Towing w/ a Ford Expedition

H

hawkblack

Recruit
Joined
Mar 5, 2004
Messages
1
I am considering buying a 27' Chaparral Deck boat. I am estimating that it will run around 7600 lbs as towing weight: boat has a dry weight of 4600 lbs, plus say another 2000 lbs (?) for the tri-axle trailer plus say 1000 lbs for gas, toys, etc. My 2003 Ford Expedition has a rating for a Gross Towing Weight of 8800 lbs. Is the estimated 7600 lbs just too close to the 8800 lbs rating, or is this going to be ok? Sure do like the boat, but don't want to buy it and kill the transmission....Thanks
 
Z

ZmOz

Captain
Joined
Aug 13, 2003
Messages
3,949
Re: Towing w/ a Ford Expedition

You should be fine right up to the 8800lb rating. You'd actually probably be ok with even more than that, manufacturers purposely rate it a bit low because they know people will go right up to and over the limit. Just make sure you've got a good tranny cooler, and really good brakes.
 
POINTER94

POINTER94

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 12, 2003
Messages
5,031
Re: Towing w/ a Ford Expedition

I'm with ZmOz,<br /><br />I would also advise you to set your trailer up as best as possible. Get the weight right, correct tires and tire pressure, good trailer brakes. It might be in your best interest to get air bags for the rear suspension to get the proper driving attitude and improved weight distribution. Your steering geometry can get really funky if you don't have adequate weight over the front tires.<br /><br />I would load up the boat with the gear for a week and go to the truck scale and get an ACCURATE weight. Almost everyone I talk to underestimates the weight of the trailer.<br /><br />Good Luck
 
K

KM2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 15, 2003
Messages
556
Re: Towing w/ a Ford Expedition

I think the Expedition is a great tow vehicle. Should be fine for your needs if properly equipped. I mean it has the 5.4 l engine, towing package including tranny cooler. The load level suspension would be nice but I don't consider it a requirement. Turn the O/D off when towing and you should not have any tranny problems.
 
M

mattttt25

Commander
Joined
Sep 29, 2002
Messages
2,661
Re: Towing w/ a Ford Expedition

ditto the rest. just make sure YOUR vehicle is truly rated for 8800lbs- the right engine, axle, etc. enjoy-
 
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