Hi,

I own a 2001 Ford Expedition, 5.4L, 4WD, with about 100,000 miles on it. I am planning on towing a cargo trailer for business weighing about 2,500lbs. I will be making around 30 trips within the next year. Each trip will be between 100 - 400 mile round trip.

I am wondering what kind of harm this would cause to the Expedition. Transmission? Engine? other?

Is there anything I could do to prevent the harm to the SUV?

Also, how much will this affect my MPG pulling the trailer?

Thanks,

Andrew

 

You should be OK. Just make sure the transmission has an external cooler. If the Expy came with a towing package, it already has that. You should not have any problems and the mileage may drop 1 mpg with conservative driving. My F150 gets 18 avg and 17.2 towing the boat at 23700 lbs.

 

I agree with way2old...

Just remember that if you buy an external tranny fluid cooler that you need to flare the ends of the fluid lines to prevent the aftermarket rubber lines from blowing off the metal ends. You cut into the existing metal coolant lines to attach the aftermarket cooler and I have seen a number of home mechanics who dont flare the ends.......and when the lines blow off (usually when line pressure increases to max in reverse gear) there is a big mess and they are stranded!

When was the last time you serviced your tranny? Regular servicing will extend the life of your tranny more than anything else. You should make sure to service your tranny every 35-40k miles if using it for towing, excessive hill climbing or driving in hot environments (deserts..etc)...dont forget to drain torque converter if servicing at home.....45-50k is normal service interval without towing...Heat is the main enemy of transmissions!

good luck