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!

[JiminDenver]

The trailer isn't pushing the limits, it's exceeding them. There are two sets of numbers for the Expedition limits. with and with out a WDH. The numbers seen here are with and are the higher. Personally I don't see what difference it makes which limit is exceeded, it just takes one.

As I said payloads are all over the place and you have to check the numbers on the door. My 03's both had 1545 pounds payloads while the 07 is rated at 1745. The 07 can't tow more, it has the same tongue weight limit as the 03.

It's not like there are not big trailers that can be towed with the Expy, there are number of people here that do so. Some have tried and have had bad times of it. Pushing it isn't just a safety issue, parts big and small on the truck will wear and fail sooner.

I do know how the OP feels. We couldn't wait to stop at the RV lots after buying our 03's. The first shop would have been happy to sell us a trailer that weighed 9000 lbs and said nothing about it. I didn't know the difference, all I knew back then was the tow limit touted by Ford.

[nomad297]

majorgator wrote:

I guess the OP didn't appreciate the truth. It seems he's gone off to stick his head in the sand, never to return. This is happening more and more.

No, I don't think that's it at all. Instead, he's decided that most of the comments on here are just silly. Telling him that tongue weight is his biggest concern, instead of suggesting that he invest in a good WD hitch. The OP got actual feedback from Expedition owners that confirmed his thoughts. He probably also didn't appreciate the multiple posts showing the picture of the trailer accident, as if that thread hasn't already been exhausted with speculation and accusations (all from people who don't know what happened). That's an underhanded way of suggesting that the OP would be the next one to have an accident.

Yes, the OP knows that his trailer choice will be pushing the limits of his TV. However, he probably has read all the threads where people are pushing the limits of their Ford ecoBoost without getting talked down to this much.

Edit: for the record, I personally would not choose to pull that TT with his current TV. However, it does not change anything I've said above.

Sort of a washy-washy response, don't you think?

Bruce

[majorgator]

I guess the OP didn't appreciate the truth. It seems he's gone off to stick his head in the sand, never to return. This is happening more and more.

No, I don't think that's it at all. Instead, he's decided that most of the comments on here are just silly. Telling him that tongue weight is his biggest concern, instead of suggesting that he invest in a good WD hitch. The OP got actual feedback from Expedition owners that confirmed his thoughts. He probably also didn't appreciate the multiple posts showing the picture of the trailer accident, as if that thread hasn't already been exhausted with speculation and accusations (all from people who don't know what happened). That's an underhanded way of suggesting that the OP would be the next one to have an accident.

Yes, the OP knows that his trailer choice will be pushing the limits of his TV. However, he probably has read all the threads where people are pushing the limits of their Ford ecoBoost without getting talked down to this much.

Edit: for the record, I personally would not choose to pull that TT with his current TV. However, it does not change anything I've said above.

[nomad297]

I guess the OP didn't appreciate the truth. It seems he's gone off to stick his head in the sand, never to return. This is happening more and more.

Bruce

[majorgator]

Wow

[windpusher]

2015 Expy now up to a tow weight of 9,300 lbs when properly equipped.
Most likely because this is this 1st year with Eco boost engine.
If all goes well with 2015 F150 release you will probably see the same things done to the Expy as with the F150 in future model years. Composite Alum. body and reinforced frame giving more payload.

[Beachums]

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.

Actually, you forgot to subtract the weight difference of the 4x4 drivetrain. Ford has rated the 4x4 less than the 2wd version.

Your capacity is actually rated at 8,750. Not much of a difference, but a difference nonetheless.

[alfredmay]

Remember the listed tongue weight will not include propane (60 pounds), an RV battery (50 pounds), your hitch, equalizer bars and sway control (100 pounds), ball (5 pounds), and perhaps the break away switch, upgrade to an electric tongue jack and maybe the safety chains. All of this is over 200 pounds of weight right at the tongue of the RV.

[Beachums]

intheburbs wrote:
Well, looking at a 2014 Expedition EL online, these are the numbers:

GVWR: 7720
RAWR: 4250
FAWR: 3700
Payload: 1435

The payload number is surprisingly low, but probably because it's a loaded Limited.

Doing the math, that sucker has the same curb weight as my 2500 Burb. At least I get a 2088-lb payload. Is Ford still that clueless?

Well, comparing apples to oranges would make me wonder who is clueless. Maybe it's me.
What year is your Burb?

Also, the Burb has a live rear axle, while the Ford has a fully independent rear suspension. This could explain the perceived weight disparity that you speak of.

[nomad297]

Thanks intheburbs.

Bruce

[intheburbs]

Well, looking at a 2014 Expedition EL online, these are the numbers:

GVWR: 7720
RAWR: 4250
FAWR: 3700
Payload: 1435

The payload number is surprisingly low, but probably because it's a loaded Limited.

Doing the math, that sucker has the same curb weight as my 2500 Burb. At least I get a 2088-lb payload. Is Ford still that clueless?

pic here, as long as it lasts...

****not my pic...too lazy to copy, post and resize...deleted****
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LISTING

[JiminDenver]

Expys make great tow vehicle within their limitations. They can tow 8900 pounds, just not a 8900 pound travel trailer. A big boat or flatbed trailer has less tongue weight and wind resistance, so they can weigh more.

The 13% tongue weight for the trailer is to keep the sway down. A expy, even the EL has a shorter wheel base, meaning you have less leverage to control the trailer with. The stock P rated tires are kinda squishy too so that can make matters worse. Soft tires, light on the tongue and a short wheel base with a long trailer is a recipe for a disaster. Once the sway gets out of control there isn't much you can do, it'll take out truck and trailer.

Now if the numbers from the dealer are on the money, you could handle the trailer weight wise and use a second vehicle to carry all of your gear. You don't have any wiggle room for dishes, clothes, food and certainly not a full tank of water. You will be right at the upper limit with just the trailer. Even then 36 ft is a lot of tail on a small dog.

We are not trashing the Expys, personally I have two that I have towed with for 10+ years. We travel from 5000 ft to 10000 ft every trip and that means a lot of steep climbs and descents in the mountains to get where we go. Our trailer is 25 ft and weighs 4200 pounds dry. I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to 5500 pounds dry, leaving me room for gear and water. With a decent WDH and sway control it is a rock solid set up.

[nomad297]

Lowtrip wrote:
We have a '13 Expedition with same towing package. I use an Equalizer weight comp hitch, pulling an Avenger 30BHS 795# tongue weight, 7100# dry weight.
Pulled it out to Utah from Illinois this summer. Up and down mountains, 4500 miles.
No issues. Pulls fine. Your not gonna drive it like a sports car but truck did just fine.

How did you get your tongue weight?

You better drive very carefully.

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.

[Lowtrip]

We have a '13 Expedition with same towing package. I use an Equalizer weight comp hitch, pulling an Avenger 30BHS 795# tongue weight, 7100# dry weight.
Pulled it out to Utah from Illinois this summer. Up and down mountains, 4500 miles.
No issues. Pulls fine. Your not gonna drive it like a sports car but truck did just fine.

[jaycocreek]

Darn, I wish I had thought of this.

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

Nope,just another argument!