Tow Vehicle Worthiness

[Gr4ck3L]

Hi Team,

I'm new here and wasn't sure if this was a thing, but I'd like to have my vehicle inspected for tow worthiness, or readiness, or whatever the cool kids are calling it these days. I have a 2003 Expedition that we didn't originally purchase for RVing, but it looks like that is coming into focus. As exciting as it is to run out and latch up to a TT, I'd like to do my due diligence first.

What I know about the vehicle so far from documentation:

- 5.4L 4WD w/ 3.73 ratio
- GCWR @ 14500, max loaded trailer weight @ 8650
- Hitch rcvr with 4 and 7 pin electrics
- Hitch rated for weight dist 8900/890 and carrying 6000/600
- No visible secondary/auxiliary braking system installed

I'd like to find out if the vehicle is still capable of this, and if there are repairs or recommendations that would be needed before I go out and buy a TT. We're in North Phoenix, so any recommendations are welcome, and I don't mind driving a bit to get what I'm after.

Thanks!

[DavidP]

No one here is capable of answering your question without knowing the history. If well taken care of and you are comfortable with the maintenance/preventive maintenance that has been done, you should have a vehicle that is capable of towing a trailer within the specs of the truck. The big question is how well it has been cared for? How many miles are on the vehicle? What size/weight trailer are you looking at? The trailer specs are what will determine the “readiness” of your vehicle. Roadworthy and capable are two different things. As far as the truck being roadworthy to pull a trailer all depends on the maintenance history of the vehicle. "Capable"? Need to know trailer specs.

[lawrosa]

Gr4ck3L wrote:
Hi Team,

I'm new here and wasn't sure if this was a thing, but I'd like to have my vehicle inspected for tow worthiness, or readiness, or whatever the cool kids are calling it these days. I have a 2003 Expedition that we didn't originally purchase for RVing, but it looks like that is coming into focus. As exciting as it is to run out and latch up to a TT, I'd like to do my due diligence first.

What I know about the vehicle so far from documentation:

- 5.4L 4WD w/ 3.73 ratio
- GCWR @ 14500, max loaded trailer weight @ 8650
- Hitch rcvr with 4 and 7 pin electrics
- Hitch rated for weight dist 8900/890 and carrying 6000/600
- No visible secondary/auxiliary braking system installed

I'd like to find out if the vehicle is still capable of this, and if there are repairs or recommendations that would be needed before I go out and buy a TT. We're in North Phoenix, so any recommendations are welcome, and I don't mind driving a bit to get what I'm after.

Thanks!

That 8900/890 is a good weight but...

To know exactly what you can tow is to get the truck weighed at a cat scale... Cost about 10 bucks. Its not what you can pull so much as to tongue weight ( 890) may not be 890..

1. Weight the truck with full tank fuel and all the passengers and gear you will be traveling with. You need seperate front and rear axle weights.
2. Get the axle ratings off the door tage on the truc. Subtract door tage rear axle rate with scaled weight and that will be your max tongue weight.

You may be in for a bit of a surprise, but we don't know until you do it.

3. Also give us the tire sidewall rating at max psi..
4. If and when you do get a TT to pull I would suggest to fit the largest trans cooler you can in front of the grill. This will insure a comfortable towing experience.

Thats all for now. we can offer more when you get those #'s.

Any other advise would be somewhat hear say at this point so read other posts cautiously...