I'm buying an Expedition, suggestions and knowledge please!

[muffy]

Good day all!

I've decided to buy an Expedition- I need an SUV to haul 9000 pounds of trailer. Thought I'd ask for help from the experts.

I'm going to be using it in the south eastern U. S., in an area bounded by say Memphis- Tampa- Richmond. Reliability is the first requirement- hauling horses, so I can't take much chance of being stuck on the road. With that weight, I know I'll need the heavy duty tow package and I need 4x4 too. I want it to last me a long time, like 15 or 20 years.

First, I'm caught up with the choice between a newish used one- 2017s off lease are running $25.000 or so- and a decent older one- 2010s are running about $10,000 with 100,000 miles or so.

Is it worth while to pay so much more for the newer ones? Aren't a 2010 and a 2017 basically the same truck? I have the impression that these just go on forever as long as they are well maintained, am I wrong? I'm sure the new ones have more electronic comforts and conveniences, but those don't matter so much to me- I'm a bit of a digital dinosaur.

I'm assuming there's no reason but more size to buy an XL, so I figure the regular one is fine for me- less weight to haul. But correct me if I'm wrong.

Second, are there known things to watch out for? Like, "The 2016s with the xp-7 widgets are prone to the #5 cylinder valve cracking", or something like that?

 

[muffy]

I've read through the "what to look for" sticky as basic research.

 

[WifeyExpedition]

We have a 2016 kid hauler for my wife. At first I was leery of the 6 banger and two-wheel drive. I am no longer leery of either. The Expy flies and we were more than happy with 2WD.

I hauled my dad's very big and heavy 23 foot ski boat for winterization and had no issues.

The newer models have better features then older one. Spend the extra money. A 25k off lease '17 would cost 39k if it had Tahoe or Yukon label.

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[JExpedition07]

9,000 pounds of what kind of trailer? Any year 07-17’ with HD tow has good pulling power and same capacity. However you will normally run out of payload before you reach max towing capacity. The 9,000 is not usually attainable because that’s assuming you have zero weight in the truck. Put in gear, people, tongue weight and your out of capacity well before 9k. If you will be towing that kind of weight consistently I’d suggest skipping the Expedition and going right up to a gas 6.2L F-250.

It’s up to you and what your budget consists of. They are generally reliable trucks and go a long way when maintained. 17’ will have the most little features along with the benefit of maintenance not being due. Obviously a higher trim 2010 or so will be fancier than a 17’ XLT for the money. The 5.4L Triton was used from 07-14’ and 3.5 EcoBoost from 15-17’ both being coupled to the 6 speed. Neither will have issue with pulling 6-7K pounds behind them as these have a lot of torque. Be mindful of this chassis and it’s limitations because you are right at the cusp.

 

[muffy]

Thank you- I know I'm on the edge with the tow weight, and I'm weighing both the truck and the trailer.

Is there any reason to choose the Triton over the Ecoboost or vice versa?

 

[JExpedition07]

Thank you- I know I'm on the edge with the tow weight, and I'm weighing both the truck and the trailer.

Is there any reason to choose the Triton over the Ecoboost or vice versa?

All sorts of different opinions on this subject. The EcoBoost is turbocharged and therefore torque is very low in the rev range, it will tend to use fewer RPMs towing. The 5.4L torque peaks relatively low for a V8 in the 3K RPM range but not as low so up a grade it will use some more revs. In the end it’s preference, if you want to hear a V8 when you hit the gas get the Triton. If you want instant torque get the Ecoboost. Both engines tow like a dream they just do it slightly different. If you go for the 5.4L I’d recommend a 3.73 gear ratio.....but that’s included on 4WD HD tow models anyway. The two are rated within 1-2 MPG of each other so fuel usage is negligible slightly in favor of the Eco. Towing mpg is slightly in favor of the Triton but again negligible.

 

[cmiles97]

Depending on the mileage of 17 and when it was built you can still purchase a Ford Factory warranty.

I bought mine to give me peace of mind with the turbo motor setup and any other issues the could pop up.

Check here for options, the site will tell you if the vehicle is too old or has too many miles to purchase the plan.

https://www.floodfordesp.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI14DsqdbS4QIVQh-GCh34agjrEAAYASAAEgKJ7vD_BwE

 

[Gary Waugh]

I am probably stating the obvious, but you are right at the upper limit of the expy towing limits, the EL expedition has a tow capacity a bit lower than the regular Expedition, so if you dont need the extra space go for a regular expedition and get the higher towing capacity, you definately need the heavy duty towing package. from 2009 onwards I don't think there have been any major issues with the expy prior to that there where issues with spark plugs, can chain tensioners, etc!! Watch your tongue weight!!

Gary

 

[Mean_Dean]

My 2017 Limited EL is rated at 9800 for towing with the HD package, I would recommend a different vehicle with a bit higher rating if you are going to pull 9000 on a regular basis. You can get an F-150 rated for 13K pounds.

 

[coolzzy]

17 EL 4x2 with HD tow is rated for 9300 pounds a 4x4 is rated just 100 pounds less at 9200 pounds. You're really looking at super duty territory for 9k pounds though unless only very occasionally towing on flat ground. As others have said, payload will be your limiting factor. If you are looking at a 9k pound rv trailer, plan on 1k pounds of tongue weight. With a WDH the expedition is only rated for 920 pounds of hitch weight.

As for motors, I've owned and pulled the same 6k pound trailer with both and will say the ecoboost is the stronger motor by a mile or three. The 5.4 is a good truck motor but highway cruising with a heavy load will keep you in lower gears and pulling high rpms on any hill. The ecoboost with 3.73 gears hardly breaks a sweat but will get 8-9mpg towing so be ready for that. You'll want the EL for a heavy trailer because it will control sway better due to its longer wheelbase. All thar being said, 9k pounds is too heavy for an expedition if you plan on having anything inside other than a driver. The IRS is soft and requires a good WDH hitch to level the truck. Payload includes hitch weight so keep that in mind.

Also, are we talking about a 9k pound GVWR trailer, or is that the dry rating? Some of these larger trailers have cargo capacities exceeding 2k pounds, so if you came in at an actual weight closer to 8k you'd be a lot better off. Still a lot of tongue weight though.

 

[Plati]

I like the comments about Super Duty. I'm not a big tow guy but my retired friends who RV and tow have more truck than they could get away with.

You want to own it 20 years? Common sense says buy as new as you can afford, right?

 

[muffy]

Thank you all for your replies, keep them coming- you're giving me lots to think about!

 

[1955moose]

Got to know were you the first baby of 1960? Saw your bio, just wondering. I'm with the others, your pushing the limits on the weight. Especially if you have any passengers besides Mr Ed! At the stress your doing on a regular basis, you need to step up all services, and selling or scrapping time. 20 years is a pipe dream, more likely 10 at best. Your basically asking a healthy human/horse to work hard most days of their life. I'm a few years beyond you, and I only run these days when being chased, or I have to pee! God I wish I was 18 again!

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[Eagle 71]

Muffy, others have given you great advice so far. Here’s some more. When I was looking for a good tow vehicle a while back, a friend of mine told me to buy the most towing capacity you can, because you can never upgrade your towing vehicle’s capacity after the fact if you don’t. Otherwise you’ll be restricted to towing a trailer with lesser weight than you may desire/want.

As already stated, don’t forget the payload weight in your Expy, tongue weight, axle ratio, etc. These and other factors all come into play.

Bottom line, good luck. Let us know what you decide.

 

[LRNAD90]

My 2017 Limited EL is rated at 9800 for towing with the HD package, I would recommend a different vehicle with a bit higher rating if you are going to pull 9000 on a regular basis. You can get an F-150 rated for 13K pounds.

Factory documentation states 9,200 for an EL 4x4 (or 4x2), were are you finding a rating for the additional 600 lbs?

TO the OP, In General I agree, a 9K trailer is pushing the limits, and you may want to consider stepping up a weight class in your tow vehicle..

 

[LRNAD90]

reposted, my mistake

 

[muffy]

Not the first baby of the year, unfortunately!

My thinking on buying and an older one was, $10,000 now and another $10,000 in 10 years or so when that one breaks down.

I won't be towing all the time, maybe 5000 miles a year if that. I'm currently pulling the rig with my '06 Trailblazer 6 cylinder, but that is only short distances and all flat. It will change once I quit work this summer.

 

[Flexpedition]

No reason whatsoever to run out and buy an F250 when an Expedition is perfectly capable.


If you are going to consider a Super Duty, do a little research before buying. For instance, a 2010 4x4 F250, super cab, manual transmission 5.4 is only rated at just 8800 with the 3.73 rear.

Any Expedition is more than capable to safely and comfortably pulling your horse trailer AND your Trailblazer at the same time. Uphill both ways.

 

[chuck s]

Bottom line up front: Get a '17 (or later) with HD Tow (includes an excellent electric brake controller) and don't consider the earlier V8 models.

According to the owner's manual the maximum towing capacity of ANY 2017 Expedition is 9200 pounds. Trim, 4x2 or 4x4, and wheelbase don't matter. There's a label on the bottom of the Class IV hitch (2" receiver) to that effect as well.

I bought a new 2017 XLT (loaded to the gills) about 20 months ago replacing my long serving, faithful 2007 XLT. Both have HD Tow. The 2017 EcoBoost with 3.31 axles is much more responsive and tows much better than the V8 with 3.73 axles. If offered the choice get the EcoBoost. My trailers don't weigh 9000 pounds, though, so the 3.73 axles may help at that weight level, they don't at lower levels. Electronic traction control (standard) makes limited slip differentials redundant.

The 2018s are further enhanced with a 10-speed transmission and hybrid fuel injection. Too different and too new for me back in 2017 to wait for that model. I drove and towed with my '07 for 10 years and could drive the '17 "blindfolded" since everything was still in the same place.

-- Chuck

 

[Mean_Dean]

Factory documentation states 9,200 for an EL 4x4 (or 4x2), were are you finding a rating for the additional 600 lbs?

TO the OP, In General I agree, a 9K trailer is pushing the limits, and you may want to consider stepping up a weight class in your tow vehicle..

Typo, reading the specs without wearing my readers and thought it was an 8 not a 2. Sucks getting old...