Based on what can find I concur that the 3.73 axle is an option not included in the HD towing package. Their specs relating to the 9,200 lb towing capacity only state "properly equipped". I'll guarantee you that the 9,200 lb capcity is most likely tied to that 3.73 axle plus the HD towing package.
Jack
Jack,
I'm inclined to agree with you.
__________________ Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
I have an 06 with the heavy duty tow package. I have been up some very steep grades with absolutely no problems. From where I live, there is nowhere very far that I can go without going over some mountains.
__________________
"However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results."
I have an 06 with the heavy duty tow package. I have been up some very steep grades with absolutely no problems. From where I live, there is nowhere very far that I can go without going over some mountains.
I am going to assume that you have the 3.73 rear end ratio, is that correct?
__________________ Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
Previously Ford always used a 3.73 ratio with the trailer tow package. Now I guess they decided to have two tow packages for some unknown reason. In this case I would only have the Optional heavy-duty trailer tow package. I would only tow with a 3.73 or lower ratio [higher number] like a 4.10 for example.
I figured you did because you were pleased with the performance of your vehicle. I've "been there, done that" with a 3.42 rear end and do not plan on ever going back there again.
__________________ Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
Previously Ford always used a 3.73 ratio with the trailer tow package. Now I guess they decided to have two tow packages for some unknown reason. In this case I would only have the Optional heavy-duty trailer tow package. I would only tow with a 3.73 or lower ratio [higher number] like a 4.10 for example.
Interestingly, that bit of information is not contained in the 2008 RV & Trailer towing guide that I got from the Ford dealership. Anyway, I finally did figure out that a 3.73 was necessary and available, so I have a new Expedition XLT coming with that rear end and an HD tow package for my 25' Ocean Breeze FB. While I considered a 3/4 ton pickup, I wanted something well mannered when not towing and I live near Los Angeles (rather than on a ranch). The Expedition drives very nicely for a full size SUV.
I asked the Airstream dealer about the need for the load leveling air suspension and he actually recommended against it, so Im leaving that off.
Thanks to everyone for their helpful hints, I'll let you know how it works out.
My husband and I bought a 2007 Expedition 4x4 EL with the HD tow package last fall. I haven't used it yet for towing the Airstream, so I can't really give you any experiences with that. However, around town (which is where it really gets its use for me), it has been a pleasure to drive. I drove a conversion van before, and this handles much nicer. I like the room for toting my stuff for our business around. In fact, I also tote my friends around in it, since they have all downsized to smaller SUV's and can only fit 4 people in them. As a matter of fact, today my husband is taking me and 4 of my friends to O'Hare Airport in the Expedition and sending us off to Huatulco, Mexico!! YEEHA! (I'll look for Airstreams down there).
Back to the subject--I plan on using the Expedition for towing the Airstream, but not really intending on crossing many mountains. I usually stick around the midwest & probably will until we retire (someday!) I drove it last night in the snow & it handled really well---Love it!
I got the new Expedition (hd tow pkg, 3.73 axle, 300HP, 6 speed auto) in February 08 and have towed several times, including a haul up to Northern California, about 500 miles each way over the Grapevine. It tows extremely well and I averaged about 12 mpg. The best part is that when Im not towing, it is a well mannered suv that's easy to drive anywhere, can seat 7, and was under $30K. I would recommend it for anything in the 7000 lb range. Jot
Thats great new. I think when hear the 5.4 is doggy from others on this post they do not realize the improvements Ford made on the engine. It is one of the only overhead cam, variable timing, 3 valve v8 engines in the world. Extremely low rpm, high torque combination and this why we just love our set up. Does yours burn e85?
Thats great new. I think when hear the 5.4 is doggy from others on this post they do not realize the improvements Ford made on the engine. It is one of the only overhead cam, variable timing, 3 valve v8 engines in the world. Extremely low rpm, high torque combination and this why we just love our set up. Does yours burn e85?
If that means regular- then yes, it runs great on regular, no knocking. I know the Ford vs. Chevy debate has raged for years and Ive never picked a side. It just seems to me that Ford has more advanced features in this suv- 6 speed, independent rear suspension, high torque at low rpms, high towing capacity
The six speed is indeed a great concept and you will be the test site for durability. I really will be interested in your comments as time goes by. Keep us posted. Independent suspension is another area the 150 in my opinion is lacking. It could be from the big presentation they give in dealership that due to varying loads of a pick up vs a passenger vehicle they need the the old set up. Still, they have put the shocks much wider to account for unbalanced loads . I like independent suspension, and coil springs for most driving conditions and it looks like Dodge will be going all coil as well. Leaf springs seem like old technology for all the major improvements they have made.
You will know if she burns e85. The gas cap is bright yellow. Ford does not put badges on the vehicle like others.
The six speed is indeed a great concept and you will be the test site for durability. I really will be interested in your comments as time goes by. Keep us posted. Independent suspension is another area the 150 in my opinion is lacking. It could be from the big presentation they give in dealership that due to varying loads of a pick up vs a passenger vehicle they need the the old set up. Still, they have put the shocks much wider to account for unbalanced loads . I like independent suspension, and coil springs for most driving conditions and it looks like Dodge will be going all coil as well. Leaf springs seem like old technology for all the major improvements they have made.
You will know if she burns e85. The gas cap is bright yellow. Ford does not put badges on the vehicle like others.
It is not set up for e85- maybe its a California thing
I used my 2007 Expedition EL 4X4 to pull our 31' Sovereign out to Galena, Illinois a couple of weeks ago. It is very hilly there (but not actually mountains). It pulled great! Not one problem. The gas mileage on the highway was about 11-12 mpg. I really like the Expedition, but the gas is killing me (as everyone else!). Got myself a Vespa for running around town! Let's just not talk about the gas mileage here! I'd rather forget about it when it comes to the Airstream!
Quick Links
Hi, I just now went on the Ford site and checked out the 2008 Ford Expedition specs for towing.
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