Expedition Towing Capabilities

[empty]

I've been the proud owner of a 2004 Eddie Bauer Ford Expedition that I purchased new and been the sole owner. I've had virtually no problems (knock on wood) and have close to 130k on it now. I also have no real interest in trading for a new vehicle, partly because I like it and also because I wouldn't be given more than $6k on a trade for a $50k new one. That being said, I do have a need for a vehicle that can tow a car trailer (and 3,000 pound car) and have learned that the recommendation is for the towing vehicle to be at least a 3/4 ton. I know that the expedition is built on the F150 platform and that it's technically a 1/2 ton spec, but I'm confused as to how they can have a towing rating if 8,000 pounds and then for the trailer recommendation to be a 3/4 ton. Does anyone have some insight or background on this?

 

[Bedrck47]

where were you told that you need a 3/t ton tow vehicle

 

[empty]

I was told by the trailer rental company.

 

[Bedrck47]

being they are renting equipment they tend to be on the safe side to protect their equipment The Expy is rated to tow 8000 lbs when properly equipped with weight distribution hitch Equalizer's and sway control.

I would also say their trailers are equipped with serge brakes and depending on the hitch may or may not accept equalizer bars

For a different idea check U-Haul and enter you information I would bet they come back and say about the same thing the it is to much weight for an expedition to tow.

One way to get around it is to tell the rental company that you are going to haul much less weight then you really plan to haul. But that may effect insurance coverage

 

[GAINMOB]

exactly...the expedition can handle it as 4x2 and 4x4...

 

[ScottyDsntKnow]

I've towed multiple cars and trailers with my 03. You have to make sure yours has the tow package though. Easiest way is to just look at your trailer plug and see if its just the small 4 pin or the big circle 7 pin. If you have the 7 pin you have the tow package. One reason I jumped so fast when I got my 03 EB is that it WAS an EB, had the tow package and it did not have air suspension.

Anyway, its not going to be a hardcore tow vehicle but for 3,000lbs you will have zero issues. Last vehicle I towed was a 3400lb sedan plus the 1,000lb U haul trailer. Did totally fine, no issues with power or anything.

 

[69Hcode]

U-Haul wouldn't rent me a trailer when I had an 04 Explorer. Said they don't rent for explorers. I borrowed my buddies car trailer and pulled my 69 Cougar no problem. And had no trailer brakes on it. Hills and all.
When I moved back out here to NM Penske wouldn't rent a trailer(I rented the 29ft truck from them) for my Cougar either. It wasn't in their system so they wouldn't rent it. Said it was for my 03 Focus and had no problem.

 

[tonydiv]

Correct, sometimes you need to stretch the truth about what vehicle is going to be on the trailer.

A while back, Uhaul wouldn't rent me a trailer because my tow vehicle was my scout II with a soft top. They said that all tow vehicles need a hard top. Still don't know what difference it makes.

 

[ScottyDsntKnow]

U-Haul wouldn't rent me a trailer when I had an 04 Explorer. Said they don't rent for explorers. I borrowed my buddies car trailer and pulled my 69 Cougar no problem. And had no trailer brakes on it. Hills and all.
When I moved back out here to NM Penske wouldn't rent a trailer(I rented the 29ft truck from them) for my Cougar either. It wasn't in their system so they wouldn't rent it. Said it was for my 03 Focus and had no problem.

Yeah they won't rent trailers to explorers because of the firestone scare in the late 90s/early 2000s or whenever it was. They are idiots.

 

[RRILO]

Uhaul will rent to 2011 and newer Explorers. When you go online and plug in your tow vehicle, if you plug in a 2010 Explorer or older you will get this message:

U-Haul has chosen not to rent behind this tow vehicle based on our history of excessive costs in defending lawsuits involving Ford Explorer towing combinations. This policy is not related to safety issues. This is an unusual circumstance for U-Haul – we have built our success for over 60 years by saying 'yes' to our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are committed to working with our customers to find alternative options to help with their move.

 

[01yellerCobra]

The funny part is if you have a Mountaineer they'll rent you a trailer. I did it with my 98 Mountaineer.