2012 Ford Expedition towing capacity chart.
The third-generation 2012 Ford Expedition, a full-size SUV is an exceptionally powerful and capable vehicle. With its spacious interior, powerful engine, impressive remarkable towing capacity, and advanced features, the Expedition is a popular choice for families who need a reliable vehicle for hauling cargo, boats, or RVs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 2012 Ford Expedition’s towing capacity, and its features to consider before towing.
| 2012 Ford Expedition trims | 2012 Ford Expedition towing capacity |
| Ford Expedition XL | 6,000 – 9,200 lbs. |
| Ford Expedition XLT | 6,000 – 9,200 lbs. |
| Ford Expedition XLT Premium | 6,000 – 9,200 lbs. |
| Ford Expedition Limited | 6,000 – 9,200 lbs. |
| Ford Expedition King Ranch | 6,000 – 8,900 lbs. |
Table of Contents
When hauling a trailer, it is important to keep in mind the maximum recommended weight that your vehicle can handle. Going beyond this weight limit can cause significant harm to your vehicle, such as damage to the engine or transmission, as well as structural damage. It can also result in loss of control over the vehicle, which can lead to a dangerous rollover situation and potential injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the weight limits specified on the certification label and not exceed the GVWR or GAWR.
2012 Ford Expedition Engine Specs
It comes equipped with a powerful V8 engine and is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The 5.4L V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission under the hood of the 2012 Expedition give 310 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque, along with the ability to tow up to 9,200 lbs. This powertrain is also flex-fuel capable, so it runs on gasoline, E85, or any blend of the two.
| Engine | 5.4L 3-Valve V8 FFV |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 5,100 rpm |
| Torque | 365 lb.-ft. @ 3,600 rpm |
2012 Ford Expedition tow capacity
The standard tow rating for the Expedition is 6,000 pounds. For trailers over 6,000 pounds, the available Class IV Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package must be equipped properly to maximize up to 9,200 pounds of tow capacity. Also, the Expedition towing capacity varies depending on the drivetrain: front-wheel drive, Extended Length, 4×2 and 4×4 systems.
The towing capacity is determined by several factors, including the vehicle’s engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension. It is important to note that exceeding the towing capacity can be dangerous and can cause damage to both the tow vehicle and the trailer. In addition to its impressive towing capacity, the 2012 Ford Expedition also comes with a range of other features including:
- Four-Wheel Drive: This feature is especially useful for those who tow in slippery or off-road conditions and provides improved traction and stability when towing heavy loads.
- Trailer Sway Control: This system applies the brakes selectively to individual wheels to help counteract trailer sway and keep trailers stable and under control when towing.
- Hill Start Assist: This feature is especially useful when towing on steep inclines, or towing heavy loads uphill, helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when you release the brake pedal.
- Reverse Sensing System: This feature can be especially useful when towing large trailers or boats and helps to alert drivers to obstacles that may be behind the vehicle when doing the reverse.
- Rearview Camera: This feature is especially useful when hitching up a trailer or backing up to a loading dock which provides a clear view of what is behind the vehicle when backing up.
2012 Ford Expedition towing capacity without tow package
The 2012 Ford Expedition Conventional tow rating across all the models and drivetrain lineup is 6,000 lbs. Check out the table below for more details on conventional tow ratings across the 2012 Expedition lineup.
| Vehicle Type | Drive Type | Axle Ratio | Gross Combined Weight Ratio (lbs.) | Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.) |
| Expedition | 4×2 | 3.31 | 11,800 | 6,000 |
| Expedition | 4×4 | 3.31 | 12,100 | 6,000 |
| Expedition | 4×2 | 3.73 | 11,800 | 6,000 |
| Expedition | 4×4 | 3.73 | 12,100 | 6,000 |
| Expedition EL | 4×2 | 3.73 | 12,100 | 6,000 |
| Expedition EL | 4×4 | 3.73 | 12,300 | 6,000 |
2012 Ford Expedition towing capacity with tow package
To achieve the maximum towing capacity of 9,200 pounds, the Expedition needs to be equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. This package includes a Class IV trailer hitch, a seven-pin wiring harness, a trailer brake controller, and a rear load-leveling suspension system. Check out the table below to see how the lineup performs in max towing when equipped with the available trailer towing Package.
| Vehicle Type | Drive Type | Axle Ratio | Gross Combined Weight Ratio (lbs.) | Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.) |
| Expedition | 4×2 | 3.31 | 15,000 | 9,200 |
| Expedition | 4×4 | 3.31 | 15,000 | 8,900 |
| Expedition | 4×2 | 3.73 | 15,000 | 9,200 |
| Expedition | 4×4 | 3.73 | 15,000 | 8,900 |
| Expedition EL | 4×2 | 3.73 | 15,000 | 8,900 |
| Expedition EL | 4×4 | 3.73 | 15,000 | 8,700 |
2012 Ford Expedition Trailer Towing Package
To achieve the maximum towing capacity of 9,200 pounds, the Expedition must be equipped with the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. This package includes a range of features that are designed to enhance the Expedition’s towing capabilities which are able to tow large trailers, boats, and other heavy loads. It may vary depending on model, trim, and powertrain. Contact your dealer or go through the individual vehicle owner’s manual for specific content information. Trailer Towing Package is recommended for all vehicles used for towing to help ensure easy, proper connection of trailer lights.
- 7-Wire Harness & 4-/7-Pin Connector.
- Trailer Wiring Harness (4-pin)
- Auxiliary auto transmission oil cooler.
- Hitch Receiver.
- Radiator Upgrade.
- Heavy Duty Flashers.
- Electronic Brake Wiring Kit.
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.
- Trailer Sway Control.
Also Read: What is the difference between Class III and Class IV trailer hitch? Hitch receiver types and sizes are important when you are towing trailers, campers, RVs, or other equipment with your vehicle. Explore the major difference between Class III and Class IV Trailer Hitch (With Comparison). Read more....
Frontal Area Considerations
Frontal Area is the total area in square feet that a moving vehicle and trailer expose to air resistance. Exceeding these limitations may significantly reduce the performance of your towing vehicle. The table below shows the limitations that must be considered in selecting a vehicle/trailer combination.
| Base Vehicle Frontal Area (36 sq. ft.) | Without Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package |
| 60 sq. ft. | With Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package |
Hitch Receiver Weight Capacity
A hitch ball or ball mounting is not included with hitch receivers. To tow the trailer and its cargo load, you must have the correct hitch ball, ball mounting, and other necessary tools. 10% of the total loaded trailer weight should be made up of the tongue load. Verify that the payload of the towing vehicle (which has been decreased by the weight of the options) can support the weight of the trailer tongue load as well as the passengers and additional cargo. Vehicle weights cannot exceed the rear GAWR or GVWR when the tongue load weight, passenger weight, or cargo weight is added. The weight-carrying and weight-distribution characteristics of this hitch receiver are displayed in the chart below.
| Ford Vehicle Model | Weight-Carrying Max. Trailer Capacity (lbs.) | Max. Tongue Load (lbs.) |
| Expedition | 6,000 9,200 | 600 920 |
| Expedition EL | 6,000 8,900 | 600 890 |
2012 Ford Expedition trims
It is available in five different trim levels: 4×2 or 4×4 in the XL, XLT, XLT Premium, Limited, and King Ranch versions. With unique finishes specially selected to reflect the lifestyle and desires are sophisticated. The standard 2012 Expedition, one of two versions available, has three rows of seats and up to 108.3 cubic feet of cargo space. A longer-wheelbase EL version has three rows of seats and a maximum cargo space of 130.8 cubic feet. Based on the weight of the chosen trim series and option content, the towing capacity of the Expedition with the finest options may be decreased. Get more information about the 2012 Ford Expedition’s specs and features below.
2012 Ford Expedition XL towing capacity
Includes all standard features, plus the highlighted features are 18″ machined aluminum wheels, Black roof-rack side rails with crossbars, Chrome grille, Black lower bodyside moldings & bumpers, Dual reflector headlamps, Premium Sound System with a single-CD player, MP3 capability, 6 speakers, Cloth seats, 1st-row bucket seats with 2-way adjustable head restraints and 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar. The towing capacity of the Ford Expedition XL ranges from 6,000 to 9,200 pounds, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2012 Ford Expedition XLT towing capacity
Includes XL features, plus the highlighted features are 18″ machined aluminum wheels, Body-color lower bodyside moldings, wheel-lip moldings & bumpers, Chrome exhaust tip, Reverse Sensing System, Ford SYNC® voice-activated, in-vehicle connectivity system, Power-adjustable pedals, Power rear quarter windows, Steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and Universal garage door opener. The towing capacity of the Ford Expedition XLT ranges from 6,000 to 9,200 pounds, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2012 Ford Expedition XLT Premium towing capacity
The highlighted features are 1st-row bucket seats with a 10-way power driver’s seat, including power lumbar & memory, 6-way power front-passenger seat, Leather-trimmed 1st & 2nd-row seats, PowerFold 3rd-row seat, a 110-volt power outlet, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, Power-adjustable pedals with memory, Premium Sound System with a single-CD player, MP3 capability, 7 speakers (including a subwoofer) with 340 watts, Power liftgate, Rain-sensing windshield wipers, Rear view camera, power heated side view mirrors with blind spot mirrors, security approach lamps, integrated turn signal indicators, and memory. The towing capacity of the Ford Expedition XLT Premium ranges from 6,000 to 9,200 pounds, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2012 Ford Expedition Limited towing capacity
Includes Expedition XLT Premium features, plus the highlighted features are 1st-row, 10-way power, heated & cooled bucket seats, including power lumbar & recline with driver’s memory, Heated 2nd-row seats, Leather trim with perforated inserts on 1st & 2nd-row seats, Complex-Reflector System headlamps with blackout treatment, Forward Sensing System, Body-color lower bodyside moldings, wheel-lip moldings, bumpers, and running boards. The Ford Expedition Limited has a towing capacity ranging from 6,000 to 9,200 pounds depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
2012 Ford Expedition King Ranch towing capacity
Includes Expedition Limited features, plus the highlighted features are 18″ machined aluminum wheels, the King Ranch logo on the front fender & liftgate, Pale Adobe lower bodyside moldings, wheel-lip moldings, & bumpers, Voice-activated Navigation System with a nearly 10-gigabyte hard drive, single-disc Premium Sound System, HD Radio™ Technology, Chrome, power-adjustable/-folding, heated side view mirrors with auto-dimming driver’s side, blind spot mirrors, security approach lamps, integrated turn signal indicators, and memory. The Ford Expedition King Ranch has a towing capacity ranging from 6,000 to 8,900 pounds depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2012 Ford Expedition is an excellent choice for those in need of a capable and reliable towing vehicle designed to handle heavy loads and tow trailers. With its impressive towing capabilities and spacious interior, this SUV is a great choice for families that fulfill all of your towing needs. In addition, it has a number of other features like a spacious interior that make it comfortable and convenient. It also has Trailer Sway Control, which is a feature that helps to prevent trailer sway by applying the brakes on individual wheels and reducing engine power when necessary. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip with a large trailer or need to transport a boat, the 2012 Ford Expedition has got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a 2012 Ford Expedition tow?
For simply seeking a spacious and comfortable vehicle for daily commute the 2012 Ford Expedition has a maximum towing capacity of 9,200 pounds when properly equipped. This impressive towing capacity is due in large part to the vehicle’s powerful engine and strong chassis. The standard 5.4-liter V8 engine generates 310 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and efficient power delivery, making towing heavy loads an easy task. This means that you can tow everything from small boats and trailers to larger RVs and even some commercial equipment.
Aaron Bennett is an accomplished author and a true aficionado when it comes to pickup trucks. With an unwavering passion for all things automotive, Aaron has dedicated his life to exploring the world of pickups and sharing his expertise with others. As the proud owner of several powerful machines, he has spent countless hours behind the wheel, navigating rugged terrains and conquering highways with unrivaled enthusiasm.
