Is it safe?

[Alamoman]

I know tow vehicle is a passionate subject with many Oliver owners.  

My specific question is as follows.  I have a 2026 Ford Expedition Max (4x4) with a payload of 1,325lbs and the heavy duty towing package rated at 9,300lbs, which is further specified per the list below.  I understand payload is the limiting factor due to tongue and cargo weight.  It will only be my wife and I traveling.  And yes, I would prefer an F250; however, this is my vehicle for the time being.  

1.  Will it safely tow an Oliver?

Ford Towing Package:

•  Class IV hitch receiver with higher tongue weight rating (supports heavier trailers than standard Class III).
•  Integrated trailer brake controller (in-cabin electronic control for trailer brakes).
•  Heavy-duty transmission oil cooler and upgraded radiator/cooling system for sustained towing without overheating.
•  Optimized axle ratio (typically 3.73) for improved torque and towing performance.
•  Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 (steering knob for precise trailer reversing).
•  360° camera system with dedicated trailer views and guidance lines.
•  Trailer Sway Control (electronic stability system intervention).
•  Pro Trailer Hitch Assist (automated hitch alignment with steering/braking assistance).
•  Tow/Haul mode with adaptive shift programming for better hill handling and engine braking.
•  Extended blind-spot monitoring that accounts for trailer length.
•  Supporting wiring harness and other cooling enhancements. 

Edited 4 hours ago by Alamoman
Added year

[Steph and Dud B]

Based on your numbers I'd say, yes, you could tow an Elite 2 with your Expedition. As you mentioned, your limiting number would be your payload limit. Take 600# off for tongue weight and you're down to 725 for you, your wife, and any cargo in the truck. Should be enough. You'd have to check your manual to see if a weight distributing hitch is required for a 7000# GVWR trailer, although it may not be with those specs (AI says it's not needed until the trailer is over 7000#).

[topgun2]

5 minutes ago, Steph and Dud B said:

You'd have to check your manual to see if a weight distributing hitch is required for a 7000# GVWR trailer, although it may not be with those specs (AI says it's not needed until the trailer is over 7000#).

I'd bet that Ford does require a weight distribution hitch - look for a "sticker/decal" on the underside of the hitch on that Expedition.

Also, be mindful of thigs other than "will it tow the trailer" - remember, you also have to stop that trailer, possibly tow it up/down steep grades.  The additional stresses placed on your tow vehicle are also likely to shorten the service interval you had planned on for this vehicle.  Therefore, be mindful of shortened service intervals and while driving pay closer attention to acceleration/stopping distances and avoiding other road hazards.  Your ride quality may also be compromised as you approach the maximum limits of the tow vehicle.  This might make driving a bit less enjoyable for all concerned.

Having said all this, please note that the Oliver is extremely well behaved when towing.

Bill

[rideandfly]

Here's the sticker/decal Bill mentioned on the bottom of an F-150 hitch:

[Galway Girl]

55 minutes ago, rideandfly said:

sticker/decal

So to add an interpretation:  that tag it tells you that "weigh carrying" capacity (which is direct downward pressure from the tongue) is 500lb's without a weight distribution hitch and 1160lbs if you have a weight distribution hitch attached.   Since Oliver EII's loaded are usually around 600-700 lb range...then you'll need a WDH for that particular hitch on that particular vehicle.

[Frank C]

I’ll chime in here.  Former Elite II owner here, and also a former Ford Expedition owner.   I still check out the owner forums to see what’s new, and because we do miss our travels with our Ollie #461 that is now with a new owner, as we have moved on to some overseas travel as our next adventure in life.

Yes, it’s more than safe to tow your Oliver with the Expedition with the factory Tow Package.  We had almost the identical setup to yours. Our 2017 Expedition 4X4 was called the EL version (extended length, now called Max).  The Ollie is well within the towing specs of the Expedition.  It’s a body on frame construction SUV that shares a lot with the Ford F-150 truck. 

You WILL need to use the Andersen weight distribution hitch.

The Ford factory towing package and the factory trailer brake controller worked very well.

Use the Tow/Haul mode when towing. 

There are a couple of cons though:

After a couple of years we did find the limited payload capacity became an issue as we started carrying more camping equipment for extended trips.

The Ford Eco-Boost turbocharged V6 was adequate but it really had to rev very high in mountainous areas going uphill, and the engine temp tended to get pretty hot.

We eventually upgraded to an F-250 to get much higher payload capacity and also eliminate the need for the weight distribution hitch.

Enjoy your Ollie!