Towing Travel Trailer

[HavasuMike]

I have a 2016 Expedition EL with the standard package. I have been investigating how to upgrade to the HD package for a while now. If I am correct, the changes needed are the heavy duty radiator, the transmission cooler, and the 7 pin plug and wiring. I have been looking for parts to do this but (not knowing enough) I have not been able to get this done. I looked at Rock Auto as suggested by some other posts, but got confused by all the different options. Good luck to you. If you find anything specific to this problem, please post them.

 

[coolzzy]

Visit a junk yard, you'll see plenty of 3rd Gen expeditions with the aux transmission cooler, I believe it is 6 or 7 rows. Grab it with as much of the hose tubing as you can and add to yours. The bigger radiator, in my opinion is not worth the hassle. You have a temp guage, just keep an eye on it while towing. You'll also want to add the factory brake controller it's pretty easy to do, lots of tutorials about getting it setup and programmed to the computer.

Also to note on a previous comment. My 17 expedition EL with HD tow has MORE payload than my 2010 F150 crew cab long bed that had the factory Max tow package (GVWR 7700 pounds). The truck handled the tongue weight far better with its leaf springs though, the expedition with twin turbos out pulls it any day of the week.

 

[Old Guy]

I went thru this when I bought mine to 8K of boat and trailer. Here's a hint: bring the VIN number into a Ford dealers parts counter. They can pull down a listing of whet is put into the vehicle when it was built and also the towing capacity. The above post about how the H/D tow package has the 7 and 4 pin connectors. However, the tranny cooler is a small radiator just ahead of the radiator and the air conditioner radiator. Its mounted low and to the drivers side. My cousin owns the largest tranny repair shop in our home town and recommends a tranny cooler even if you don't tow.
Brake controller: come in tow flavors: One just applies a preset current no matter if you stop slowly, or jamb the brake pedal to the floor; the other uses a sender in the brake line to proportionally apply the brakes to match the braking of the vehicle. That is the best one to buy, and have it professionally installed. Moreover, the Fords have a connector under the information center for the controller. Ford can supply a matching plug to make the install more graceful.
Equalizer bars: I won't tow with out them. Smooths out the ride. I tow a heavy 24' boat which on the trailer is about 8K#. On the highway, you can almost forget you are towing its so smooth.

Another suggestion: if this is your fist towing endeavor, get some empty milk jugs and practice backing the trailer between them in a remote section of a large parking lot. The jugs are cheaper than damage to the trailer (or someone else's)

 

[jimz]

I thought These Expeditions that come with heavy duty towing come standard with the seven pin plug. If not it was not heavy duty. Hitch and four pin was standard rating. Sometimes salesmen will tell a lie.

 

[chuck s]

HD Tow has both 7- (on right) and 4-pin (on left) connectors.

-- Chuck