Forum Discussion

colete00's avatar
colete00
Explorer
Aug 07, 2016

Help w/ tow car! Considering Expedition

We have a 2010 F250 6.4 Diesel, with lots of issues. We also need more passenger space, and the Ford Expedition (2012-2014) is our favorite of the options in our budget.

Does anyone have any advice with towing a trailer similar to ours w/ a large SUV?
Fun Finder 242bds - 24ft, 4825 (dry), 7620 (gross)

I am aware of the Heavy Duty Towing Package, but what about axle? 3.3 vs 3.7? What is the difference?

I am concerned there is not enough power with the 5.4? Do you find your EXPY has to work "too" hard up hills? What about gas mileage?

I am interested in hearing your advice, as we once again shop for a tow car. THANK YOU!

Note: We are also considering the Yukon Denali, but it is way more expensive and would force us to buy a an older model (2007) w/ more miles.

Expedition EL, Suburban, Yukon XL are too big for our preferred campsites.
Tow Vehicles
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Aug 08, 2016
    I don't understand how anyone can recommend an Excursion these days. The newest one is almost 12 years old (2017's are shipping), and most of them are getting long in the tooth. Sure there are a few still around that were only driven to church on Sundays by little old ladies, but those are rarer than hen's teeth. You could spend years looking for one. If you want to tow this summer, you'd almost certainly have to settle for some clapped-out clunker.

    Also not getting the size thing. A full size SUV is a full size SUV. The difference between an Expedition and an Excursion is mostly in suspension and drivetrain. In overall size they're not much different.

    Frankly with your trailer an Expedition is borerline, but doable as long as you aren't a traveling leadsmith on the craft show circuit this summer.
  • keymastr's avatar
    keymastr
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2016
    Excursions and 3/4 ton suburbans are great but getting old. Have not made Excursions for a decade or more.

    SUVs are good at moving people or a trailer but not usually good at both. Get a crew cab 3/4 ton truck or put people in a second car.
  • rjstractor's avatar
    rjstractor
    Nomad
    Aug 08, 2016
    colete00 wrote:
    Expedition EL, Suburban, Yukon XL are too big for our preferred campsites.


    I find this a confusing statement, unless your F250 is also too big for your preferred campsites. The above 3 SUVs are about the same size as a regular cab F250, and shorter than other F250 versions. Also, you may be disappointed in the towing performance of a 5.4 gas after towing with a 6.4 diesel.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Aug 07, 2016
    Look instead for an Excursion or 2500 Suburban. You will be much happier. Remember, passangers and anything you add to the vehicle will reduce towing capacity.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Aug 07, 2016
    5.4 has plenty of power for that TT. You will want the 3.73. A stronger / lower towing gear. Puts more torque to the road. You will prolly get 9 to 10 MPG towing with the 5.4, and 3.73

    3.33 pretty much a no load downhill running gear. Only good for higher MPG, and not much good for that. The higher gear kills the engine power. You wouldn't like towing with it.

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