Does the Ford Expedition come with a tow package?

Yes. Ford offers a Factory Trailer Tow Package for the Expedition, and on recent model years it enables towing up to roughly 9,300 pounds when the vehicle is properly equipped with the package, the right engine, and the appropriate axle configuration.

Tow Package basics

The following list outlines the typical components included in Ford’s Trailer Tow Package for the Expedition. Availability and exact contents can vary by year and trim, so always check your window sticker or with a dealer for your specific vehicle.

• Heavy‑duty radiator and engine oil cooler


• Transmission cooler


• Class III hitch receiver and wiring harness (often a 7‑pin connector)


• Trailer brake controller (integrated or optional, depending on year and trim)


• Trailer sway control system for improved stability when towing


• Upgraded suspension or axle considerations (in some configurations, a different rear axle ratio may be included)

These components work together to support safer, more capable towing and help maintain engine and transmission temperatures under load.

Availability by year and trim

The Tow Package is generally offered as an option on most Expedition trims in recent years. In some configurations, a Max Tow or Heavy‑Duty Tow Package may be available to push towing capacity higher. Exact availability and content vary by model year, trim level, drivetrain, and regional packaging, so confirm with a dealer or via the vehicle’s window sticker.

• Tow Package is typically available on multiple trims (for example XL, XLT, Limited, and above) as an add‑on, rather than being universally standard


• Some model years offer a higher‑capacity “Max Tow” or similar option on select trims


• Maximum advertised towing capacity with the Tow Package is commonly around 9,300 pounds for properly equipped Expeditions


• Drivetrain and axle choices can influence whether the Tow Package is offered or how much it increases towing capacity

Because content can shift with new model releases, it’s best to verify the exact package names and contents for your year and trim with the dealer or by checking the official Ford specifications for that model year.

How to verify on your Expedition

To confirm whether a specific Expedition has the Tow Package, use these checks. The process helps ensure you’re relying on the correct configuration for towing needs.

• Check the window sticker (Monroney) or the build sheet for “Trailer Tow Package,” “Tow Package,” or “Max Tow Package” designations


• Inspect for a factory heavy‑duty hitch, appropriate wiring (often a 7‑pin connector), and a trailer brake controller if equipped


• Look at the axle ratio listed on the sticker; certain tow configurations use a 3.73 or similar upgraded rear axle


• Consult the owner’s manual or Ford's official spec sheet for your VIN to confirm towing capacity and included equipment

If you’re buying used or building a new one, your dealer can pull the exact build sheet from the VIN to confirm whether the Tow Package or Max Tow option is included.

Summary

In short, the Ford Expedition can come with a factory Tow Package across many recent model years, boosting towing capability when properly equipped. The package typically adds a heavy‑duty cooling system, a hitch and wiring, a trailer brake controller, and stability features to support pulling larger trailers. Availability and exact contents vary by year and trim, so verify with the dealer or on the vehicle’s window sticker to ensure you have the right configuration for your towing needs.

How do I know if my Expedition has a heavy-duty tow package?

You can tell if your Expedition has a heavy-duty tow package by looking for specific features like the heavy-duty radiator, integrated trailer brake controller, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, or a 7-pin trailer wiring harness (located near the hitch). It may also have a specific emblem or a heavy-duty 2-speed automatic 4-wheel drive system on 4x4 models. Alternatively, you can check the vehicle's original window sticker or use your VIN on the Ford website. 
On the exterior

• Hitch and wiring: Look for the 7-pin trailer wiring harness, which is a key indicator of a factory tow package. Some packages include a 2-inch receiver. 
• Emblems: Some models may have a "Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package" badge or emblem, especially on higher trims. 
• Wheels: While not definitive, heavy-duty towing can be paired with specific rim sizes, such as 20-inch or larger wheels, which might suggest an included package. 

In the interior

• Tow Haul button: Your dashboard may have a "Tow Haul" button to engage a specific engine and transmission mode for towing. 
• Trailer Brake Controller: Look for the integrated trailer brake controller on the dashboard, usually to the left of the steering wheel. 
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist: Check for the Pro Trailer Backup Assist control knob, typically found on the center console. 
• Electronic Limited Slip Differential: For 4x4 models, a 3.73 electronic limited slip differential can be a sign of the heavy-duty tow package. 

Other methods

• Original Window Sticker: The most reliable method is to find the original window sticker, which lists "Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package" as an included option. 
• VIN Decoder: Use the vehicle's VIN on the Ford website to pull up its specific build sheet and see all included options. 
• Vehicle Build Sheet: Contact a Ford dealer to request the full build sheet for your vehicle. 
• Ford Recreational Vehicle (RV) & Trailer Towing Guides: You can find the official towing guides on the Ford website to match your vehicle's features with the available packages. 

This video demonstrates how to identify a factory-installed tow package by checking for the 7-pin wiring harness: 1mpetesrvYouTube · Apr 19, 2018

How do I know if I have a factory tow package?

How do I know if I have a tow package? If your vehicle doesn't have a trailer hitch or receiver on the rear bumper, it's a strong indication that it doesn't have a towing package.

Do all Ford Expeditions have a hitch receiver?

The hitch receiver is not standard; you will need to locate an Expedition that has the 104A equipment package, commonly known as STX, or the HD Trailer Tow package. However, it can be challenging to find a basic Expedition, as most I encounter are equipped with the STX package or a higher trim level.

What is the tow package on a Ford Expedition?

Equipping the Heavy-Duty Tow Package raises the rating from around 6,600 lbs to 9,600 lbs for standard-wheelbase models and 9,000 lbs for the MAX version. The tow package can add roughly 2,500–3,000 lbs of additional towing capacity. What the Tow Package Includes: Upgraded rear axle ratio for better pulling power.