I've got a 2005 Expedition Limited with the HD towing package with 85,000 miles. So it's got the 3 valve 5.4, air bag suspension, and rated to tow 8600 pounds. I'm looking at a travel trailer that has a dry weight of 6350lbs, GVWR or 7700, and a hitch weight of 800lbs. I've towed a lot over the years but honestly never anything pushing the limit as this seems it would be. My biggest concern is the payload of the Expedition of only 1483lbs, with 5 people and the hitch weight we'll be pushing it. I will have a WD hitch, anything more I can do to make sure hitch weight isn't too much? Does it seem I'd be safely within the limits and not fry a tranny?
Towing Advice
- Thread starter blackfoot
- Start date
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Mediamonkey11
Well-Known Member
Not too sure why the hitch weight would be so much more than 10% of even the GVWR, but that would be pushing the limit for payload, others have spoken up saying they've done it, but with proper weight distribution and sway control, trailer brake control, and no expectations to win a race, I will dare say you should be fine. I'd pick up a scan gage to monitor trans temps and if it were me I'd install a larger trans cooler and have the trans serviced (fluid changed) at the same time. Trans should be just fine but I'm paranoid with auto trannys.
If the dry hitch weight is 800lbs, you are going to be at least 1050lbs wet. I'm a a similar predicament and the dry hitch weight on my trailer is only 550lbs. Without fresh water in the tanks the tongue is about 775lbs. Don't forget to add 100lbs for the actual hitch. You'll get all sorts of answers on the internet. Buy a bigger truck or a smaller trailer is my advice. Mine hasn't done scary things towing, but the longest single distance I've been is about 2 hours.
