Ford Expedition w/5.4L V8 as Tow Vehicle?

[jcl]

Originally Posted by TXtugboat

The 4 wheel IFS came out in 2006. I would probably only look at Ecoboost models too for towing mulch at all.

I had to go back and check, my memory is fading.

My two 1st generation Expeditions both had IFS, but not IRS.

The IRS first came out in 2003 as I discovered when I looked it up. I had thought it was later, my error.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by MarcThompson

Thanks all for the input... clearly the Expedition is not on the short list..nor the long list! We'll focus on the F250's, 2500's etc.. I have been running the vin numbers through the Camping World tow capacity tool to get additional info...

https://rv.campingworld.com/towguide

Thanks..

Hi

Unfortunately that little app does not actually give you the data you need....You still need to go looking at door post stickers.

Bob

[mefly2]

A later model Expy with ecoboost 3.5 would better suit your needs ...but 250/350 might make towing more pleasant. We enjoy both TVs depending on the AS load and trip distance.

[A.S. Beauty]

I had a Expy 2019 ecoboost tow package and it towed the weight like a boss. I now have an F-150 V8 and noticed it does so much better going downhill! The only worry I’d have about your Expy is that big of a load going down long steep inclines. No amount of downshifting helps; it wanted to go go go. You may have to ride the brakes a lot. It’s the only thing I didn’t like about that TV, but it’s a big one. I wonder if you can test drive that scenario.

[switz]

There is a world of difference going down hill with any gasoline engine where the compression is at highest about 10 or 11 to one versus a diesel where the compression is around 22 to one.

Going through Salt River Canyon in Arizona there several multi mile 6% ascents and descents.

The 3.0L V6 turbo diesel in my 2007 Mercedes ML 320 CDI at the posted 35 mph in 2nd gear would handle the descents with no brake applications necessary.

Our 2014 31’ Classic behind the 2012 Ram 2500 HD Cummins diesel handles those same descents scaling 19,200 pounds the same way.

The compression is being used to brake the load just like the semi trailers on the highway.

[jcl]

Originally Posted by switz

There is a world of difference going down hill with any gasoline engine where the compression is at highest about 10 or 11 to one versus a diesel where the compression is around 22 to one.

Going through Salt River Canyon in Arizona there several multi mile 6% ascents and descents.

The 3.0L V6 turbo diesel in my 2007 Mercedes ML 320 CDI at the posted 35 mph in 2nd gear would handle the descents with no brake applications necessary.

Our 2014 31’ Classic behind the 2012 Ram 2500 HD Cummins diesel handles those same descents scaling 19,200 pounds the same way.

The compression is being used to brake the load just like the semi trailers on the highway.

I don't disagree on the effective braking of your RAM diesel. However, the diesel compression ratio is irrelevant.

There is a world of difference in engine braking only if the diesel has some type of exhaust brake installed, or exhaust restriction, eg VGT. Without that, the diesel has very little inherent engine braking, and this was the primary challenge for the adoption of diesel engines in heavy trucks. Clessie Cummins addressed that with his compression release brake, which he had the Jacobs manufacturing company build for him. That design was created to take advantage of the diesel compression, but we aren't using compression release brakes on vehicles towing Airstreams.

[DCPAS]

I know that diesel exhaust braking is magical going downhill, but I thought I mention that in Ford's 10sp transmission logic when in tow mode, the transmission downshifts on its own off throttle. I've only down one mountain descent with it, but it worked pretty well. Also nice when decelerating to a stop.

[s1000pre]

We traded our F150 for a new Expedition Max XLT last month (9k towing, 1787 payload). I’m very impressed with the towing experience. I feel it handles the same as the F150 without the bouncy, porpoising I would get in the F150 when encountering bumps. It’s an all around smoother ride.
The other bonuses with the Expedition are:
1. More comfortable interior
2. My gear is more secure and dry inside, no more leaky bed (I had the Revolver X2 tonneau).
3. 8 seats when needed, this is great when visiting friends & family.
4. Tighter turning radius
5. More bells & whistles: My XLT Max has a panoramic roof, leather, heated cooled seats, better stereo. For a similarly equipped F150, payload would be in the 1170-1500 range.
6. My wife likes driving it!
8. Powerful Ecoboost engine

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by MarcThompson

I have a line on a low mileage 2013 Expedition with a 5.4L V8... tow rated at 9300 lbs. I will have a 27' AS International rated at 7800 lbs loaded... Thoughts???

I would keep looking...

"It's better to have what you don't need when you need it than not to have it when you don't." RLC

Bob
🇺🇸

[JetstreamAS]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I would keep looking...

"It's better to have what you don't need when you need it than not to have it when you don't." RLC

Bob
����

Right, because almost 10 model years later what’s the rush?

[Aironius]

Regarding a 2013 Expedition w/ 5.4L, I use that very vehicle to pull our 19ft. Bambi. Admittedly not much of a load, but the truck pulls it effortlessly. Topped Monarch pass at 78mph in the left lane, get out of the way, I'm coming up. But you mentioned a much larger trailer and some of the negative replies sound pretty convincing. And if you want another negative, the Expedition does not offer a tow mirror option. I use the strap-on type which work well except when I meet a semi on a narrow 2-lane. The driver side mirror likes to slam folded against the window and won't power fold back out until I slow below 45mph.