Bummer: 2025 has a pathetic payload rating

[fastcamper]

No. Even if you did weigh it, it doesn’t change what is stated on the yellow door sticker. Let's say you were in an accident when operating an attached trailer (for any reason) and it went to court, due to the claim that you’re at fault — if you’re over this limit, you’re over. The yellow door sticker is the hard spec, and the MFG (Ford) will simply say: “You had a payload higher than our spec and we can’t guarantee safe operation when over this spec."

 

[PapaBear]

Yes, of course taking into account whether your fuel is full and who is in the vehicle at the time of weighing. The difference between the actual weight and the GVWR is the definition of payload. Whether you choose to override the lazy underrating from Ford is your decision.

 

[Calidad]

There are guys all around me with trucks and SUVs with RV and Boat trailers. None of the gas guys are happy and all of the diesel guys are happy. My simple mind tells me that if you are routinely going to do a weight combination above 7 to 8k you are not going to be happy with big heavy gas guzzling SUVs.

I only tow 2x a year 8900 lb boat. The Expedition runs 8.5-9pmg

This spring I borrowed a buddy’s 2024 6.8L F250. What was interesting is that the 6.8 only starts producing power at 3500rpm and getting up into 4000-4500rpm is common when dragging that weight up a grade. 6spd transmission. Talking to a friend running the 6.7 diesel his mileage is very much the same but his service costs are 4x as much as the gas truck.

The only difference we came up with is that he can run the same hill faster at lower RPM.

After spending a few days with the gas F250 12mpg non towing… If I had to have one? I’d get the gas one.

Yeah its very different than the Expedition regarding hauling ability, cooling system, driving dynamics. The 3.5 eco boost is a beast pulling the boat better in the 1800-2500 rpm range than that 6.8L gas truck at 3500 rpm though.

If the Expedition had better transmission cooling like what we see on the F150, and had a better suspension setup to handle the tongue weight it would be far better tow rig in that 8000+ lb range. But as it sits that 8000+ lb towing zone its only marginally ok for occasional trips. Sub 7000lbs is more likely the better weight for lots of towing

 

[Flathead40]

The GVWR is your legal weight rating along with the GAWR. The yellow payload sticker is more informational than a legally binding number. If you are within the GVWR and GAWR you are legal, regardless of the number on the yellow payload sticker.

Ford decided by putting the lowest available number they would cover themselves.

 

[jjscsix]

Here’s the way to think about your tow rig options.

Miles towing?
Known route?
Type if towing slow drive to the lake?

Crossing Nevada in 110 degree heat while being passed by semi’s doing 90mph then hitting Ohio and battling 35mph winds etc.

Slow haul to the lake with the 27ft sea ray and 6-8 people looking forward to a afternoon on the lake? Say 15-25 trips a summer? Mehh let the Expedition sweat it not a big deal.

Dragging the horribly draggy travel trailer across multiple states? Get the F250. Or find a light RV option.

If we sold our lake house? I’d definitely go RV trailer and probably shoot for loaded all up 6000lbs or less with the Expedition so I can haul people at the same time.

Also keep in mind towing mileage/ range. 25 gallon tank towing my 8700lb boat 8-9mpg puts me at 180 miles pump to empty warnings. The MAX has 35gallon which helps. But a F250 I think a 40 gallon is an option.

180 miles from fill up to flashing empty warnings is right at the bare minimum tolerance for my range it sucks honestly. I’d much prefer a solid 200 miles with a 50 mile buffer.

23/28 No Expedition is 35. Sounds like you are thinking of the F150 which has an optional 36 gallon tank.