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!

[time2roll]

Keep the trailer GVWR less than the 8650 tow rating for best results.
Even lower if you will have lots of people and gear in the Expedition.
You should already be keeping up with maintenance so it is ready to go. Check the book on what is required.
I recommend Prodigy P2 or P3 brake controller.

[CharlesinGA]

Original hose clamp, possibly the original hose, Get your cooling hoses replaced and fresh coolant installed. Vehicle of that vintage is ready for new "rubber" including the serpentine belt.

Check the fan fluid clutch to make sure it has resistance and does not wobble. If it spins freely with no resistance, you want it replaced. There are many things on a vehicle that can be bad and you don't notice until you start towing or hauling heavy loads and suddenly you find the bad stuff.

Also get your differential fluid front and rear changed, synthetic is preferred. Everything you can do to bullet proof the vehicle from future problems is a good thing.

If I am understanding what I am looking at, the rear of the vehicle is to the right, and the radiator hose comes out the front of the radiator, runs across to the drivers side where it passes under the radiator on its way aft to the water pump. I can see the fan shroud to the right, behind the radiator.

Never seen an installation like that. Do note that the transmission line closest to you in the pic runs up thru the rubber air dam attached to the bottom of the radiator, and one other line on the other side does also. Look from the top down with the hood open, or thru the grill or opening below the grill and you will probably find the cooler.

Charles

[Terryallan]

Gr4ck3L wrote:
Hi Team,

Terryallan had mentioned the transmission cooler may already be installed. Would this be it by chance?

Honestly. that don't look like it. more like the bottom of the radiator. The cooler should be over to the passenger side, and maybe in front of the radiator. will have cooling fins. Follow those lines back to the transmission. If they out of the radiator, and back to the trany with out going thru a canister with fins on it. then you don't have one

[Gr4ck3L]

Hi Team,

Terryallan had mentioned the transmission cooler may already be installed. Would this be it by chance?

[Lynnmor]

"CAT" scales aren't the only scales you can use. Local quarries, feed mills, recycling centers, some state weigh scales, and many other places that buy or sell heavy loads of materials often will accommodate you.

In my case, there is a grain storage facility just four miles away. Unless it is harvesting season, they are glad to weigh for free or just doughnut money.

[nosebreaker]

Depending on your model, you may have a button on the shifter to disable overdrive, make sure you do that while towing!

[Terryallan]

Gr4ck3L wrote:
Hi Team,

T
Will add trans cooler and brake controller. I'm not knowledgeable in regards to the hitch receivers - is there a preference for WD/anti-sway on TTs?

Thanks all!

IF you have the tow package, and according to your first post, (" Hitch rcvr with 4 and 7 pin electrics ") you do. All Fords with 7 pins have the tow package. and the tow package includes a aux transmission cooler. To verify. Just follow the transmission lines out of the radiator. They will run into a cooler before they return to the trans.

[Gr4ck3L]

Hi Team,

Thanks for all the feedback and apologies for the delay in response.

We get the vehicle serviced regularly by Firestone. Its an old bird but its been all over Arizona and Southern CA a few times over since we've owned it without any hiccups. The closest CAT scale is about an hour away, so I'll get that sorted Friday or Saturday. I don't imagine cramming the household critters in for the CAT weigh-in, but I have recent vet weigh-ins I can use to supplement. It's just the wife and I along with 3 medium dogs and 2 cats, so I'd like to keep the TV interior space as uncluttered as possible, and leave the TT to haul the cargo if that's acceptable.

Some details below that's been requested.

Vehicle is unmodified, original to AZ
Mileage is 185831
2014 - replaced front lower ball joints, front wheel bearing and hub assemblies, and rear brake rotors
2016 - replaced motor mounts, struts, shock (non air), and resurfaced front brake rotors
I'm getting some pulsing in the pedal when braking harder than normal, will get that sorted

MFG Tag shows GVWR 7300/Front GAWR 3275/Rear GAWR 4128 - Actual TBD

Tires are P265/70R17. Plan on replacing w/ LTs - any preference on Load Index Rating or HT vs AT? I don't have any designs on boondocking if that helps.
Will add trans cooler and brake controller. I'm not knowledgeable in regards to the hitch receivers - is there a preference for WD/anti-sway on TTs?

Thanks all!

[Allworth]

And, if you decide to tow with it replace the passenger car tires with light truck tires of the same size.

The size info on passenger tires starts with "P" as in P215/70R15. Strangely enough light truck tires are marked "LT".

[valhalla360]

If it's in decent shape, the manufacturer limits are fine...but as mentioned, the actual curb weights for the truck are not on the sticker, so a quick run thru the scales wouldn't be a bad idea.

Do make sure to include passenger weights and other cargo weight both in the truck and in the trailer. No one tows with an empty truck and empty trailer. Usually best to assume the GVWR of the trailer as a starting point.

As far as what trailer you can pull, you need to check a few criteria:
- Max Tow weight
- Max hitch weight (if using a WD hitch adjust for that).
- Max CGVWR
- Max rear axle weight rating (include verification that the tires are rated as high as the axle/suspension)

If all of those are within the limits, you are within the manufacturer limits and should be fine.

If the truck has problems/faulty systems, you should fix them and not try to de-rate the tow capability as there is no good way to do it.

[Terryallan]

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!

IF it runs good, and you trust it out of town. I'd do it. It has the tow package. All you need is a brake controller. It is already wired for it. A Prodigy (P3, P2) would be plug and play. Get nothing less. Expes make great tow vehicles

[theoldwizard1]

Like any used vehicle, it needs a thorough inspection and possible some new parts. Brakes, front suspension, shock (all 4). I would also change the transmission and 4wd transfer case fluid (if equipped).

If the truck is from the SW, then you really don't need to worry about brake lines/fuel lines rotting out.

[Grit_dog]

You forgot the most important info. How many miles, what kind of condition and what’s been done for repairs.

[Old-Biscuit]

Good info provided......

So load up that Expedition 'camp ready'....you, full fuel tank, ALL passengers (Human & domesticated), stuff inside (backpacks, baggage, etc) and go to CAT Scales for weigh ticket.

It will give you weight on Front Axle, Rear Axle and total weight

Then you will have REAL numbers to work with
Subtract Total weight from that GCVWR (14,500#) that will give you an idea of trailer GVWR you can start looking at.

Subtract Rear Axle Weight from the RAWR (4128#) (FAWR 3150#)
What you left over is to be used to figure trailer tongue weight (10%-15% of trailers weight)


Also read your Expedition Owners Manual......pgs 239 thru 243
Has some good info about towing a trailer
2003 Expedition Owners Manual

You will need to install a 'brake controller'
Expedition is already set up with 4 & 7 pin connections back at receiver and has plug in connection under dash...just need the controller and harness
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller



CAT Scales

[Lwiddis]

I’ve got a much newer TV similar to your specs and wouldn’t go over 6000 pounds on the TT wet and loaded. My Winnie is 5100-5150 pounds ready to go. I want to wag the tail, not have it wag me. Your 3.73 rear end is good...I’ve got a 3.43.