Expedition Towing

[mattford]

Any input is appreciated. After searching for just the right travel trailers to start the family trips, I found it. Right floor plan, right price. I have a 2003 Expedition EB 5.4L w/ the 3.73 gear, Class IV hitch and 7-pin plug (I believe the tow package is included). I understand the towing specs to be 8900lbs and 890 on the hitch (w/ dist). The trailer specs: Shipped: 7304 Hitch (dry): 665 Carrying Capacity: 1696. It's a 31' rig with electric brakes. Will be getting weight dist and anti-sway.

Thoughts on the overall weights for the Expy to tow?

I have towed lighter rentals before, but this is the first purchase. The specs look to be in a comfortable range. We will at times be going up hill to the local mountains. Wanted to get the advise of more experianced tow-ers.

Thanks!

 

[tonydiv]

Since the Expy doesn't have a tow haul mode, I would consider an Edge (or similar) programmer with a tow setting. It will firm up those shifts and keep the trans from slipping and heating up. I mentioned the Edge because that's the only one that I have first hand experience with, but others may do the job equally as well.

I'd also recommend a good flush and fill for the cooling system before you set off.

 

[KWT2000]

i agree with getting a programer and coolant flush.. also trans filter and flush, id also get a trans temp gauge to keep an eye on it... do some research for WDH get one thats worth the money... your pushing the limit on trailer length but with rite set up you should be ok

 

[Eric]

I do a lot of towing any you will be pushing the envelope on that rig. Dry weight is up there, and I know it's easy to add lots of weight with all those cabinets to fill with stuff and the gear you take on the trip, not to mention the freshwater tank....Hope most of your towing is on the flats. At the very least run high octane fuel and a programmer to get the most from the engine, but that tranny will take a beating, trans cooler is a must to say the least. Good luck!

 

[First Light]

Any input is appreciated. I have a 2003 Expedition EB 5.4L w/ the 3.73 gear, Class IV hitch and 7-pin plug (I believe the tow package is included).

A slight correction. ALL 2003 EB model Expedition's came with a Class IV hitch and a 7-pin plug as standard equipment, but - but, the tow package was "not" included - it was an option. So your Expedition may, or may not have the tow package.

And I disagree with Eric. I tow a boat that along with its trailer weights 10,000 lbs, and my '03 Expedition (that has the towing package) tows it just fine.

 

[Chrysler79]

I do a lot of towing any you will be pushing the envelope on that rig. Dry weight is up there, and I know it's easy to add lots of weight with all those cabinets to fill with stuff and the gear you take on the trip, not to mention the freshwater tank....Hope most of your towing is on the flats. At the very least run high octane fuel and a programmer to get the most from the engine, but that tranny will take a beating, trans cooler is a must to say the least. Good luck!

I agree. My toy hauler in only rated at 5K, but when I had stuff in there and some water in the tank it crept up over 6.5K without my bikes in it. Be careful with that 31 footer. It'll eat a trannie in a heartbeat if its too heavy.

 

[Steps]

Heat is your enemy when it comes to towing and your transmission. Install an aftermarket cooler and it will help. You can add an electric fan to the right cooler as well for extra cooling.

 

[JCMatthews]

Going a little big.

Buying a trailer that big maybe you should consider an F250 or Excursion with a diesel. If you are towing only on flat ground (seriously) you will survive. However, if you have to go up any kind of a mountain pass you'll be lucky to do 45 mph at 5000 rpm and your tranny is going to be working over time. : I understand towing, I used to drive semis professionally. I have towed several things with my '01 EB w/ the 5.4 and the automatic overdrive off. It slows significantly on the hills once the weight reachs the 5000-5500 lbs. mark. Boats are easier to tow, because of there shape. There is a lot less wind resistance with a boat. You have to remember not only are you pullng weight, but after about 60 mph it is going to act like a 6000 lbs. parachute stapped to the back of your rig. I towed a nice 23ft. trailer and I did alright even over a high mountain pass, if going 45 mph at 4500 rph is alright. I would not recomend a trailer of that size on a half ton rig with a small to medium V8 ever.

 

[Eric]

A slight correction. ALL 2003 EB model Expedition's came with a Class IV hitch and a 7-pin plug as standard equipment, but - but, the tow package was "not" included - it was an option. So your Expedition may, or may not have the tow package.

And I disagree with Eric. I tow a boat that along with its trailer weights 10,000 lbs, and my '03 Expedition (that has the towing package) tows it just fine.

You can tow 10,000 lbs but for how long, usually people tow travel trailers for much longer distances and in the mountains where boats don't go. So I still stand by my opinion that when you start approaching the max tow weight of a vehicle you will pay for it later in early transmission rebuilds. Not to mention the slow going when you get on a hill and the uneasy feeling everyone has in the car wondering if you will make it. That's why God invented diesels......