Travel Tow Capacity for Ford Expedition EL

[mcruz]

We are considering purchasing a 2015 Tracer 2990bhd travel trailer. Its weight is 7000lbs. Its tongue weight is 800 lbs. We own a 2014 Ford Expedition 4x4 EL equipped with a 3.73 rear axle ratio, 5.4L V8 engine with heavy-duty trailer tow package (15,000 GCWR). Ford site states this Expedition will tow 8,900 lbs. and has a tongue weight maximum of 890 lbs. We would carry four bikes on the back of the trailer, but besides that, minimal weight. We are a family of four, weight (500 lbs). A full tank of gas in this Expedition is about 275 lbs. From all of our calculations, we appear to be within weight restrictions for a safe tow, but we are looking for additional input/opinions on this vehicle towing this travel trailer. Also, any recommendations on how to increase the tow capacity of this vehicle?? Is it possible?? Thanks!

[Ron_Gratz]

mcruz wrote:
---Again, Ford states that this Expedition will tow 8,900.

Yes, your Expedition could pull 8900# if it only carried a 150# driver and had no factory-installed optional equipment.
However, the "tow capacity" rating coupled with a receiver tongue weight rating of 890# means you would be limited to towing something with a tongue weight percentage of 10% or less -- perhaps a large boat.

Since a typical travel trailer requires a tongue weight percentage around 13% for yaw stability, an 8900# TT would need to have a loaded tongue weight of about 1160# = nearly 300# more that your tongue weight limit.

The tow capacity limit of 8900# is based on how much your Expedition can PULL.
The tongue weight limit and TV's GVWR tell you how much the TV can CARRY.
Unfortunately, the CARRYING capacity usually dictates a TT weighing much less than the PULLING capacity.

Ron

[nomad297]

You don't want this to happen.

T_in_Michigan wrote:






People, just because you can pull it doesn't mean you should. This is ridiculous to think that little Nissan is going to pull that trailer. No weight distribution, nothing.

[jtludwig]

Also..this trailer is nearly 36 ft long..pretty long for an SUV...even one with a longer wheelbase.

[nomad297]

Ron Gratz wrote:
We also need to know the maximum weight of Occupants and Cargo from the TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION STICKER located on the TV's driver's door edge or pillar.
Depending on that value, you might be limited by TV GVWR rather than the receiver tongue weight rating.

Darn, I wish I had thought of this.

I don't think we're going to get any answers.

Bruce

[nomad297]

mcruz wrote:
7,000 IS the dry weight. Can you explain why 7000 pounds is the limit an Expedition can tow due to the tongue weight limit? This Expedition has an 890 lbs tongue weight max? The trailer has an 800 lbs. tongue weight. Again, Ford states that this Expedition will tow 8,900. Thanks.

I'll bet your tongue weight is over 890 as you pull off the dealer's lot. The trailer is too heavy for the Expedition.

Bruce

[Ron_Gratz]

As already stated, the tongue weight limit of 890# most likely will determine how much trailer you can tow.

Assuming a tongue weight percentage of 13% means the loaded trailer weight should be limited to 890/0.13 = about 6800#.

Assuming you load the trailer with 1000# of cargo means the factory-delivered "empty weight" should be 5800# or less.
Be aware the brochure or website dry weight might be a few hundred pounds less than the factory-delivered empty weight.
If you're looking at an existing trailer, its actual empty weight should be printed on one of the stickers.

We also need to know the maximum weight of Occupants and Cargo from the TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION STICKER located on the TV's driver's door edge or pillar.
Depending on that value, you might be limited by TV GVWR rather than the receiver tongue weight rating.

Ron

[mcruz]

7,000 IS the dry weight. Can you explain why 7000 pounds is the limit an Expedition can tow due to the tongue weight limit? This Expedition has an 890 lbs tongue weight max? The trailer has an 800 lbs. tongue weight. Again, Ford states that this Expedition will tow 8,900. Thanks.

[JiminDenver]

Payload is not a good indicator with a Expedition as many have more payload than the tongue weight limits can handle. I have seen Expys with anywhere from 1500 to over 1800 pounds payload and they are all limited to a 7000 pound gross trailer weight. (900 pounds tongue weight) The only difference is if you have 600 or 900 pounds left for you and the gear.

[nomad297]

That really is too much trailer for an Expedition. What is the available payload as stated on the sticker inside your driver's side door? With this, we can help you pick out the best trailer. Of course there are more details needed, but payload is a start.

Bruce

[JiminDenver]

Is 7000 pounds the dry weight, if so it is too heavy, 7000 pounds is the limit a Expy can tow due to the tongue weight limit. Look for a dry weight of 5500-6000 pounds.