Hi All,

I’ve posted a towing question before but I’m looking for a bit more direction. Before any flames me I have used the search button, but the more I read the more confused I get (maybe I’m just a ‘tard that way)

We currently have a ’98 F150 XLT, 4.6L Auto with the towing package. We go out to the desert quite a lot and I tow 12’ trailer with our quads (3) and all my gear. It tows it well and I have no complaints other than it isn’t 4WD so it limits where I can go.

We are considering buying a toy hauler, somewhere in the 16 to 22’ range. I’m fairly certain that’s going to be at the outer limit of what my current truck can tow, so we’re considering a vehicle switch.

We either going to pick up an Expedition or another F150 but with the 5.4L and 4WD, probably a ’97 to ’01. I know there are certain variables (gears, coolers, etc.) but based on most things being the same, am I going to get better towing out of one as opposed to the other? Naturally my wife wants the Expo, and I want the truck. I’m not opposed to the Expo as long as I can get the towing capacity I need out of it.

Any opinions or advice?

Thanks

P.S.
I know everyone will say get an F250, not an option as I’m working within a budget and they’re unfortunately not within my budget.

 

go with the truck, expoditions have rear independant suspension and wont haul as much

 

Leafs springs being better than coils for towing, right?

 

I've owned a 97 and 03 Expy, both 4wd, both with the 5.4.

They towed anything I hooked to them adequately, but my current boat put the 03 at its limits. The max tow ratings were only about 500# higher for the truck, but the towing advantage of the truck is the wheelbase and the weight.

My 03 weighed out at 5900 on the scale, heavier than a comparable p/u, but, depending on which truck model you get, the wheelbase should be longer than an Expy.

Like I said, the Expy towed my current 26' boat and 7500# trailered weight ok, but my '10 Lariat Supercab tows it noticeably better.

So, with the same tow package and engine and rear end, the truck should tow better if it has a longer wheelbase.

Be careful when buying either vehicle, it is very difficult to determine what tow package, rear end ratio wheelbase, etc. that a used vehicle has. Don't believe the salesman, verify for yourself.

As an aside, my '03, without Nav and moonroof, had a higher sticker than my current loaded Lariat.

 

get the VIN to determine all the details. or theres a patch in the driver door jam thatll tell you the axle and gears, but its all in code

 

My 00 expy had a solid axle..Think the RIS came about in 02 or 03. Never towed a lot with mine, a single axle 12' trailer with a quad on it..flawless...I think you'll be happy with whatever you decide on barthal.

 

you could step up to a 7.3 excursion, that would be awesome, well thats if its in your price range

 

inew somw years had it and some didnt, i just couldnt remember wat years