2003 Expedition and towing a new TT...thoughts?

[theboneskes]

My 2003 Ex has a towing capacity of 8650... We are looking at buying a TT with a unloaded weight of about 6000 and a GVWR of 7200 approx. I do have a prodigy brake controller and plan on getting a WDH w/sway control or an Equal-i-zer. Thoughts? We won't be pulling in the mountains at all. Would like some feedback. I have read many places try to keep it to 80% of the tow vehicle range. I know this setup is a little over, but will never tow with full tanks. I also have a rebuilt trans and run synthetic fluid in it and plan on getting an external trans cooler for it in addition to the one built in the trans. Also LT rated tires.

Thanks!

[APT]

I towed my TT which is 5500 pounds dry, 6500-7000 pounds loaded depending on the trip with a 2003 F-150 4WD 5.4L/3.73. It towed comfortably with adequate performance. Two gears to accelerate and one to cruise. 25 gallon tank at 6.5-8mpg meant 160-200 mile towing range.

Your TV is now 6 years older than when I bought my TT with that truck which only had 70k miles, shorter wheelbase, and I'll assume the same engine/gear. Change all the fluids. Get a good WDH with integrated sway control.

[shadows4]

I used to tow a 5500 lb TT with a 2001 Ex. I think you will be at your max. The Ex will handle it but will probably struggle at times. Take your time and let that 5.4 rev!!! Let the Ex work and it won't let you down. Try to push it and I don't think you will like the results. Good luck.

[lanerd]

Ok, well my .02cents worth is that it is going to be too much trailer for your Ex. I think if it were me, I would look at something a couple thousand pounds lighter.

Not sure what engine you have or the rear ratio or where you plan on traveling. But I would think that you would be much happier with a smaller trailer.

Again, just my .02 cents.

Ron

[theboneskes]

Thats why I asked the question... is this ok? My payload capacity is 1600lbs Besides cloths and my wife and daughter, there wont be anything inside the truck. Just want too see if anyone else is doing something similar, or your $.02.

[lanerd]

Whats the Ex's payload capacity and how much weight are you going to put in the Ex? You will run out of payload capacity waaaaay before you reach the max towing capacity. A 7200 lb trailer will have a tongue weight of approximately 900 lbs. The W/D unit will be close to 100 lbs. 1000 lbs of trailer plus what ever you put in the Ex (you, passengers, equipment, ect) will be added to that 1000 lbs and subtracted from the Ex's payload capacity. What do you have left over?

Ron

[Triker33]

Looks like you have everything figured out.
Have fun.