Towing Boat

[DCAST]

I have an '18 Platinum in 2wd. Looking for some feedback on towing capacity of a boat, [emphasis on] loading and unloading at the ramp. I'm scoping out a center console in the 22' - 24' range, single engine, probably no more than 4500 lbs fully loaded. My dad had a 2004 expedition in 2wd when I was growing up and towed our 27 ft walk around, close to 6k or more at times no problem. Says he had no issues at the ramp but I don't recall how it handled. Right now I have road tires. I don't think id attempt it without getting some AT's at the least. Maybe some Toyo Open Country AT3's like my Jeep.

 

[caddelma]

Would not expect you to have any problems pulling a boat of that weight/size, even with 2wd. Depending on your gear ratio, it may be a little shift happy (ie 3.31 vs 3.73), but just drive smart. Unless you are using some really steep ramps covered in slim, should be fine pulling in/out. I have been pulling boats for 20+ years and it is rare that I have needed 4wd. Would suggest increasing tire pressure when towing, especially on the highway. We have a 2021 Limited Max and have used it a few times pulling my bass boat (~5k) and it was fine.

 

[BSarchet]

I think you’ll have no issue. Now I have 4wd and the HD tow but I never need 4wd and we trailer our 23’ Hurricane all summer. Zero issues, the truck handles it like a dream up and down hills. I still have the original factory 22’s on mine. Straight road tire.

 

[Joenomad]

With 2wd you need to be more concerned about the boat ramp conditions. You'll be fine with the weight of the boat. If it was a new ramp location, I would walk it to see possible traction issues. Other than that, just make sure to keep someone in the driver's seat if possible.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

I've been very glad I had 4x4 pulling a boat up a ramp, if the lower part of the ramp is wet and slippery like when the tide has gone out, you really want that extra grip. highway tires should be fine, unless its a dirt/gravel ramp at a lake.

Yes, any Expedition should handle a 6000 lb boat+trailer easily enough. the HD tow package would be a good idea if its any heavier, but then you're also getting into weight distribution hitches and stuff.

PS, ALWAYS unplug the trailer hitch before backing into the water!!! I learned that the hard way, fried the trailer wiring in salt water when the brake lights came on.

 

[Johnnyfinn]

You will have no issues on the road with towing. I tow boats all over the country with 2wd. On a steep ramp if you slip trying to pull out, you can push with the boat engine coordinated with a person driving the truck. I only run Michelin LTX tires. Run 40psi in the back and 35psi in the front.

 

[Calidad]

Tire type matters! I used a buddies F250 on the E rated heavy load tires and they sucked regarding ramp traction in addition to the pickup bed weight challenge.

I have a standard heavy tow Expedition on 3peak BFG Trail Terrains that are like velcro on the boat ramp.

Get quality 3peak rated tires and you’ll be ok.

 

[C Trost]

I have an '18 Platinum in 2wd. Looking for some feedback on towing capacity of a boat, [emphasis on] loading and unloading at the ramp. I'm scoping out a center console in the 22' - 24' range, single engine, probably no more than 4500 lbs fully loaded. My dad had a 2004 expedition in 2wd when I was growing up and towed our 27 ft walk around, close to 6k or more at times no problem. Says he had no issues at the ramp but I don't recall how it handled. Right now I have road tires. I don't think id attempt it without getting some AT's at the least. Maybe some Toyo Open Country AT3's like my Jeep.

You will have no issue with a 24 CC. I have XLT HD tow pkg 4x4, tow 8800lb express cruiser(b+t). I put sumo springs and bilsteins on. It does fine on road and up/down ramps. Have not had to use 4x4 yet at the ramp…yet, but I have 890 tongue weight so a lot of rear wt/grip.

 

[tangbang]

I've been very glad I had 4x4 pulling a boat up a ramp, if the lower part of the ramp is wet and slippery like when the tide has gone out, you really want that extra grip. highway tires should be fine, unless its a dirt/gravel ramp at a lake.

Yes, any Expedition should handle a 6000 lb boat+trailer easily enough. the HD tow package would be a good idea if its any heavier, but then you're also getting into weight distribution hitches and stuff.

PS, ALWAYS unplug the trailer hitch before backing into the water!!! I learned that the hard way, fried the trailer wiring in salt water when the brake lights came on.

Waiting on my '25 Platinum Max SPP and looking at boats (and watching many boat ramp videos )

I assume you lose trailer braking when disconnecting the trailer electrical harness.
I also assume you want trailer braking when backing down rap with 6000+ trailer/boat combo?

 

[Left Coast Geek]

boat trailers often have impulse hydraulic brakes, not electric. these don't work going backwards anyways.

 

[inmanlanier]

A little late to post, but most certainly impulse hydraulic brakes work in reverse. You have to correctly install them...

You must install the solenoid valve in the trailer brake line that energizes to disable the brakes when backing up. "Impulse" brakes use the force of the trailer weight to press (energize) the master cylinder on the trailer. Going in reverse is the same as going forward with your car and applying the car's brakes. The brake valve (energized by a solenoid) is wired to your reverse lights so that when you back up, the reverse light circuit energizes the solenoid valve (closing it) to disallow any braking action in the trailer.