Op. I towed my 7700 GVWR TT with an expedition nearly identical to yours. Same axle ratio and this one was a 4x4 (not sure if yours is or not)
My trailer was empty at the time of the tow and weighed about 5500 lbs. it was the SCARIEST tow of my life.
I had to stay in second gear to hold 55 mph.. The 31.5 ft trailer let me know it was there the entire pull. This was a borrowed expedition.
My truck was an extended cab F150 2wd with 3.55 gears. That small change in gear ratio and wheelbase made all the difference in the world. The truck could pull in 3rd gear at 60-65 mph in the flats and rolling hills all day long.
Now, the WD hitch I used was not set up correctly on the expedition so I am sure I could have sorted out the handling issue.... But the ONLY thing that could have made the towing performance on that expedition improve would be to change the axle ratio to 3.73. The Expedition being a 4x4 had bigger tires than my 2wd F150.
I'm sorry to say this to you, the 3.31 gears hurt drastically in your 01 and will not help the Ex punch a hole in the air for the travel trailer. Change the axle ratios and the game changes for the Expedition.
Thanks!
Jeremiah
