Towing advice needed: 26 BHS Jay Flight

[MBoza]

Good morning folks,

Newbie to the TT world. Wife and I are looking into pulling the trigger on a 26 BHS or 26 BH Jay Flight. We have an 08 Ford Expedition 5.4L. According the manual its rated for 6000 lbs towing. It it also said that if I have the HD towing package it's 9000 lbs. According to the manual, HD Towing Pack consist of HD wiring, the circular plug and the set up for the electric brakes. It doesn't say anything about transmission coolant, etc. Looking for any advice from TT owners using the same vehicle or similar. Any advice will be very greatful. Thank You and be safe.

Mike

[nbhybrid]

so what does yours have?

[CDavid]

Mike, Just responded to your PM

[MBoza]

According to the manual, I have the 6000 package. I was thinking of taking the Vin number to a Ford dealership so they can give me exact numbers. I forgot to mention that I have the EL edition, if it makes a difference. Thanks

[DocBrown]

On GM's there is an RPO code list in the glove box. It lists all the options and features as delivered from the factory by option code. I believe Fords have a similar sticker in the door jam. But I think you will have to go to a dealer to get the exact list of installed options.

[jtaylor]

I have a 2004 Expedition Sport 4x4 with a 5.4L. I tow a 2013 26bh with it. Mine did not have the HD towing when I purchased it but I have upgraded it to match the HD specs. If was hard to find a used one that did. After some research I found that the only difference for my model year between the SD towing and the HD towing was the electrical connection, brake controller and at transmission cooler. I purchased all the electrical connections and started researching the cooler. After some research I found that I did have the hd cooler. Some members of the Expedition forum stated that it was hit or miss on the transmission coolers during those years and I lucked out. I have towed the camper in all extremes and the Expy has performed well. The newer models have the 6 speed transmission which is suppose to keep the motor in the sweet spot while towing. I wish I would have know that before getting mine. Mine will scream on the mountains but handles them fine. Another options I wish I had is rear air bags. It would be nice to settle some of the bouncing although it really isn't that bad.

[MBoza]

Thanks a lot Jtaylor. Am getting the brake controller install on my vehicle. Have to check on the HD transmission coolant. I hope I have it. Thanks

[RedHorse1]

We pulled our X23B with our 03 Expe 5.4. We weighed about 4400# loaded which is about your unloaded weight. The 5.4 did an adequate job for us but seemed to grunt a bit when climbing. We logged a touch over 8k miles before selling and trading up in TV and TT. I believe our tranny had 4 gears forward and an extra 1 or 2 would have let it run in the sweet spot better (like jtaylor says). Most of our travels were pretty flat so we didn't to stress out over many up-hill treks.
We had a couple of tows with the new TV before selling the 23B. The 350 6.7 diesel is an OX and it loves to pull. What a difference it made even with such a light TT. Anyway, I expect your Expe will serve you well and being the XL (longer, right?) will probably be pretty stable.

[smoothy]

Not sure about all Fords but my 02 F150 had a 4 pin connector. But... Here is the trick. It is actually wired for a 7 pin and tucked away in the frame at the rear of the truck. Went and purchased an adapter and 7 pin plug that connected directly to the connector tucked under the frame. Bingo had 7 pin connector at bumper. Also there was a connector under the dash that allowed me to connect my trailer brake up to. Bingo had a working trailer brake.

Refer to the following supplier
http://www.etrailer.com/

[MBoza]

Thank You all for the advice.

Mike

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

The 350 6.7 diesel is an OX and it loves to pull.

I completely agree with this statement, even when it's only a 250.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

I completely agree with this statement, even when it's only a 250.

I read there's VERY little difference between 'em. Overload springs, body blocks and badges ("Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!").

[MBoza]

I was able to locate my vehicle sales sticker. It included the HD towing package. I guess i can tow 9000 lbs. We are heading to Ocala this sunday to decide on the Jay Flight 26BH or BHS. Thank You for all the help.


Mike

[nbhybrid]

I would confirm visually that it has an "external" transmission cooler and not just into the radiator.

You need an external one IMO