Towing with an Expedition

I briefly towed my TT with a 03 Navigator that had similiar 5.4L but with 4v (300 hp) and with a 4 sp auto (less transmission gears) and it did fairly well. The limiting factor with my set up was tonque weight so I removed unnecessary stuff in the front storage and removed the propane tanks during travel (loaded them in rear). I had an air suspension so I had to turn if off and load the WD bars first then turn it on so it will hold it level.

Chuck&Gail wrote:
IMHO specs is specs. Worms wiggle when used as bait.

LOL! I'll have to use that one someday.

IMHO specs is specs. Worms wiggle when used as bait.

Most probably, there are stress margins of safety built in the design of the vehicles we drive - just like in Airframe design (my background). Typically the factor is 1.5x; as an example, that would put our rear axle at 6192 Lbs in Ultimate load. Anything above that number the axle should fail.

Thanks for the replies, I don't think the rear axle is an issue, mostly just the wife and myself and another couple occasionally.

While I understand the concern with the numbers, wouldn't you think the car manufacturers built in some "wiggle room". (Pun intended)

Did I ever work out the numbers when I bought my TT (2012 Kodiak 263RLS), and confirm that my '04 Expedition EB could tow it safely... and just like my setup, you will hit the limits of the Expy. You have a similar TT length and weight-wise as mine:

Dry Weight (lbs) 5783
Payload Capacity (lbs) 1817
Hitch Weight (lbs) 670

Your Expy MY is much better suited than mine (engine and tranny), but as others have mentioned the Expy has 2 weight limits: RGAWR and payload (knowing that you can fit 8 passengers - be careful there). Loading the truck with my 3 kids and the TT hooked up:

TV payload 1320 Lbs (max. 1420 Lbs)
Rear axle weight 4050 Lbs (RGAWR 4128 Lbs)
TW 820 Lbs (max. 920 Lbs)
TV loaded weight 6200 Lbs (GVW 7600 Lbs)


These weights are as measured at a CAT scale while heading out for our first camping trip last year, and the TW was measured using a Sherline scale.

I'm pushing the limits of the truck with this TT, and I know it. But with the right equipment installed and set up (Reese WDH, Reese Dual Cam, Load E tires on the Expy), the rig handles the road quite nicely: 1/2" rear end squat / level front end, no sway, crosswinds are not a concern... With over 2000 miles since our first ride last year, the setup makes for a relaxed-knuckle ride.

Enjoy your setup.

mbutts wrote:


My new trailer weighs 7,400 lbs. and the Expy could not be leveled with the Reese weight distribution hitch I had.

Did you try a more adaquate WDH?

Chuck&Gail wrote:

krobbe wrote:
According to Ford's 2008 RV & Towing Guide, your max hitch wt on the Expy is 920# on page 29.

The Expy gross wt is 7400#. The curb wt is 5578#. That leaves a total payload capacity of 1822# for passengers, gear, and trailer tongue wt.

After loading 1500Lbs of gear, water and propane into the TT, your tongue wt should be 886Lbs.

What is your Chevies GAWR when loaded and towing?

Sure would be nice IF you were correct and the Exp GAWR could be ignored. Or maybe the 2008 was beefier than the 2010? Bet a beer or three you are incorrect.

My 2010 Expedition Limited with tow package has a measured weight of 6420# with myself, wife, and dog aboard, and drawbar plus bars installed but disconnected from TT. When towing our tongue weight is 900#. The rear GAWR on our 2010 is 4250#. With our Equalizer hitch connec5ed, and 8 washers installed, our Exp rear axle weighs 4180#. I'm close, but in specs.

My Chevy's GAWR is 5500# which is the rating on the door jamb.
The tongue wt of my TT loaded up is 870#.
My actual RGAW loaded and towing is 4003#.
I'm not even close.

But back to your comment about being incorrect. All I did was give the OP some info FROM Ford about his weights based on his stated 9000# tow limit(which would indicate he has a Expy EL 4x2). How could I be incorrect about a GAWR? I only pointed out the 920# max hitch limitation Ford put on it and calculated the max payload. I'd say you owe me 3 Oberons.;)

To the op: You need to look at the most limiting factor when towing. Be it payload rating or GAWR or GVWR. Most times with 1/2 tons it'll be payload. It'll never be the max trailer wt rating. You are right on the edge for towing that trailer. It'll be uncomfortable at best. I used a 20% safety margin when calculating weights when I was looking for a TV. Check out this Travel Trailer Weight Calculator to throw some numbers around to get an idea of what is safe to tow.

krobbe wrote:
According to Ford's 2008 RV & Towing Guide, your max hitch wt on the Expy is 920# on page 29.

The Expy gross wt is 7400#. The curb wt is 5578#. That leaves a total payload capacity of 1822# for passengers, gear, and trailer tongue wt.

After loading 1500Lbs of gear, water and propane into the TT, your tongue wt should be 886Lbs.

What is your Chevies GAWR when loaded and towing?

Sure would be nice IF you were correct and the Exp GAWR could be ignored. Or maybe the 2008 was beefier than the 2010? Bet a beer or three you are incorrect.

My 2010 Expedition Limited with tow package has a measured weight of 6420# with myself, wife, and dog aboard, and drawbar plus bars installed but disconnected from TT. When towing our tongue weight is 900#. The rear GAWR on our 2010 is 4250#. With our Equalizer hitch connec5ed, and 8 washers installed, our Exp rear axle weighs 4180#. I'm close, but in specs.

If dry weight is 5300 and he adds the average 1000 lbs of stuff, that will put him at 6300, pretty close. Definitely do-able, but would advise a weign-in when it's all set up to be sure you're OK.