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!

[Optimistic_Para]

Gr4ck3L wrote:
Hi Team,

Couple of pics. We're the third owner of the vehicle, but the previous owner had the window sticker and brochure. Sticker shows as equipped with 'Class IV Trailer Tow', and the brochure says 'Class IV with 4 and 7 pin connectors'. Still trying to verify if there's a trans cooler installed.

Ford's 2003 RV & Trailer Towing Guide is available here:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/2003_All.pdf

The seven pin socket in that photo is going to need some serious cleaning before it will work reliably. I recommend a product called DeoxIT. Great stuff!

[Grit_dog]

Good ole Arizona cars.....I have more rust on the trailer hitch of a 1 year old truck!

[Grit_dog]

Gr4ck3L wrote:

Allworth wrote:
Tires:

(this can start a circus)

I like Michelin AT-2 on the truck and Duravis R-250 on the trailer.

Hi Allworth, I found the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 would be in our budget and the details fit what I was after, so we'll probably end up going with them.

If you're on a budget and are just looking for a highway tire, I'll suggest Craigslist for a set of takeoffs.

[bikendan]

Just realize that the hitch receiver rating is for the receiver only and not necessarily for your Expy.

Ford puts the same receiver on a variety of vehicles that are equipped differently.

You have to go with how your vehicle is specifically equipped, to determine its towing capacity, not what it says on the receiver.

[Gr4ck3L]

Allworth wrote:
Tires:

(this can start a circus)

I like Michelin AT-2 on the truck and Duravis R-250 on the trailer.

Hi Allworth, I found the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 would be in our budget and the details fit what I was after, so we'll probably end up going with them.

[Allworth]

Tires:

(this can start a circus)

I like Michelin AT-2 on the truck and Duravis R-250 on the trailer.

[Gr4ck3L]

Hi Team,

Couple of pics. We're the third owner of the vehicle, but the previous owner had the window sticker and brochure. Sticker shows as equipped with 'Class IV Trailer Tow', and the brochure says 'Class IV with 4 and 7 pin connectors'. Still trying to verify if theres a trans cooler installed.

[Terryallan]

bikendan wrote:
The OP didn't mention if their Expy has the factory tow package or not.
After seeing the radiator pic, I wonder if the hitch receiver is an aftermarket add-on.

I thought it did because of the 7 pin. All Fords with "factory" 7 pins had the tow package. However in that era, they usually didn't have both 7, and 4 pin. If it was an add on. Bets are off

[bikendan]

The OP didn't mention if their Expy has the factory tow package or not.
After seeing the radiator pic, I wonder if the hitch receiver is an aftermarket add-on.

[lawrosa]

DRTDEVL wrote:

afidel wrote:
Be careful with the transmission flush, if it hasn't been maintained with regular changes you can actually cause more problems with a flush and fill then you solve.

Old wive's tale that stemmed out of happenstance rather than actual causation. Those failures wre coming, whether the transmission was serviced or not.

Just do a drain and fill, changing the filter when drained. I did this to my 1997 E150 van (same setup, 5.4, auto, 9.25 sterling rear), but I put in AMSOIL synthetic. The van shifted like new after that all the way until I lost it in the divorce at 302,000 miles. I towed a LOT with it, too, mostly a 5x14 enclosed cargo trailer, but the occasional flat deck.

Chemical flushed are unnecessary 100% of the time. Snake oil.

Its my opinion the guys telling full synthetic may think different then some here.

my 4l60e trans requires synthetic blend from factory. Because there are clutches in there I followed the spec.

Experienced problems with dex VI in gms full syn are slip issues and not being able to get out of park..

Its said to be a bit too slippery.

Semi syn have different friction modifiers and thats what I use and gm specs out

But you cant believe everything you read. Im just throwing my beliefs out there.

In the engine yes full synthetic but trans.... Follow your manuals spec.

But even in the harleys i've rebuilt I have seen the rollers bearings floating with full syn and not rolling. Strange wear patterns in the cam bearings.

[DRTDEVL]

afidel wrote:
Be careful with the transmission flush, if it hasn't been maintained with regular changes you can actually cause more problems with a flush and fill then you solve.

Old wive's tale that stemmed out of happenstance rather than actual causation. Those failures wre coming, whether the transmission was serviced or not.

Just do a drain and fill, changing the filter when drained. I did this to my 1997 E150 van (same setup, 5.4, auto, 9.25 sterling rear), but I put in AMSOIL synthetic. The van shifted like new after that all the way until I lost it in the divorce at 302,000 miles. I towed a LOT with it, too, mostly a 5x14 enclosed cargo trailer, but the occasional flat deck.

Chemical flushed are unnecessary 100% of the time. Snake oil.

[afidel]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
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.

Be careful with the transmission flush, if it hasn't been maintained with regular changes you can actually cause more problems with a flush and fill then you solve.

[lawrosa]

Trans cooler added to original smaller trans cooler. IMO you cant cool the tranny enough..

[Grit_dog]

Don’t worry about hitting the scales. Your vehicle is not special compared to others.
You can get a rough weight on it easy and you don’t want to overdo it anyway on the trailer size. Some people weigh every bag of chips and roll of TP and have them cataloged in case the mythical weight police ask them .......
Your bigger concern is your original question. Is it tow worthy?
With us only knowing what you’ve said about it, honestly it’s about 50/50, if it’s in good shape and depending what you’re doing with it. Hauling down the I 10 in moderate weather is different then pulling 6% grades when it’s 100deg in the shade.
I personally would be skeptical of a 15 year old vehicle without knowing its history and knowing that most all the wear parts are fresh, like the hoses in your picture. Original Arizona hoses or are they newer?