Changing 2018 from 3.31 to 3.73

[bchampion]

Just make sure you add the trailer brake controller. It's even available as a dealer installed option (dealer install includes the software upgrade to enable it). Or just pick your favorite aftermarket TBC.

Yes I did, the factory Ford controller installed by my dealer. Think my total out the door cost was like $350.

 

[JasonH]

My 2017 Max has the 3.31 gear and HD tow package. I tow a 7k lb travel trailer without issue. There are upgrades to the cooling and power steering as well to enable heavy duty towing. Power hasn't been an issue towing with my truck. It cruises around in 6th gear while towing.

 

[JExpedition07]

Towing a 7000lb travel trailer occasionally. I won't be traveling all over the US with it. If I really get into the camping seen, I'll purchase and F250 SD PowerStroke so I can tow anything under the sun.

If you want an F-250 get one of the gasoline V8 engines. Diesel engine chops about 800 pounds off payload capacity so a diesel 250 is very limited in what amount of weight you can put on the hitch. For example a gas truck may have a payload of 2,800 pounds vs 2,000 pounds for the diesel. If you want a diesel safer to get a 1 ton.

 

[JExpedition07]

My 2017 Max has the 3.31 gear and HD tow package. I tow a 7k lb travel trailer without issue. There are upgrades to the cooling and power steering as well to enable heavy duty towing. Power hasn't been an issue towing with my truck. It cruises around in 6th gear while towing.

Unless you are in the Canadian market all EL models come with 3.73 ratio on HD tow

 

[JasonH]

Unless you are in the Canadian market all EL models come with 3.73 ratio on HD tow

Not mine. My axle code is "15" which according to the towing guide for my 2017 corresponds to a 3.31. The towing guide says 3L is 3.73. For 2018, the HD tow packages included 3.73 gears. EL is now Max for 2018.

 

[JExpedition07]

Not mine. My axle code is "15" which according to the towing guide for my 2017 corresponds to a 3.31. The towing guide says 3L is 3.73. For 2018, the HD tow packages included 3.73 gears. EL is now Max for 2018.

Something seems off, is it the 131” wheelbase? 2WD maybe? All 07’-17’ EL (Extended Length) models have 3.73 if they are 4WD. On 07-14 axle code 16=3.73.

 

[JasonH]

Something seems off, is it the 131” wheelbase? 2WD maybe? All 07’-17’ EL (Extended Length) models have 3.73 if they are 4WD. On 07-14 axle code 16=3.73.

Mine is 2WD, that is why. It was a fleet vehicle that I purchased from Carmax. No issues towing with the 3.31 gears though.

 

[Dr0idattack]

Also use a good WDH, like an Equal-I-zer. It will help reduce white knuckle driving. It wouldn’t hurt to have LT tires, good shocks (bilstein 4600s) and SumoSpring helpers.

 

[Tocapet]

I think I'm just going to say screw it and tow with what I got.

Why don't you just buy an older F250 truck used that you can tow with when you need to and keep your Expy stock and just enjoy it. A good used one will not set you back as much as trading in your Expy. Even if it needs some work! I have a 31' travel trailer sitting in my back yard and I wouldn't dare try taking it out on the road with my '09 Expy. I have moved it about 15 feet with the Expy in order to get it set where I wanted it and that's enough for me! It really loaded my Expy down.

 

[bchampion]

Probably what I will end up doing.