Forum Discussion

hayeshowell's avatar
hayeshowell
Explorer
Jul 03, 2017

Ford Expedition Towing Problems

Hey everyone, I am new here. I need some wisdom. I have a 2011 Ford Expedition with the heavy tow package, 2WD. Max trailer weight is 9,200lbs. We have a 94 Gulfstream Innsbruck and from what I can find the dry weight of the camper is 4,550lbs. Prior to us purchasing this trailer it was modified, but I don't imagine it added 5klbs. The previous owner recovered one side of the camper. We pulled it for a 6 hour trip the other day and through the hills the expedition really struggled. It would pull it 65mph but it would be in 3rd gear with RPMs sitting around 3500. Couple of questions, is this just how it is? Or is my expedition not enough to handle our travel trailer?

One of the things I noticed this past weekend was that it appears that this trailer has trailer breaks on it, but the wire has been cut. Could this be causing resistance?

Just trying to figure out what our best course of action is.

Thanks!

19 Replies

Show More
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Jul 03, 2017
    That's exactly what it is supposed to do. Modern gas motors make their power at higher RPM. It's harder on a motor to lug it at low RPM when towing.

    EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to tow without trailer brakes and illegal. You need a trailer brake controler installed in your vehicle for them to work as well. Most states require trailer brakes on anything over 2000 pounds, you are close to three times that amount. A lot of trailer tires are only rated for a max speed of 65 as well.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Jul 03, 2017
    You are way below your towing capacity. That does not mean that you have adequate power to run highway speeds up a grade. You need a big diesel to do that.

    I consider 60 mph to be a good towing speed. That is probably the max speed rating on your trailer tires. Get in the right lane and stay there. 50 mph is good for climbing grades, and be prepared to downshift. Go down a grade in the same gear you came up.
  • Leeblev's avatar
    Leeblev
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2017
    Is your vehicle up to towing that rig? Don't know because you don't list the specs on the TV. I would guess the weight of your tow to be in the neighborhood of 6500 lbs. Defiantly need brakes. Unless those brakes are adjusted too tight, I think your TV may not be up to the task. If the brakes were over adjusted, it would not have taken very long for you to figure out, by the smoke and smell, that something is wrong. I would not recommend pulling over 65 anyway. I know that a lot of RVers do, but you use much more fuel, harder to stop and if you are towing with a lightweight TV, that trailer will pull you around.
    Make sure your TV is adequate for the task as well as your trailer is equipped properly to be towed.
    I am perfectly happy to go up steep hills at 45-50 as well as down at 50-55. I KNOW I can stop at that speed. Good RVing!
  • krobbe's avatar
    krobbe
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2017
    First thing to do before towing anything for the first time is check the operation of tail/running lights, brakes/battery, tires for wear/rot and proper air pressure, axle bearings for looseness/wear/grease, tongue coupler wear/lube and chains in good condition.
    The battery is required to activate the brakes via the breakaway switch in the event of a truck trailer separation. The breakaway switch has a small cable with a hook that attaches to the truck's hitch receiver same as the chains.
    All of this stuff must be in good working order to safely tow a trailer.
    Be safe out there.
  • hayeshowell's avatar
    hayeshowell
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2017
    Ok, thanks. I will definitely get the brakes fixed before the next trip.

    Really appreciate it!
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jul 03, 2017
    You aren't giving enough actual info, as to the TV capability. It would depend on actual scaled loaded trailer wt. You also will run out of TV payload, before reaching the 9,200 lb towing number. Everything in the TV plus the trailer tongue weight, hitch weight, will count against your payload. Payload number is on the tire loading sticker on driver's door panel. It will likely be around 1,500 lbs.

    Jerry
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2017
    It is too much for your Expedition if you do not have operational trailer brakes. Engine revs if you are towing at 65mph are probably ok.
  • hayeshowell's avatar
    hayeshowell
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2017
    Thanks for the info!! I really appreciate it. So you think its not too much trailer for my expedition?
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jul 03, 2017
    It is normal for a gas engine to run higher RPM, when trying to maintain speed while climbing.

    You need to have working trailer brakes for that size trailer. It is a legal requirement, and a real safety issue. If the brakes are currently adjusted improperly...dragging from being too tight, it would cause it to tow harder, and create heat issue with the hubs.

    Welcome to the forum!! I suggest you, or a qualified other, pull the hubs, check brakes, and repair brake wires. Also a good time to service wheel bearings to insure all is road ready. If previous owner cut the brake wires, I would suspect there is a problem.

    Jerry

About Travel Trailer Group

44,043 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 22, 2025