Ford Expedition Towing

[the7thdream]

Hello Everyone!

Could really use some straight forward answers to our dilemma.

We just bought a 2015 Jayco White Hawk Summit Edition 27DSLR 30ft TT....Dry Weight is 6000...Total GVW is 7500

Problem is we have a 1999 Ford F150 SuperCab XLT with only a 4.6 Triton/4 sp auto/3.55 axles and it does have the HD towing pack.
The GCVW though is only 11,500.

We know we will not be able to tow this trailer with this truck so we are trying to find in the next 4 weeks an acceptable replacement.

My first question is this: Can a 2005-07 Ford Expedition (XLT/Eddie Bauer) tow this TT with a 3.73 axle and a 3-valve SOHC 5.4 Triton V8 (rated at 300 HP)? We are really on a budget and can't spend more than $8500.

If not, could we buy another Ford Truck/SUV in the 2005-07 year range (F150/250) that could tow this trailer safely and through the Baker Grade, Siskiyou Mountains and Cascades? We really need help!

I have gotten so many different grey areas looking online at other forums and websites and now we are even more confused. Any help or your own experiences towing a 7000 pound TT and a 5.4 engine would be greatly appreciated!

Thank You So Much! Stephan & Sally

[the7thdream]

To all the folks who have responded to this post on the Expedtion towing....We THANK YOU for your advice and input. 🙂

We are now looking for a Excursion.
Since it is on a F250 frame and they are actually cheaper than a F250, plus come with V10's, then we feel this would be the best route to go!
(Now does anyone want a 99 F150 XLT in excellent conddition...LOL)

Sure the V10 sucks more fuel and has known issues with eating and blowing sparks plugs, some suspension issues and other minor fixes. The price to buy one is 20% less than buying a F250 (plus trying to find one with a canopy....is another cost.)

So, we will post again to let you know what we decided....Happy & Safe RVing everyone!

The Crawford's

[lenr]

More suggestions to the OP based on our experience towing with F-150 4.6L, Expedition 5.4L 2V, F-350 6.7 Diesel: Although you probably would not notice the difference, in theory the 5.4 2V has a better torque curve for towing with torque peak at a low 2500 rpm. The 3v does put our more HP so at 3500 rpm in second gear, you’ll go up the hill a little faster. The Expedition weighs more than a pickup so some of that additional power of the 5.4 goes to moving the vehicle, not the trailer. I would really try to save for a vehicle with a 6 speed transmission—much more pleasant towing experience with closer gear ratios—less time spent listening to the engine screaming. In addition, try to save for a bigger engine. A 6.0 – 6.2 gas engine such as an F-250 with 6.2L 6 speed would be great but you’ll buy more fuel just to keep it running. The very best IMHO would be an F-150 3.5L ecoboost. It puts out about as much torque as the 6.2 but does it from 1700 – 5000 rpm with torque peak at 2500 rpm—great for towing. That engine will also consume less fuel when it is empty. You should be fine with the regular tow package (don’t need max tow package.) Another plus for a pickup truck, is that you can get them in longer wheel base lengths than the Expedition. At 30 ft. of trailer, a longer WB is going to help you in staying out of sway problems. Our son tows a 29 ft. trailer with an F-150 Supercab Short bed, and had lots of sway until we got the hitch set up PERFECTLY!

[lenr]

Agree with APT—tow with what you have. Lock out OD and only drive 55 mph for safety and transmission life. I towed with 97 F-150 4.6 pulling 6000 lb trailer and 600 lb. 4 wheeler in the bed. Felt safe, but took it slow. Because of the length of the trailer be sure that you have a WD hitch set up to slightly drop the front bumper which will put approximately the same weight on the front axle for proper steering. Also, must have sway control. Good luck. Remember that an F-250 truck with a 5.4 engine may have more towing capacity but won’t go up the mountains any faster. Don’t rush into a hurried decision in the next 4 weeks. Ignore the guys that say you need a dually.

[APT]

See my response. Drive what you got and save a little more for something that will be significantly improved power or gearing. Any 5.4L/4-spd won't be that.

[Dtaylor]

I tow with a expedition with the "camper" tow package. The gross tow rate is 8900 lbs. My current TT has a gross weight of 6800 and it tows ok. I have made several trips, and leaving this weekend for another trip into the mountains. Last trip I followed my brother who tows with a GMC 2500 diesel and I had no problems keeping up. Would a truck with a longer wheel base tow better - probably. If you plan to use the Expy, I would look at switching to heavy duty truck tires. They do effect the normal ride but they tow much better.

Several years ago, I had an F-150 with the 4.6 engine. It would barely tow my bass boat. Personally, I would not want to tow with that engine even on flat roads, so yes, I think a replacement would be in your future if you plan to tow with a truck. JMHO

[BubbaChris]

Start with searching these forums for Expedition being in threads. There have been a handful of related posts in the last couple of weeks in the Travel Trailer section.

I have a 2013 Expy with a 6,000# loaded trailer and would not dare go larger at this point. Either my WD/Anti-sway is not up to the task or I'm too light on the tongue. I'm not happy/stable above 60 MPH.

Count on putting 1,000# or more onto the dry weight before being road ready.

You'll probably be happiest with a 3/4-ton pick up or with a 2500 Suburban.