Do all Ford Expeditions come with a tow package?
Not every Ford Expedition ships with a tow package. Tow equipment is optional or included only on higher trims, and the potential to tow depends on the engine, drivetrain, and other specifications. If you need to pull trailers or campers, you’ll want to confirm the exact configuration on the vehicle you’re considering.
In this article, we examine what a tow package is, how to tell if a specific Expedition has one, and how model year and trim influence towing capability. We’ll also outline typical components and how to verify equipment through official documentation.
What a Tow Package Does and Why It Matters
The Tow Package (often labeled as Trailer Tow Package or Max Tow Package on Ford vehicles) is designed to enable heavier towing by adding cooling, drivetrain, and towing-support components. It may introduce upgraded cooling, a stronger hitch setup, and trailer-management features. Availability and exact contents vary by model year and trim, so not all Expeditions will have it by default.
- Heavy-duty cooling systems, including engine oil cooler and transmission cooler, and sometimes an enhanced radiator
- Upgraded or reinforced towing hardware, including hitch receiver and wiring harness
- Trailer-related electronics, such as trailer sway control and, in some configurations, an integrated trailer brake controller
- Options that improve overall towing performance, such as a more capable rear axle configuration in certain builds
In short, a Tow Package adds hardware and features to support higher towing performance, but it is not standard on every Expedition and may be required to reach the vehicle’s maximum tow rating.
How to Tell If Your Expedition Has Tow Package
To determine whether a specific Expedition is equipped for towing, use these checks. They help you verify the presence of a Tow Package beyond the model’s base capabilities.
- Inspect the window sticker (Monroney) or the build/order sheet for references to “Tow Package,” “Trailer Tow Package,” or “Max Tow Package.”
- Look for hardware indicators such as a heavy-duty cooling setup, a hitch receiver with appropriate wiring, and a seven- or eight-pin wiring harness used for trailer brakes and signals
- Check for an integrated trailer brake controller or the option to add one
- Obtain the vehicle’s VIN/build sheet from the dealer to confirm included equipment and the exact towing rating
Concluding: Verifying these elements ensures you know whether the Expedition is prepared for towing and what its official rating allows.
Model-Year and Trim Variations
Ford has offered Tow Packages across most Expeditions, but the specific contents and the impact on towing capacity depend on the model year and trim. The “Max Tow Package” is commonly tied to the highest towing capability and is often paired with EcoBoost engines.
- Base trims (such as XL or XLT) can typically be equipped with a Tow Package to improve towing capability, but configurations vary by year
- Higher trims (Limited, King Ranch, Platinum) more commonly feature Tow Package options or include the components as part of a higher-level package, contributing to higher max tow ratings
- The maximum towing rating with the EcoBoost engine and Max Tow configurations generally reaches around 9,300 pounds, with exact figures depending on drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD) and other equipment
Concluding: Always verify the exact equipment and towing rating for a given model year and trim, as the presence of a Tow Package and the resulting capacity can vary.
Quick Take: Typical Range by Configuration
Without the Tow Package, Expedition towing is usually suitable for moderate loads (roughly around 6,000 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain). With the Tow/Max Tow Package and proper configuration, towing capacity can approach the upper end of the model’s rating (around 9,300 pounds in many setups), though exact numbers depend on the year and drivetrain.
Concluding: If you plan to tow regularly, confirm the exact package and rating for your specific vehicle to ensure safe, compliant operation.
Summary
Not all Ford Expeditions come with a tow package. The Tow Package is available as an option or standard on higher trims and certain model years, and it significantly impacts towing capability. To determine whether a specific Expedition is equipped for towing and to know its exact towing rating, review the window sticker or build sheet, check the VIN with a dealer, and confirm the components included in the package. For anyone planning to tow, prioritize verifying the actual equipment and rating before selecting a vehicle.
