tsalmon
Midwest
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I have a '06 Expedition XLT 5.4 4x4 with a 3.73 gear ratio and a 4-speed transmission but it has the standard tow package (rated to tow up to 6000 lbs). I'm currently towing a 23 Trail Lite camper and it pulls it very easily. I'm looking to upgrade the camper to something bigger. So, I'm looking to upgrade the Expedition to the heavy duty tow package if possible so I can safely tow a camper in the 6000-7800 lb GVWR range. I have already upgraded to the 7-pin connector and have the brake controller installed so that part is done. I have called Ford and found there is also a heavy duty tranny cooler that I should get ($190+install) and possibly a heavy-duty radiator too. The Ford parts guy told me I would probably be OK with not getting the heavy-duty radiator (as long as I don't go up into the mountains) as long as I get the tranny cooler installed (does that sound OK?). I also have the class III hitch receiver instead of the class IV. The sticker on the hitch receiver says it can tow up to 8950 as long as it has a weight distribution hitch (which I already have). Is the class III hitch going to be OK as long as I have the WDH? The Ford guy said everything else between the '06 with and without the heavy duty tow package is the same (springs, struts, brakes, rotors, etc. are the same with both). Has anyone done this type of upgrade to the tow package that could help with putting my mind at ease that this is going to be safe to pull a camper in that 6000-7800 GVWR range? Is there anything else I need to do?
* This post was
edited 08/17/16 05:32pm by tsalmon *
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eluwak
Orlando, FL, USA
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If I recall correctly, the receiver TW is limited to ~900 lbs. A 6000 lbs camper would have a TW of 720-900 lbs (12-15 percent), and then you have to add the WDH into that. A 7800 lbs trailer would be over.
2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 CC LB 6.0L
1998 Chevy C2500 Suburban 454 3.73 (Sold)
2012 Ford F-150 EB CC 4x4 w/Max Tow (Sold) ">
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tsalmon
Midwest
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Yes, that's a good point. Looks like TW is 600 lb without WDH and 895 lb with so that's correct, I can only do 895 lb here and this may be the biggest limitation. Any idea what is an average weight of a WDH? What are your thoughts on the rest of the specs/add-ons related to my wanting to upgrade the tow capacity?
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cmeade
Kelseyville CA
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While you are at it, I would recommend an aluminum radiator instead of a factory heavy duty and then no worries where ever you want to go.
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APT
SE Michigan
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I would upgrade the trans cooler whether you tow a larger TT or keep the same one. Visit any transmission shop, or Etrailer has them for closer to $50.
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tsalmon
Midwest
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I definitely plan on adding the heavy duty trans cooler. On the fence though on if I'm going to really need the Class IV hitch or heavy duty radiator though to tow 6000-7300 lb (using WDH) in non mountain areas. Don't want to spend more $ than I really need to but ultimately I definitely will if it means causing a safety issue. Please chime in with an opinion here. Looking for some guidance.
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patperry2766
Saginaw Texas
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With it being 10 years old, I would think it might be time to beef up the rear suspension.
Courage is the feeling you have right before you fully understand the situation
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tsalmon
Midwest
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Thanks for the input patperry2766. Do you really think it's necessary for 6000-7300 lbs? If so, how would I go about beefing up the rear suspension? What exactly does that entail?
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mbutts
Farmington MI, USA
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I went from a 4,400 lb. trailer to a 7,300 lb. trailer with my '04 Expy with HD tow package. Although I was technically within specs, it was all over the road. Rear independent suspension and passenger car tires made the rear end way too loose for me. I would recommend staying as close to 6,000 lbs. as you can.
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tsalmon
Midwest
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Thanks mbutts. That's concerning. Were you using a weight distribution hitch? Anyone else experience this or not experience this with a 6000+ lb trailor?
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