How much can I really tow safely

[jkayca]

I have a 2017 Limited. Manual states it can pull 9000 lbs but can it really do this safely without upgrading the transmission coolers and installing a WDH?

What's the closest you would go without modifying the truck?

Thanks,

 

[Aspen03]

I feel like most install a WDH when getting up there weight/size wise as it just flat out improves safety even if you aren't trying to max it out. I can't say I've seen too many posts they upgraded the cooler, it should be sufficient unless we are talking long uphill grades and to determine the true need you're going to need a gauge/tuner to read out Temps and see how it performs.

I've personally never needed to tow beyond 5k lbs in my 2003. It handled it no problem in stock form aside from the old 5.4's lack of power while winding up the road from the lake, no issues temp wise. It's not a 3rd gen but you should be equipped to handle as much as mine being the same ratings and considerably more power and a couple extra gears to help out.

 

[justinp16ex]

The limited model has the HD towing package, so I wouldn't worry about bigger coolers or anything. People have been using a WDH when towing heavy though.

 

[LokiWolf]

The limited model has the HD towing package, so I wouldn't worry about bigger coolers or anything. People have been using a WDH when towing heavy though.

Not all limited’s have HD Tow. It had to be ordered that way, it is not a given.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[justinp16ex]

Not all limited’s have HD Tow. It had to be ordered that way, it is not a given.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Maybe it was standard on the limited EL, thought so anyway.

 

[mnachreiner86]

I at least know that the 5.4s in the EL/L versions have the 3.73s and heavy duty tow package. Not sure how that translates for the 15-17s but I would assume similar. Which wheelbase do you have?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jkayca]

I have the HD towing package. I'm pretty sure it was standard equipment on the 2017s up here in Canada. I'm trying to size a utility trailer to the truck not size the truck to the trailer if you get what I'm saying.

 

[Carl Keef Jr]

What is WDH? Sorry, not sure but want to know as I will be towing a camper this summer.

 

[jpritter]

WDH = Weight Distributing Hitch.

 

[bobmbx]

I have a 2017 Limited. Manual states it can pull 9000 lbs but can it really do this safely without upgrading the transmission coolers and installing a WDH?

What's the closest you would go without modifying the truck?

Thanks,

That 9000# number is only if you use a WDH and have the towing package. That info is in the Ford towing guide.

Page 28: https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/...eet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_17RVTTowGuide.pdf

 

[DSF1]

And we comfortably tow all summer long with our 2011 hauling a 9000# passport elite 34MB.
Our first and only upgrade was the Hensley Arrow with HD bars. My problem now is ensuring that I watch my speed. It tows so effortlessly and smoothly under all condotions that you need to remind yourself that speed is your enemy if things go sideways. Apart from that , the expedition is one of the best large SUVs for towing that money can buy. IMHO, obviously.
I'd love to have the extra oomph you EcoBoost boys have, but that's just gravy.

 

[jkayca]

That 9000# number is only if you use a WDH and have the towing package. That info is in the Ford towing guide.

Page 28: https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/...eet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_17RVTTowGuide.pdf

So I think as long as I stick below 4000 lbs I'll be good. I can't imagine I'll have the need to tow much more anyway.

 

[CaptOchs]

I know 2015-17 Limited Expys came with HD Tow. Anything less than a limited most likely didn't have HD tow. Not so sure about 2018+ because I didn't look into those when I was searching. The ultimate tow rig in those years was a Limited EL. Then you got the 3.73 gears for sure. The larger wheelbase helped for longer trailers too.

 

[LG_123]

A weight distribution hitch is a must but towing weight limits are just guidelines. We towed our 9,000 lb airstream with a Ford Flex before we got the expedition.

 

[Moose McClatchie]

The other thing I did besides a WDH (Weight Distribution Hitch) is change the tires to a LT instead of a P rating the stiffer sidewall really does help with the stability of these rigs while toeing they like to sway, dance, shimmy. Not death wobble but a slight back and forth.

 

[Moose McClatchie]

I know 2015-17 Limited Expys came with HD Tow. Anything less than a limited most likely didn't have HD tow. Not so sure about 2018+ because I didn't look into those when I was searching. The ultimate tow rig in those years was a Limited EL. Then you got the 3.73 gears for sure. The larger wheelbase helped for longer trailers too.

If it has a tow button and the 7 pin plug then it has the HD Tow Package.

 

[JasonH]

I know 2015-17 Limited Expys came with HD Tow. Anything less than a limited most likely didn't have HD tow. Not so sure about 2018+ because I didn't look into those when I was searching. The ultimate tow rig in those years was a Limited EL. Then you got the 3.73 gears for sure. The larger wheelbase helped for longer trailers too.

The EL Limited HD Tow 4x2 models came with 3.31, not 3.73. Only the 4x4 came with the 3.73 gears.

 

[haviland]

My '17 Limited has the tow package. Boat and trailer go about 8k. I tow that locally.

When I tow at highway speeds I put on the WDH unit.

 

[CowboyPilot79]

We pulled a 10k# 35' travel trailer with our '09 (yeah over gross I know, save the lectures). You could tell it was back there but as long as it wasn't super hilly or crazy winds it would go 75 easily (I didn't, but it would). You have to have the WDH though, not an option. We used a husky centerline and a tekonsha brake controller and it was almost as good as the fifth wheel I used to pull. Didn't come with the 7 way or transmission cooler but both were an easy Saturday morning project and I took it to a dealer for a fluid exchange after I installed the cooler to make sure the quantities were right (since I added some volume).

We have an ecoboost now but sold the trailer, I can't even imagine how much better this one would have been though.

Sent from my IN2015 using Tapatalk

 

[HawkX66]

Setup correctly, the Expy tows beautifully. My 17 with the Ecoboost tows much better than my 07 with the 5.4l. It did tow nicely though.