New member-2017 XLT trailer wiring question

Just bought my wife a 2017 Expedition EL, the XLT version so it didn't come with the integrated brake control in the dash. It also doesn't have a connector for the 7 blade RV plug, but does have the 4-Pin flat connector and the hitch receiver. Two questions, shouldn't adding the 7 pin connector be fairly easy because the wire is already there, just taped up with a plastic cap on the end of it?, also is it true that if I install the in-dash OEM brake controller, I will have to take it to a ford dealership to get them to hook it to their computer?

David Edwards said:

Just bought my wife a 2017 Expedition EL, the XLT version so it didn't come with the integrated brake control in the dash. It also doesn't have a connector for the 7 blade RV plug, but does have the 4-Pin flat connector and the hitch receiver. Two questions, shouldn't adding the 7 pin connector be fairly easy because the wire is already there, just taped up with a plastic cap on the end of it?, also is it true that if I install the in-dash OEM brake controller, I will have to take it to a ford dealership to get them to hook it to their computer?

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If you don’t have the 7 Pin, you don’t have the Heavy Duty Towing package. Your Max Towing if you have the 4x4 is 6700lbs.

https://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/17RV&TT_Ford_Expedition_Sep7.pdf

If you don’t have the HD tow you can add the 7 pin connector and a controller and install the ford HD trans cooler (easy as pie) and you officially have max tow (9,000 pounds).

Sounds like I may be able to use this truck to pull my 25' camper(5500 pounds) if I can do the trans cooler. Also, the axle number on the VIN sticker is 15, what axle do I have? and is this axle okay for towing a camper the size and weight listed above? Thanks again

David Edwards said:

Sounds like I may be able to use this truck to pull my 25' camper(5500 pounds) if I can do the trans cooler. Also, the axle number on the VIN sticker is 15, what axle do I have? and is this axle okay for towing a camper the size and weight listed above? Thanks again

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If you have a EL 4x4, they only came with a 3.73, and that is the best one for towing.

Also, no trans cooler needed if you are under 6700lbs for a 4x4 EL with out the Heavy Tow Package.

Also, Legally you can only tow up to what your vehicle is rated for from the factory. PERIOD. Regardless of mods.

Yes, if you make the other Mods, you can probably physically safely tow up to 9300 with a 4x4 EL. Also, is the hitch a factory hitch or aftermarket? If aftermarket, is it Class 3 or Class 4, that also matters.

LokiWolf said:

If you have a EL 4x4, they only came with a 3.73, and that is the best one for towing.

Also, no trans cooler needed if you are under 6700lbs for a 4x4 EL with out the Heavy Tow Package.

Also, Legally you can only tow up to what your vehicle is rated for from the factory. PERIOD. Regardless of mods.

Yes, if you make the other Mods, you can probably physically safely tow up to 9300 with a 4x4 EL. Also, is the hitch a factory hitch or aftermarket? If aftermarket, is it Class 3 or Class 4, that also matters.

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This is true, esp for insurance purposes

Axle code 15 is the 3.31 axle ratio, NOT the 3.73. You sure it's an EL and 4x4?

Without the HD Tow package your vehicle also lacks the Class 5 receiver on the back bumper.

The 2017 Ford Towing Guide will answer all your questions. Much, if not all , of the required HD Tow option can be retro-fitted.

-- Chuck

Thanks for the replies, yes it is an EL but no it is not 4 wheel drive. With the 3.31 axle how much does that decrease my towing capacity? I'm fairly sure that the receiver I see on the back of mine is not a class 5 receiver, probably a class 4 or maybe even a class 3. Is there any ID that would tell me which class it is? Thanks

From what I'm seeing on this thread, I may need to just stick with using my 2012 F-150 to pull the camper, the last thing I want to do is hurt the transmission in our 17 expedition.

David Edwards said:

Thanks for the replies, yes it is an EL but no it is not 4 wheel drive. With the 3.31 axle how much does that decrease my towing capacity? I'm fairly sure that the receiver I see on the back of mine is not a class 5 receiver, probably a class 4 or maybe even a class 3. Is there any ID that would tell me which class it is? Thanks

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The link I posted above is the EXACT Towing guide for the 17 Expedition. It has ALL the info you are asking for. No need to look at the 20+ Page file that Chuck posted.

Just in case you don’t want to click on the link, the 4x2 EL with the 3.31 and with out the Heavy Tow package has a Towing Capacity of 6600. There are other details like Tongue weight and so forth in the pdf also.

As far as your receiver, you will need to look. Most have the weights stamped into them somewhere. You are going to have to look around it.

Also, for Clarity, the Receiver that comes with the Heavy Duty Towing package is a Class IV, not a Class V.

Hope that helps.