Can 2010 Ford Expedition EL tow Kubota MX5400 + loader/bucket/brushhog?

[Bullwinkle123]

I can't remember the details, some are here: Access Denied

I guess it's a 5.4l engine, rated for towing ~9000 lbs. Never towed anything with it, so the hitch receiver has never been used.

I'm contemplating buying a Kubota MX5400. I don't really plan to tow it or even own a trailer, but I like my Ford Expedition EL and would probably get another vehical like it when it dies. So, in order not to be buying the wrong vehicle or at least not be surprised, can my vehicle tow this tractor and basic attachments?

I figure a Kubota MX5400 plus loader/bucket/loaded-tires and brush hog is going go be ~6000-7000 lbs. I have no idea what the trailer underneath it would weigh.

I have to traverse 4 miles of dirt road with a 1000 ft vertical elevation change to get in/out of property. We'll just assume I don't need to tow the thing during mud season. I could see some vehicles struggling to get up the hill, it's very steep in places. And of course braking on the downhill run is also to be considered.

So my questions are:
1) Can my Ford tow this tractor?
2) If not, what does it take to rent something that can tow this tractor for short or longer range (between states) hauls?

Just assume I'm totally clueless about towing in general and gear your vocabulary accordingly

Thanks for advice.

 

[coxhaus]

I would think a trailer to tow 7000 pounds would be around 1700 to 2000 pounds so I would think you would be at your limit on towing if you really can tow 9000 pounds with your Ford Expedition. I would verify you have the towing package on your Expedition and the hitch is rated for that much weight. Don't forget the trailer ball needs to support the weight also.

Sounds like to me you would be at the bare minimum for towing that much weight. I would also think trailer brakes would be a must.

I am assuming the EL is the long wheel base version. You don't want to be towing a long trailer with a short wheel base.

 

[Bullwinkle123]

I would think a trailer to tow 7000 pounds would be around 1700 to 2000 pounds so I would think you would be at your limit on towing if you really can tow 9000 pounds with your Ford Expedition. I would verify you have the towing package on your Expedition and the hitch is rated for that much weight. Don't forget the trailer ball needs to support the weight also.

Sounds like to me you would be at the bare minimum for towing that much weight. I would also think trailer brakes would be a must.

I am assuming the EL is the long wheel base version. You don't want to be towing a long trailer with a short wheel base.

Yeah, it's the long version of the EL, and has extra cooling capacity and other goodies. Love it, though it won't fit in my garage precisely because it is too long.

 

[4570Man]

Something like this is about the minimum trailer required to haul it. Personally I’d go for a 14k that’s about 400 pounds heavier for the 20’ length. Usually tow ratings are “up to” which fluctuates greatly depending on the actual setup. You’d be at the maximum rating at the 9,000 pound mark.

 

[dodge man]

Based on the info you gave, I would say no. The trailer you need would most likely weigh more like 3000 lbs so you are looking at 10,000 lbs. I also bet you do not have the payload, with a couple of people in the vehicle you would need a payload of at least 1800 pounds. Payload is usually the limiting factor unless you get into a 3/4 ton. You would need to get the perfect half ton to tow that, a payload of 2000 pounds or more or a 3/4 ton would be much better. You would also need a weight distributing hitch on your expedition or a half ton pickup.

Something else to think about with the brief description of your property, you might have to worry about a trailer dragging in places. Can you unload at the end of the drive?

 

[dodge man]

I looked up the spec for you vehicle. The have a limit of 890 lbs hitch limit WITH a weight distributing hitch. You will almost certainly be in the 1200 lb range or more. I also saw a trailer weight of 8900 lbs if yours is 4x4. It’s not going to cut it.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

The last time I looked at Expeditions was the 2017 model year. I looked at an EL, with the 3.5L, heavy trailer tow package, and optional lower gears. Seems to me like it was rated to tow 9500 lbs. The tow package came with the rated receiver hitch and trailer brake control, plus I think tow mirrors.

At best, you'd be at the hairy edge with that combo. Would it "do it"? Probably. But there would be zero margin for error, and that's not something to take lightly. I know you said you'd probably never have to tow it. But I would look at it like it would have to be some sort of "emergency" (whatever that means?) to try it.

Have the dealer deliver it.

 

[4570Man]

I looked up the spec for you vehicle. The have a limit of 890 lbs hitch limit WITH a weight distributing hitch. You will almost certainly be in the 1200 lb range or more. I also saw a trailer weight of 8900 lbs if yours is 4x4. It’s not going to cut it.

The truck manufacturers should have their butts held to the fire for bull crap like this. Sure maybe with every option available, zero cargo in the vehicle, and a really small trailer loaded with bricks they could tow the big numbers they like to brag about. But most of that model vehicle can’t tow the ratings they claim, you have to look hard to find the actual number and most people don’t know any better.

 

[WranglerX]

Probably need a 10,000 rated trailer (goose neck probably best) and heavy 3/4 ton or 1 ton PU... Think your Expedition is just going to be a aiming device as your tractor and trailer pushes you along the road.... Uphill not so bad if you lose traction you are just "stuck" but coming down hill if load is pushing you you are in big trouble...

My 16 foot 7000 lb gross weight trailer is about 1500 pound so I lose that right off the top, that makes my load capacity about 5,500 pounds... And I tow with heavy 1/2 ton, trailer towing rated truck and electric brakes on trailer....Even with my 4000 pound Jeep on it it's pretty near my comfort limit...

Dale

 

[jaydee325]

You need to know the option package on your SUV.

Do you have the original window sticker? That would tell how the SUV is equipped.

Another way is to take the VIN to a Ford dealer and have them look up how it is equipped. CarFax might be an option as well.

Towing that heavy requires at least a class 3 hitch and trailer brakes. Does the SUV have a factory brake controller that would be part of a trailer tow package?

Lots of speculation here without actually knowing how the SUV is set up. Don't guess here. Your safety is the most important here.