2004 Ford Expedition Tow Vehicle

[HBRod]

Hello, I recently sold my Ford F350 Powerstroke and bought a 2004 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 with tow package (growing my family). The Expedition has a tow rating of 8650# and a tongue weight max of 895# . My 2006 230fs Fleetwood Gearbox has a dry weight 5817 # and a hitch weight 838# .

My question is....can i safely tow with this setup ( including camping gear, groceries, etc) ? I have a weight distribution hitch and sway bar....are there any other suspension mods?? Any feedback on these two questions would greatly be appreciated!! Thanks.

[AirLift]

Do you know if the hitch rating of 838 is with a WD hitch? I'm assuming it is as that is a fairly large number.

Besides the sway bar and WD hitch there isn't too many options for you. The 2003+ expeditions I have an independent rear suspension which makes fitting anything accessory wise very difficult.

You may want to load everything up with the sway bar and WD and just see how level the truck is. The only other option you may be able to find is some heavy duty replacement springs for the rear, but I haven't come across anything for the expeditions.

[HBRod]

Yes the hitch rating of the Expedition is 895# weight distribution numbers. Will this be for my tow vehicle? The trailer has a weight of 838 on the tongue so its pretty close. Some say that all I have to do is shift weight in the trailer which will reduce tongue weight. Also, can Airlift customize airbags? I spoke to someone at Camping World and they said its possible.

[HBRod]

I meant to say , is the weight distribution hitch rating of 838 # too much for the 895 # tow Vehicle? If so, is balancing weight in the trailer reduce the dry tongue weight?

[AirLift]

We do offer universal struts but they are more intended for people looking to go lower. I would honestly suggest possibly visiting an expedition forum as well as looking on here. The Expeditions have some very specific quirks with their suspension and you might get some of the hidden tricks from a community focused on those in particular.

You can reduce the hitch weight by transferring more of the weight to the rear of the trailer, however you will want to be careful not to overload the rear trailer axle more than the other. I would suggest taking your entire setup down to the scales and get some realistic numbers. You can also go for a couple of measurements and see how moving the weight around on the trailer effects each axle weight distribution.

[HBRod]

Will do! Thanks for the reply

[wingnut60]

Having had an '03 Expy equipped for towing--I can suggest that you A) run the max air pressure listed on the tire; B) if you have the Pmetric tires, strongly suggest you go to a LT tire immediately for towing stability.
Joe

[HBRod]

I have the stock Contritac TR tires ....these are LT rated correct? I plan on putting BF Goodrich All Terrain KO

[CD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HBRod I meant to say , is the weight distribution hitch rating of 838 # too much for the 895 # tow Vehicle? If so, is balancing weight in the trailer reduce the dry tongue weight?

First, DON"T use dry weights. Use the GVWR or actual scale weight. You will need at least 10% of the gross actual TT weight for the tounge weight. Reducing from that will just create handling problems (usually known as sway).

[wingnut60]

Been too long since having my Expy, but seem to remember that the Continentals were P235s but could be wrong on that. Whichever you have, air to max pressure on sidewall to stiffen the tire against sway tendencies.
Joe