Expedition 2002/2012 AS Serenity

[tranquila]

Our 2012 25' AS Serenity has arrived and we are preparing to pick it up with our 2002 Expedition. Our dealer advises the Expedition will work fine, while a local company that installs hitches says its marginal. We've seen some strings on the 2003 Expedition, but not the 2002. We are trying to assess whether we need a different tow vehicle and could really use some advice...obviously we are new at this.

Thanks,

Darress

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

The Expedition will probably do just fine with your new 25 footer. You will need a quality weight distributing/sway control hitch system. You will also need a quality trailer brake controller. You also need to check the Expedition's tires to make sure that they are up to the task.

Since you already own the Expedition, I would suggest that you give it a try and see if it meets your towing expectations.

We have 2005 25FB (7,400# ready to camp). We started towing it with a 2004 Tahoe. The Tahoe did OK, but it was kind of lacking for the long cross country trips. We eventually went with a 3/4 ton Suburban which could really do the job in all circumstances.

Best wishes with your new baby.

Brian

[xrvr]

According to trailer life mag, if you have the 5.4 engine and 3.73 rear end you should be fine. jim trailer life towing guide.

[StreamNTyme]

You need Hensley hitch...believe me.

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by StreamNTyme

You need Hensley hitch...believe me.

Why? That's a lot of tongue weight to add without an explanation for need, and how to compensate for the added weight.

doug k

[damonbeals]

We tow a 1998 31' with a 2003 Expedition 5.4l 4x4. It should be find with your 25' with a good weight distribution hitch and sway control. I would not go any bigger then 31' with a Expedition, the hills make the 5.4l work hard. Make sure yours has the towing package, which includes the 7 pin trailer plug, transmission cooler and a few more things I have forgotten.
While bigger is better I would give the Expedition a try before you look for another tow vehicle.

Damon

[Tom Nugler]

Welcome to the Forum.
We pull a Vintage 25 foot Tradewind with our 2000 EB Expy. No major issues to report. Does hunt a little in OD at 55-60MPH, other than that it’s a solid and stable platform for a mid-sized trailer.
There are a couple of different rear suspension types in those model years. If you have air suspension check the owners manual for the set-up when you set the weight distributing hitch bars.

Good luck, enjoy,

Tom

[Winetripper]

My 2003 Expy 4x4 Eddie Bauer was a good hauler for my boat (25' w/trailer, about 5000#) from the Bay Area up to Tahoe. Now I have 150,000 miles on it, with the original motor and transmission, and I've just acquired a 25' CCD. A trip to Death Valley went fine, and I'm planning a 7000 mile summer tour to Michigan, driving through the Rockies both ways. My heart said trust the old girl - no problems so far - but my head convinced me to buy a a new 2011 (which is rated for 9000#).
I'd say if your 2002 is in good shape, has moderate miles and you're not too demanding of it, you'll be fine. You won't be the first one up the hill, but you'll find the combination works quite well. Expect around 10 mpg.

[RLS]

Welcome,
Like others, I think you need to try it and see if it will work for you. The only thing I would make sure of right away is it having a good automatic transmission cooler.