If you're shopping for a three-row SUV that can pull a boat, a camper, or a trailer full of gear, the Ford Expedition belongs at the top of your list. At Wareham Ford, we help South Coast and Cape Cod families match the right Ford Expedition to the loads they actually tow.
Towing capacity isn't one number for the whole lineup. It changes with trim, wheelbase, drivetrain, axle ratio, and whether the SUV has the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. This guide breaks down the max tow rating for every current Expedition trim so you know what to look for before you visit our Wareham showroom.
Max Towing Highlight
When properly equipped, the Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,600 pounds. The long-wheelbase Expedition MAX tops out at 9,000 pounds. Both ratings require 4x4 and the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
Below, we'll cover the ratings trim by trim, explain what the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package adds, walk through the towing technology, and share a few tips for hauling around Buzzards Bay, the Cape, and beyond.
Ford Expedition Towing Capacity at a Glance
Every current Ford Expedition is powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. That engine is the reason the Expedition out-tows most three-row SUVs in its class. The standard version makes 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. The high-output version on the Tremor (and available on Platinum) makes 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel.
Where your Expedition lands in the towing range comes down to how it's configured. Here are the three numbers most shoppers need to know:
Up to 9,600 lbs
Standard-wheelbase Expedition, 4x4, with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and 3.73 axle
Up to 9,000 lbs
Long-wheelbase Expedition MAX, 4x4, with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package
About 6,000 lbs
Typical rating without the Heavy-Duty package, using the standard 3.31 axle ratio
That spread matters. A 6,000-pound rating covers most small boats and pop-up campers. The 9,600-pound rating opens the door to larger travel trailers, dual-axle boat trailers, and car haulers. If you're not sure which group your trailer falls into, our team can help you compare options on the Expedition trims and specs page or in person.
The Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,600 pounds when properly equipped
Expedition Max Tow Ratings by Trim
At Wareham Ford, the most common question we hear from Expedition shoppers is simple: which trim do I need to tow my trailer? Here's how each trim stacks up.
Expedition Active and Active MAX
The Active is the entry point to the retail lineup, and it gives you the most flexibility. In standard form, it's rated at about 6,000 pounds (the Active MAX 4x2 is rated slightly higher, at about 6,300 pounds). Add the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package on a 4x4 model and the Active jumps to 9,600 pounds, or 9,000 pounds for the Active MAX. If you want full towing capability without paying for the premium trims, a properly equipped Active is a smart pick.
Expedition Tremor
The Tremor is the off-road Expedition, and it comes ready to tow. The Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and the 440-horsepower high-output engine are standard, and it's rated for up to 9,600 pounds. It's a strong choice for drivers who want to reach the dunes at Horseneck Beach or haul a trailer to a campsite without adding options.
Expedition King Ranch and King Ranch MAX
King Ranch pairs Western-inspired leather and premium comfort with serious capability. The Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package is standard, so the standard-wheelbase King Ranch is rated up to 9,600 pounds and the King Ranch MAX is rated up to 9,000 pounds when equipped with 4x4.
Expedition Platinum and Platinum MAX
Platinum is the most luxurious Expedition, and it doesn't give up anything at the hitch. The Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package comes standard, with ratings of up to 9,600 pounds for the Platinum and 9,000 pounds for the Platinum MAX. The high-output engine is also available if you want more power for heavy loads.
| Trim | Heavy-Duty Tow Package | Standard Wheelbase Max Tow | MAX (Long Wheelbase) Max Tow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Optional (4x4) | ~6,000 lbs std. / 9,600 lbs w/ pkg | ~6,300 lbs std. / 9,000 lbs w/ pkg |
| Tremor | Standard | 9,600 lbs | Not offered |
| King Ranch | Standard | 9,600 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
| Platinum | Standard | 9,600 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
Ratings shown are Ford's published maximums for 2026 models when properly equipped. Your Expedition's exact rating depends on drivetrain, axle ratio, wheel size, and cargo and passenger weight. Check the door-jamb label or ask our team for the rating on a specific vehicle.
What the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package Adds
The Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package is what separates a 6,000-pound Expedition from a 9,600-pound Expedition. It's standard on Tremor, King Ranch, and Platinum, and it's available on the Active with 4x4. At Wareham Ford, we recommend it to anyone who plans to tow regularly.
Hardware Built for Heavier Loads
The package upgrades the rear axle to a 3.73 ratio for stronger pulling power from a stop and on hills. It also adds a Class IV hitch receiver, 4-pin and 7-pin trailer connectors, and extra cooling to keep the powertrain in its comfort zone when you're working it hard.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
An integrated trailer brake controller comes with the package, so you can manage electric trailer brakes right from the dash. You won't need an aftermarket controller wired under the dash, and braking is proportional to how hard you press the pedal.
Trailer Tech Included
The package also brings Ford's towing-assist technology, including Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and the 360-degree camera system. We cover those features in more detail below. Want to add a hitch, ball mount, or wiring to an Expedition you already own? Our parts department stocks genuine Ford towing components and Ford accessories.
Expedition Towing Technology That Makes Hauling Easier
Towing capacity is only half the story. The Expedition's towing technology helps you hitch up, back in, and stay in control on the highway. Our Wareham customers tell us these features make the biggest difference at the boat ramp and the campground.
Pro Trailer Hitch Assist
Lining up the hitch ball with the trailer coupler usually takes a spotter. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist uses the rear camera to guide the Expedition back to the trailer and control steering, braking, and throttle as it lines up the hitch. It's a real help when you're hitching up alone.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Backing a trailer down a busy launch ramp in Onset or Mattapoisett can be stressful. With Pro Trailer Backup Assist, you steer the trailer by turning a knob on the dash, and the system handles the counter-steering for you.
Trailer Sway Control and Blind Spot Coverage
Trailer Sway Control watches for sway and applies selective braking or reduces engine torque to bring the trailer back in line. The Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage extends blind spot monitoring to account for the length of your trailer, which is helpful on busy stretches of Route 25 and the Bourne and Sagamore bridges.
| Towing Feature | What It Does | Where It Helps Most |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Trailer Hitch Assist | Automatically lines up the hitch with the trailer | Hitching up solo |
| Pro Trailer Backup Assist | Steer the trailer with a dial on the dash | Boat ramps, driveways, campsites |
| Integrated Trailer Brake Controller | Controls electric trailer brakes from the dash | Heavy loads, downhill grades |
| Trailer Sway Control | Detects sway and corrects with braking and torque | Highway crosswinds, bridges |
| BLIS with Trailer Coverage | Extends blind spot alerts to the trailer's length | Lane changes on Route 25 and I-195 |
The Ford Expedition lineup, from the Active to the Platinum MAX
Choosing the Right Expedition for Towing on the South Coast
Southeastern Massachusetts gives you plenty of reasons to tow. There are boats to launch on Buzzards Bay, campers headed to Myles Standish State Forest, and trailers loaded for weekends on the Cape. Here's how we help Wareham Ford customers choose.
Know Your Trailer's Loaded Weight
Start with the trailer's gross weight (the trailer plus everything in it), not its empty weight. Boats add fuel, gear, and water. Campers add water tanks, propane, and supplies. As a rule of thumb, it's smart to leave a margin below your Expedition's max rating instead of towing right at the limit.
Standard Wheelbase or MAX?
The standard Expedition offers the highest tow rating at 9,600 pounds. The Expedition MAX gives up some towing capacity (9,000 pounds) in exchange for much more cargo space behind the third row. If you're packing for a big family trip with a camper in tow, the MAX's extra room may be worth the trade. Need even more capability, or something smaller? Compare the Ford F-150 towing capacity guide and the Ford Explorer towing capacity guide.
Use the Right Hitch Setup
Heavier trailers call for a weight-distributing hitch. Ford specifies one for trailers above certain weights, so check your owner's manual or ask our team before you hook up a large travel trailer. Our service center can inspect your hitch, brakes, and tires before towing season starts.
Find Your Towing-Ready Ford Expedition at Wareham Ford
Visit Wareham Ford at 2628 Cranberry Hwy. in Wareham, MA, to compare Expedition trims side by side. We'll help you find an Expedition with the right tow rating for your boat, camper, or trailer, and we can walk you through every trim in our showroom.
Our sales team can go over the towing packages on each vehicle, and our finance team will help you find a payment that fits your budget. You can estimate your monthly payment or value your trade online before you visit.
Browse our current Ford Expedition inventory or call us at (774) 326-1277 to check availability. We proudly serve drivers from Wareham, Plymouth, Bourne, Falmouth, Hyannis, New Bedford, Middleborough, and across Cape Cod.