How to know if a Ford Expedition has a tow package?
When purchasing or inspecting a Ford Expedition, one of the key features many buyers look for is the tow package. This package enhances the vehicle's towing capabilities, making it ideal for hauling trailers, boats, or other heavy loads. But how can you determine if a Ford Expedition is equipped with a tow package? In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to identify this feature and explain why it’s important.
What Is a Tow Package?
A tow package is a set of factory-installed or aftermarket components designed to improve a vehicle's towing performance. For the Ford Expedition, this typically includes upgrades such as a heavy-duty hitch receiver, enhanced cooling systems, and wiring for trailer lights and brakes. These features ensure the vehicle can safely and efficiently tow heavier loads.
Steps to Identify a Tow Package on a Ford Expedition
Here are some practical steps to determine if a Ford Expedition has a tow package:
- Check for a Hitch Receiver: Look at the rear of the vehicle for a factory-installed hitch receiver. This is a strong indicator of a tow package.
- Inspect the Rear Bumper: Some Ford Expeditions with tow packages have a cutout or removable panel in the rear bumper to accommodate the hitch.
- Look for Trailer Wiring: Tow packages often include pre-installed wiring harnesses for trailer lights and brakes. Check near the hitch receiver for a 4-pin or 7-pin connector.
- Review the Vehicle’s Window Sticker or Build Sheet: If you’re buying a new or used Expedition, ask for the original window sticker or build sheet. These documents will list all factory-installed options, including the tow package.
- Check the Owner’s Manual: The manual may provide information about towing capabilities and whether the vehicle is equipped with a tow package.
- Inspect the Radiator and Transmission Cooler: Vehicles with tow packages often have upgraded cooling systems, such as a larger radiator or an auxiliary transmission cooler.
- Consult a Ford Dealer: If you’re still unsure, provide the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to a Ford dealership. They can look up the vehicle’s specifications and confirm if it has a tow package.
Why Is a Tow Package Important?
Having a tow package is crucial if you plan to tow heavy loads. It ensures your vehicle is equipped to handle the additional stress on the engine, transmission, and brakes. Without a tow package, towing beyond the vehicle’s capacity can lead to mechanical failures and safety risks. Additionally, a tow package can increase the resale value of your Ford Expedition, as it’s a desirable feature for many buyers.
Conclusion
Determining whether a Ford Expedition has a tow package is relatively straightforward if you know what to look for. By following the steps outlined above, you can confidently assess the vehicle’s towing capabilities. If you’re still uncertain, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic or a Ford dealership for assistance. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re always here to help with your vehicle inspection and maintenance needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a towing package look like?
Tow packages vary widely depending on the vehicle and its intended use. While some may include basic items like a hitch and wiring harness, others might involve advanced upgrades to the vehicle's engine, transmission, suspension, and cooling systems to handle heavier loads.
How do I know if I have tow coverage?
To see if you have towing coverage, check your policy documents or ask your insurance company or agent. The exact limitations and exclusions will depend on the terms of each policy and may differ between insurance carriers.
Will my VIN number tell me if I have a tow package?
There's nothing in the 'VIN code' that reveals presence of the Max Tow Package 53C - one must access the complete underlying VIN-specific vehicle equipment database to determine that. The axle ratio does not provide the answer because the 53C package uses ratios common to vehicles without the package (3:55 / 3:73).
Which Expedition has a heavy duty tow package?
Equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and an EcoBoost® engine, the 2024 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds, surpassing other new SUVs.
Do all Ford Expeditions have a tow hitch?
So the hitch receiver is not standard you would need to find an Expedition with the 104A equipment package (usually referred to as STX) or the HD Trailer Tow package.
What is the difference between Ford tow package and Max tow package?
Max tow increases GCWR rating but it costs payload, and payload is already poor on PB trucks. Further the max tow package includes 36 gallon fuel tank and 3/4 float 9.75 HD diff on gasser F150. But on your PB you already get the 3/4 float diff and your fuel tank remains stuck at 30 gallons (to make room for batteries).
Is a tow package the same as a trailering package?
The Chevrolet Tow Package, known as the Trailering Package, provides everything you need for towing. The package is integrated into many of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models. It includes several advanced features that help you easily hook up to your trailer and tow.
Can a dealership add a tow package?
To install a factory tow package, it's recommended that you take your SUV or pickup truck to a manufacturer-authorized dealership. Such an installation is usually more expensive than an aftermarket tow package installation because it involves the purchase of OEM components.
How do I know if I have the towing package?
How Do You Know If Your Vehicle Has a Tow Package Installed? If you don't see a trailer hitch or receiver on your rear bumper, that is a good sign you don't have a towing package.
Can I look up tow capacity on a VIN number?
However, it's still possible to check car, SUV or truck tow capacity by VIN. The intricate details of a vehicle's towing capabilities are not within the scope of the VIN's design. Towing capacity is a nuanced specification that depends on various factors.
