Future towing setup. Good to go?

[Randy Schmidt]

I tow a 7000 lb boat with mine without issue. Check the trailer manufacturer website and you'll likely find that the tongue weight on boat trailers is supposed to be 5%-7% for heavy ones, but never more than 10%. I also threw a set of sumo-spring helpers on there and it tows fine. Have already done an 1100 mile round trip with it. Engine is definitely up to the task, but mileage is a little worse than my previous GMC Yukon.

Overall I am very pleased with the setup, but have my fingers crossed for an aftermarket air suspension to really dial it in.

My Expedition tows great with the boat behind it. My problem is the visual appearance sag I get while hooked up the boat. I have gotten with several different trailer repair shops and the trailer manufacturer about the boat setup on the trailer. They all say it is the weak springs on the Expedition... I don't tow too often and the tows are short distances so I am not really worried about it. (other than visually) You have any pics of you Expedition sitting level with your trailer attached?

 

[Zig10]

My Expedition tows great with the boat behind it. My problem is the visual appearance sag I get while hooked up the boat. I have gotten with several different trailer repair shops and the trailer manufacturer about the boat setup on the trailer. They all say it is the weak springs on the Expedition... I don't tow too often and the tows are short distances so I am not really worried about it. (other than visually) You have any pics of you Expedition sitting level with your trailer attached?

Nope...it doesn't sit level when attached, but I also usually have 4-6 people in it with the boat behind us. The sumo springs bring it up about 2"-3", though. It is obvious before and after they're on.

Heck, it doesn't even look like it sits level when I have the whole family and gear in the car without the boat on it.

I agree that the visual appearance is poor under load in this vehicle. Someone will eventually put out a set of air struts for the rear, and I will be first in line for them...

 

[Fozzy]

You guys with the sumo spring things. How’s the ride empty? Or do you take them off.


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[keny01998]

I could see the rear springs sag down with my 2019. My boat & trailer is around 4000 lbs and I don't have heavy tow package.

 

[stricnine]

My boat/trailer is 3,254lbs and I still have rake without the HD tow package:

 

[Artie]

My boat/trailer is 3,254lbs and I still have rake without the HD tow package:
View attachment 32649 View attachment 32650

What’s your tongue weight?

 

[Fozzy]

Full of fuel and gear right at 6K. 500lbs tongue weight. Expy is full of fuel. From the ground to the top of the center rear fender measures 38” with the trailer and 39.5” without the trailer. Looks like a foot when you look at it or drive it.


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[stricnine]

What’s your tongue weight?

I am guessing between 300-350 at most, have not measured it yet to be honest with you so yeah, grain of salt I know. lol

 

[Artie]

I am guessing between 300-350 at most, have not measured it yet to be honest with you so yeah, grain of salt I know. lol

No worries. It’s just shocking to me that these claim a 900 pound tongue weight yet sag at a 1/3 of that.

 

[JasonH]

No worries. It’s just shocking to me that these claim a 900 pound tongue weight yet sag at a 1/3 of that.

Only rated for 600lb tongue with no WDH. Stiffer springs would impact unladen ride quality. Vehicle has fantastic capability for this class. I pull a 7k travel trailer.

 

[Zig10]

You guys with the sumo spring things. How’s the ride empty? Or do you take them off.


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I leave them on. The change is barely noticeable unless you get into some serious washboard road surfaces.

 

[Zig10]

Only rated for 600lb tongue with no WDH. Stiffer springs would impact unladen ride quality. Vehicle has fantastic capability for this class. I pull a 7k travel trailer.

That's the point of the air suspension. Lower it when it's unloaded to keep the ride supple, pump it up when you need it. That's the only way these full-sized SUVs can handle any payload without looking stupid.

 

[JasonH]

That's the point of the air suspension. Lower it when it's unloaded to keep the ride supple, pump it up when you need it. That's the only way these full-sized SUVs can handle any payload without looking stupid.

Good point. My trailer is too heavy to use without a WDH. But I guess if you're within the 600lb tongue limit the air suspension would help mitigate squat. The problem I see is that many people with trailers think air suspension will transfer load back to the front axle, and go that route instead of using a properly configured WDH. One is not a replacement for the other.

 

[Fozzy]

This is my first Expedition. Did the old air bag version have a bag and shock set up? Or a air shock inside the coil? I have the CCD’s and love show they get stiff when you put it in sport. I also think they firm up in Tow. I would hate to loose that going to airbags.


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[RustyOval]

My understanding is that air suspension just reduces sag and doesn’t redistribute weight. So handling during towing would still probably be better with a WDH. I know there is at least one YouTube video out there that shows the weight tests between the two methods.

Bingo! Absolutely correct. Leveling is not the same as distributing. Making the Expy level with air or any other method, and there aren't many (if any) does not put wieght on the front axle where you need it for steady rock solid towing. Get a highly rated WDH and take the time to set it up correctly, it may take several trys....

 

[RustyOval]

You guys with the sumo spring things. How’s the ride empty? Or do you take them off.


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No negitive issues with Sumosprings without trailer attached. Only rides a little higher.

 

[Zig10]

Here's my setup with the Sumo Spings on. +/- 550 lb tongue weight, with some stuff in the cargo area.