Tow package mystery

[hertfordnc]

I hope someone can help me get clarity on the question.

We bought a 2004 XLT last weekend but we have not taken delivery.

The dealers web site claims it tows 8400 lb but it came with a four prong connector.

CARFAX says it was a rental for the first year. So the speculation is that the rental company ordered it without the 7-prong connector.

The dealer is a large regional company with a dozen stores but this truck did not come from a Ford lot.

The dealer also claims that the info on the web site is populated from the vin. so the towing capacity is based on that.

The overall deal was OK but I regret dealing with these people so I'm looking for a good reason to walk away. But if we are certain we can pull 8400 lb then we'll stick with it.

A guy on another forum got this printout from the VIN:

VIN: 1FMPU16L34LA24366 Veh Line: T/B7 - EXPEDITION (U222) [03-11] Eng Serial No: 040903471146
Model Year: 2004 Market Derived: F - FORD Body Shell: *
Veh Type: T Drive Code: T/E - 4 WHL L/H PART TIME DRIVE Engine: T/VZ - W-MOD 5.4L SOHC EFI NA V8 G-NP
Inv. Dealer: 88G05 Body Cab Style: T/WD -4 DOOR WAGON Transmission: T/D9 - 4 SPD AUTO TR NAAO AODEW/4R75W



BUILD INFORMATION:
Region: NA - Plant: AP - MICHIGAN PLANT BUILD
Country: USA - Prod Date: 09-SEP-2003
Arrival Date: 19-SEP-2003 Red Carpet Lease: *
Sale Date: 24-SEP-2003 Fleet/Retail/Co. Lease: F
Warranty Start Date: 24-SEP-2003 Modified Vehicle: *
Orig Warranty Date: 24-SEP-2003 Reacquired Vehicle: * Vehicle Export
U164LA243661193 6 1 LA18H0008 CH F 3 W16T5N T HAA41R 1H E215806 53VAJP 5FE L
1FMP3931 2K A230A LWNC 80M01HZ007
INSTALLED OPTION INFORMATION:
Air Conditioning: T/D - HIGH OUTPUT AIR CONDITIONER GVW Code:
Alternator Amp Rating: BA GVW Class Code: P
Audio Disk: * - [N/A] Instrumentation: * - [N/A]
Axle Ratio: EGAJB - 3.73 FINAL DRIVE RATIO Mirror(Driver Side): BA - DRIVER POWER/HEATED MIRROR
Axle Type: EGJAB - NON-LIMITED SLIP REAR AXLE Mirror(Psngr Side): BA - PASS POWER/HEATED CONVEX MIRR
Battery Amp Rating: MK Paint: PNUPL - SILVER BIRCH METALLIC C/C
Brake Code: * -[N/A] Power Antenna: * - [N/A]
Brake Code(Service): * -[N/A] Radio: MJ - AM/FM STRO/CD CHANGER/CLK
Calibration Code: 4B714E0A Sound System: AB -PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM
Color(Accent): * - [N/A] Suspn Tandem Axle:
Color(Trim): 000NA - MEDIUM FLINT Tire Brand: AP - CONTINENTAL
Delivery Type: H Tire Size: D3KFD - P265/70R 17 A/T OWL
Driveshaft Code: * Traction Control: * - [N/A]
Front Seat: T/D - SEAT-CAPTAIN CHAIR-DRV/PASS Wheel Base:
Fuel Type: AF -UNLEADED FUEL CAPABILITY
ESP Code: * Emission Code: T/B - T/B
ESP Coverage(Miles): Emission Cert Type: 3
Emission Decal Suffix: LTP
Engine Family: 4FMXT054RFC

 

[Stoned06]

From the looks of that information and the fact it doesn't have a 7-pin connector, I do not think that it has the Tow Package that would include the HD tranny cooler and larger radiator. I would have to look at my manual to see what the Expy can tow without the Tow Package, as I don't recall offhand as I never needed to know that info.

 

[AaronLG]

go to the site in my sig. all the guys that know the answers left this site and now are on that one.

 

[RocketTech]

Weight Ratings are printed on the Driver's side door. If you don't see 8400 GVWR printed there, walk away.
As a rule, Car Rental companies (Except Commercial Equiment Rental) do not order vehicles with tow packages as they forbid towing in the rental agreement. The only way you'll see a tow package on a rental vehicle is if it is part of the trim level, or value group. They definitely would not pay extra for the 7-pin connector.
If it's a sticking point, tell the dealer you want the 7-pin connector installed.