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11-06-2020, 06:46 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 6
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If it's flat towable, it's dolly towable, right?
Hello
Just purchased our first MH and we are planning on making our first voyage, which will be from Oregon to South Carolina. Since I am new to this world of MH's and toads, I am struggling with making a decision on how we should tow our 2016 Ford Expedition 4x4. I know that it is flat-towable, as many of you do as well. However, the cost is a bit overwhelming to set the Expy up for flat towing. Looking at the dolly option, I like the idea of it. I have read through many of the threads on the topic of flat vs. dolly, trailer etc. My main question for the group:
Surely, if the Expy is flat-towable, then it is dolly towable if the same procedure is followed, right?
My logic tells me this is the case, I was hoping that someone here has had experience with dolly-towing a Ford Expedition or F150 to share their experience.
Thanks in advance!
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11-06-2020, 07:00 AM
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#2
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 62
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I would check your manual. My Jeep and Ram are both 4 down towable, but not allowed to be on a dolly.
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11-06-2020, 07:06 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Entegra Owners Club Spartan Chassis
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,617
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris_BlueOx
My main question for the group:
Surely, if the Expy is flat-towable, then it is dolly towable if the same procedure is followed, right?
My logic tells me this is the case, I was hoping that someone here has had experience with dolly-towing a Ford Expedition or F150 to share their experience.
Thanks in advance!
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Hi Chris,
Not necessarily.
What does your Expedition Owner's Manual say regarding recreational towing?
A an example, I flat towed a 2010 Subaru Outback (manual transmission) in compliance with the Owner's Manual instructions. That same Owner's Manual specifically prohibited a dolly tow.
I know that my 2018 Ford Edge is towable four down and dolly, because that's what the Owner's Manual shows. Other 2018 Ford Edge models with a different engine/transmission are not towable four down.
My suggestion is that you should "trust, but, verify" any towing advice you receive here by confirming that advice in your Owner's Manual by the specific engine/transmission on your Expedition.
Take care,
Stu
__________________
"I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned."
2018 Anthem 42DEQ
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11-06-2020, 07:07 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SW PA
Posts: 378
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According to the Ford towing guide neither the RW drive or 4x4 are dolly towable.
__________________
2021 Newmar Bay Star 3401
Toad - 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
2017.5 Forester 3051 -7/14/2020
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11-06-2020, 08:45 AM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve-W
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This is very interesting, and good info! Thanks! Actually, even though that isn't what I wanted to hear, it is exactly what I needed. I will also refer to the OM, but that Ford guide is pretty clear. I guess I just don't understand WHY. To me, if the transfer case is in neutral and all 4 can be on the ground, why wouldn't the rear be able to roll freely on a dolly?
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11-06-2020, 09:05 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 32,666
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Its possable that the transfer case needs to be turning for lubrication.
Towing with it in neutral may not turn the lower gears, which do the splash lubrication.
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11-06-2020, 09:09 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 6,556
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You don't say what motorhome you have.
Is it rated to tow that heavy a toad???
__________________
Brett Wolfe
Ex: 2003 Alpine 38FDDS. Ex: 1997 Safari Sahara. Ex: 1993 Foretravel U240
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11-06-2020, 09:13 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Powell River, B.C.
Posts: 28,034
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris_BlueOx
This is very interesting, and good info! Thanks! Actually, even though that isn't what I wanted to hear, it is exactly what I needed. I will also refer to the OM, but that Ford guide is pretty clear. I guess I just don't understand WHY. To me, if the transfer case is in neutral and all 4 can be on the ground, why wouldn't the rear be able to roll freely on a dolly?
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Transfer case neutral disconnects the T/case from the transmission , not front shaft from rear shaft.
The issue comes down to the interaction of the output shafts ( front and rear driveshafts ) inside the transfer case . Many transfer cases use internal components similar to a differential possitraction unit to distribute power to the driveshafts. Like their differential counterparts these transfer case components don't tolerate large differences in output rotation, let alone one output stopped while the other spins for miles.
New tires on the front axle , with used tires on rear can cause transfer case failure on some 4x4 and most AWD vehicles , the internal components are that sensitive, to shaft rotation differences.
__________________
99DSDP 3884, Freightliner, XC, CAT 3126B, 300 HP /ALLISON 3060
2000 Caravan toad, Remco & Blue Ox.
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11-06-2020, 09:27 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 15,749
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No. Jeep Wrangler models are an example.
Check the vehicle owners manual. Typically there is a recreational towing section, or similar.
__________________
Vince and Susan
2011 Tiffin Phaeton 40QTH (Cummins ISC/Freightliner)
Flat towing a modified 2005 Jeep (Rubicon Wrangler)
Previously a 2002 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37A and a 1995 Safari Trek 2830.
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11-06-2020, 11:22 AM
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#10
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: West Palm Beach, FL. USA
Posts: 25,950
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Same here - our 2006 GMC Acadia AWD was 4-up (trailer) or 4-down, but never on a dolly. The FWD version of the same car could be 4-down or dolly, but not the AWD version. The difference was the AWD torgue splitting mechanism - it couldn't handle two tires locked in place while the other two ran at 60-70 mph.
__________________
Gary Brinck
Former owner of 2004 American Tradition and several other RVs
Home is West Palm Beach, FL
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11-06-2020, 11:44 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 4,408
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfe10
You don't say what motorhome you have.
Is it rated to tow that heavy a toad???
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His profile shows a Thor Four Winds 31E but not the year. For the current model year:
Ford GCWR - 22000 lbs
Ford GVWR - 14500 lbs
Apparently the curb weight for a 2016 Ford Expedition 4x4 can approach 6,100 pounds and he has a GCWR - GVWR of 7,500 pounds, if his model year specs are the same as the current model year.
Assuming, of course, he has at least a 7,500 pound hitch and the current model year does have an 8,000 pound hitch.
RVUSA, as a random check, says the 2015 only has a 5,000 pound towing capacity but does not list the GCWR.
Ray
__________________
2020 Forest River Georgetown GT5 34H5
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11-06-2020, 01:31 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Damon Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 4,367
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And according the the applicable Ford owners manual, if it doesn't have 4X4 LOW, it's not all 4 down towable either.
__________________
2006 Damon Daybreak 3276 35'with 5 Star Tuner. 3 200 Amp Lithium batteries and 2000 watt PSW inverter/charger. 2013 Elantra on a Master Tow dolly.
Retired USAF
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11-06-2020, 03:05 PM
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#13
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NXR
His profile shows a Thor Four Winds 31E but not the year. For the current model year:
Ford GCWR - 22000 lbs
Ford GVWR - 14500 lbs
Apparently the curb weight for a 2016 Ford Expedition 4x4 can approach 6,100 pounds and he has a GCWR - GVWR of 7,500 pounds, if his model year specs are the same as the current model year.
Assuming, of course, he has at least a 7,500 pound hitch and the current model year does have an 8,000 pound hitch.
RVUSA, as a random check, says the 2015 only has a 5,000 pound towing capacity but does not list the GCWR.
Ray
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I have confirmed that the hitch is 8,000 lbs. The towing capacity, from what I can find, is 8,000 lbs.
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11-06-2020, 03:10 PM
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#14
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryStone
And according the the applicable Ford owners manual, if it doesn't have 4X4 LOW, it's not all 4 down towable either.
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Correct, I do believe that is the differentiating factor = 4WD Low.
And mine does have 4L - I also read in the manual how to activate recreational tow, so I know it is 4 down towable.
The explanation of the WHY it can't be towed on a dolly helps. It was the only thing I could think of that would not allow it to be towed on a dolly, so it makes sense. Too bad, I was really hoping to A) not have to install base plates and B) not have to buy a car hauler. I'm thinking tow bar set up it is.
Thanks for all the information folks!
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