Tow Package or Not???

Desi6327 · 06-27-2009, 03:27 PM

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and would like to know if someone could help me.

I recently purchased a 2000 Expy. I was told it had a tow package. (Dealer showed me a cooler near the radiator. ) When I took it in to have a hitch installed, the worker told me that this cooler was for the power steering. However, he did find the wiring at the rear of the vehicle, as it should be for towing.

I then went to a Ford dealership. The mechanic wasn't sure, checked the VIN in his computer. No tow package listed, but said that that far back, they may not have listed this option. Next off he brought me to the parts dept. There we all discussed installing a Heavy Duty Radiator since the one in my car didn't look much more than stock. The parts guy disagreed, saying..."Well..we DO have a larger radiator that's for a 'Heavy Duty' Tow Package...I'm guessing, the way yours is set up, it's probably fine for what you need"

I need to tow a 21' boat on a trail rite tandem. Approx 4-5,000 lbs

Next up..the owner's manual...This states that a Heavy Duty Tow Package would have electrical at the rear, (Which mine does) and an one under the dash...if electrical was needed for brakes...I checked under there, but I can't tell what's what. There IS something connected to the brake pedal arm, that might be it, but I just don't know.

Do I need to add a tranny cooler? Is this vehicle already set up for "Light' towing..?

Any help is greatly appreciated

Bob

Flyingjackal456 · 06-28-2009, 01:00 AM

You posted in the wrong thread, I have moved your thread to the Ford Expedition forum, instead of the Ford EXP forum.

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The Ford tow package is just a transmission cooler, and a bigger battery, sometimes a bigger alternator. You shouldn't need the tow package, the 4.6L expediditon has a stock tow rating of 1800 kg, which is 5000 lbs. You should be fine either way, just install a light kit. I've bought towing accessories from: ETrailer They are very good, and i think it is free shipping on orders over $50. I'm not soliciting, I'm just a satisfied customer.

Source:
2000 Ford Expedition Specs - MotorTrend.com

For what it's worth, I tow about 4,000 pounds regularly with my 1998 Windstar 3.8l V6. It's rated for 3500lbs with the tow kit, which I have easily exceeded (maybe a bit over double, one time). It has a tranny cooler, Class III tow bar, and an aftermarket light kit. The thing has no problem, just be easy with it and you'll be fine.

theoldwizard · 06-28-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desi6327

When I took it in to have a hitch installed, the worker told me that this cooler was for the power steering. However, he did find the wiring at the rear of the vehicle, as it should be for towing.

The factory Trailer Towing Package always includes an external connector permanently mounted just below the bumper. Class I and II packages would have a 4 pin connector while Class III (5,000 lbs) would have 7 pin connector.

Class III packages have the extra wiring under the dash for an electric brake controller.

Quote:

Do I need to add a tranny cooler? Is this vehicle already set up for "Light' towing..?

Without looking directly at the thing your sales person called a transmission cooler, I would say "Yes, you need an auxiliary transmission cooler". (A picture is worth a thousand words.)

Depending on your climate, that heavy duty radiator may not be a bad idea either.

Desi6327 · 06-28-2009, 11:16 AM

Thanks for the input!!! Greatly appreciated...

There IS a four pin connector at the rear of the vehicle. Also, on the bumper it shows a tow capacity of 4,000 lbs. (That would be pulling from the bumper only, I would presume)

To install a tranny cooler wouldn't be that expensive. I DO live in Southern Cal but the heavy duty radiator would cost upwards of 6-700.00 unless the Ford dealership was pushing for me to install one.

Oh, also..Thanks to the gentleman who put my post in the right place!!!

Bob

Desi6327 · 06-28-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desi6327

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and would like to know if someone could help me.

I recently purchased a 2000 Expy. I was told it had a tow package. (Dealer showed me a cooler near the radiator. ) When I took it in to have a hitch installed, the worker told me that this cooler was for the power steering. However, he did find the wiring at the rear of the vehicle, as it should be for towing.

I then went to a Ford dealership. The mechanic wasn't sure, checked the VIN in his computer. No tow package listed, but said that that far back, they may not have listed this option. Next off he brought me to the parts dept. There we all discussed installing a Heavy Duty Radiator since the one in my car didn't look much more than stock. The parts guy disagreed, saying..."Well..we DO have a larger radiator that's for a 'Heavy Duty' Tow Package...I'm guessing, the way yours is set up, it's probably fine for what you need"

I need to tow a 21' boat on a trail rite tandem. Approx 4-5,000 lbs

Next up..the owner's manual...This states that a Heavy Duty Tow Package would have electrical at the rear, (Which mine does) and an one under the dash...if electrical was needed for brakes...I checked under there, but I can't tell what's what. There IS something connected to the brake pedal arm, that might be it, but I just don't know.

Do I need to add a tranny cooler? Is this vehicle already set up for "Light' towing..?

Any help is greatly appreciated

Bob

I forgot to mention, my vehicle has the 5.4 and is the Eddie Bauer. This is my first Ford, so forgive my ignorance. Is there a chance the 5.4 comes with a tow pkg strong enough to pull 5,000 lbs? This vehicle has only 39k on it, and I'd hate to put too much stress on it since it's been so well cared for

99Expy · 06-28-2009, 06:47 PM

You will want the Class III hitch (check U-haul) and you can probably get an aftermarket radiator / trans cooler better priced than from Ford. Also check your gearing at the rear end, the Class III capacity had a 3.77 rear end I believe. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Also check to see if you have the self leveling suspension. A boat that heavy you will want to be sure to get the proper receiver setup (you want at least 10% of the weight of the trailer and boat on the tongue end to reduce wobble).

theoldwizard · 06-29-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desi6327

Is there a chance the 5.4 comes with a tow pkg strong enough to pull 5,000 lbs?

Short answer is yes, the 5.4L is capable of towing 5,000 lbs, when properly equipped !

As 99Expy stated, there were several vehicle changes made. Different rear axle ratio, HD radiator and auxiliary transmission cooler are probably the most important.

Obviously you do not have the HD towing package. At a minimum, I would add the transmission cooler. Next, I would consider changing the rear axle ratio (double check this; they may have bumped it up in the regular duty tow package). Expensive, but it will help a lot when puling the boat out or when going up long grades. If you are going to be doing a lot of towing in 90+ ambient temp, you will want that HD radiator.

As you see, it is expensive to retro-fit for HD towing.