin_O_
Explorer
Jun 27, 2014
Northstar451 wrote:
Newbie to towing but not to camping. Just downsized to a 25' TT that weighs 5200# with a 600# tongue weight. Need to buy a 4x4 TV, can't afford a new one so am looking at 2003 to 2009.

I expect my total weight added with wife, stuff, weight distribution hitch, propane, etc. will bring it up to 6,500.

I prefer an Expedition as it will fit in the garage, but a F-150 won't. Also, an Expedition with the right axle ratio and tow package can tow 9,000 while the F-150 V8 is somewhat less depending on the year. We are planning on a trip out West, so mts are a consideration.

Assuming both have a factory installed tow package and towing capacity, are there any factors that would push me towards one or the other??

Thanks in advance for your help!
Are you planning on buying new? If so i suggest the F150 Ecoboost with max tow and HD payload. You will have no worries climbing any mountains out west and you will never have to worry about being over loaded.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Jun 26, 2014
cyberiankhatru wrote:
I tow a 25" TT with an 07 2wd regular Expedition. Has tow package and is rated at 9200 lbs. tows great now that I have an equalizer hitch. Packing the TT properly is key. I have 1546 lbs of available payload according to the sticker and with all the junk we carry I'm sure we use it all. It revs high and you need to tow with OD off. The TT is packed to the gills too. We are like at or over capacity on the TT. It does the job at 7-9 mpg just fine.

Yes itm is. Nc is just full of rolling hills. Barely a flat spot of road.
frisco_dave
Explorer
Jun 26, 2014
Texas must be flatter. I regularly get 11-12 mpg when towing with the Expy :)
cyberiankhatru
Explorer
Jun 26, 2014
I tow a 25" TT with an 07 2wd regular Expedition. Has tow package and is rated at 9200 lbs. tows great now that I have an equalizer hitch. Packing the TT properly is key. I have 1546 lbs of available payload according to the sticker and with all the junk we carry I'm sure we use it all. It revs high and you need to tow with OD off. The TT is packed to the gills too. We are like at or over capacity on the TT. It does the job at 7-9 mpg just fine.