A closer look at the 2013 Ford Expedition towing capacity. Best Heavy-Duty SUV.

2013 Ford Expedition towing capacity chart.

The 2013 Ford Expedition and Expedition EL is a full-size SUV that is known for its spacious interior, powerful engine, and impressive towing capacity. The rear load-leveling suspension utilizes a mechanical setup to optimize the vehicle’s ride height in response to changing load conditions. And for increased confidence while towing, the integrated trailer brake controller balances the performance of the vehicle brakes and your electric trailer brakes. In this article, we will take a closer look at the towing capacity of the 2013 Ford Expedition and discuss some of the features that make it an excellent choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle heavy loads.

2013 Ford Expedition trims2013 Ford Expedition towing capacity
Ford Expedition XLT6,000 – 9,200 lbs.
Ford Expedition XLT Premium6,000 – 9,200 lbs.
Ford Expedition Limited6,000 – 9,200 lbs.
Ford Expedition King Ranch6,000 – 8,900 lbs.
The above-shown numbers are subject to change and are for reference purposes only. Do not exceed the trailer weight for your vehicle configuration listed in the chart above. Maximum weights shown are for properly equipped vehicles with the required equipment and a driver. The weight of additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo must be deducted from this weight.
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.
2013 Ford Expedition towing capacity

2013 Ford Expedition Engine Specs

The 5.4L V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission under the hood of the 2013 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. For maximized traction, the convenient 4×4 AUTO mode on our Control Trac® 4-wheel drive senses when the vehicle is on a loose or slippery surface and automatically transfers power to the appropriate wheels.

Engine5.4L 3-Valve V8 FFV
Horsepower310 hp @ 5,100 rpm
Torque365 lb.-ft. @ 3,600 rpm

2013 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. In addition to its impressive towing capacity, the 2013 Ford Expedition also comes with a range of other features including:

  1. Four-Wheel Drive: The available four-wheel drive, provides improved traction and stability when towing heavy loads. This feature is especially useful for those who tow in slippery or off-road conditions.
  2. Trailer Sway Control: The trailer sway control system helps to keep trailers stable and under control when towing. This system applies the brakes selectively to individual wheels to help counteract trailer sway.
  3. Hill Start Assist: When towing heavy loads uphill, the hill start assist system helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when you release the brake pedal. This feature is especially useful when towing on steep inclines.
  4. Reverse Sensing System: The reverse sensing system helps to alert drivers to obstacles that may be behind the vehicle when backing up. This feature can be especially useful when towing large trailers or boats.
  5. Rearview Camera: The rearview camera provides a clear view of what is behind the vehicle when backing up. This feature is especially useful when hitching up a trailer or backing up to a loading dock.
2013 Ford Expedition towing capacity

2013 Ford Expedition towing capacity without tow package

The 2013 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 2013 Expedition lineup.

Vehicle TypeDrive TypeAxle RatioGross Combined Weight Ratio (lbs.)Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Expedition4×23.3111,8006,000
Expedition4×43.3112,1006,000
Expedition4×23.7311,8006,000
Expedition4×43.7312,1006,000
Expedition EL4×23.7312,1006,000
Expedition EL4×43.7312,3006,000
NoteIf you do not know the axle ratio of your vehicle, check its Truck Safety Compliance Certification Label (located on the left front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar).
2013 Ford Expedition towing capacity

2013 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 TypeDrive TypeAxle RatioGross Combined Weight Ratio (lbs.)Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.)
Expedition4×23.3115,0009,200
Expedition4×43.3115,0009,000
Expedition4×23.7315,0009,200
Expedition4×43.7315,0009,000
Expedition EL4×23.7315,0008,900
Expedition EL4×43.7315,0008,700
Requires available Class IV Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. Maximum loaded trailer weight requires a weight-distributing hitchMax. towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and the number of passengers.
2013 Ford Expedition towing capacity

2013 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 ModelWeight-Carrying Max.
Trailer Capacity (lbs.)
Max. Tongue
Load (lbs.)
Expedition6,000
9,200
600
920
Expedition EL6,000
8,900
600
890
2013 Ford Expedition towing capacity

2013 Ford Expedition trims

It is available in four different trim levels: 4×2 or 4×4 in the XLT, XLT Premium, Limited, and King Ranch versions. With unique finishes specially selected to reflect the lifestyle and desires are sophisticated. The standard 2013 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 2013 Ford Expedition’s specs and features below.

2013 Ford Expedition XLT towing capacity

The highlighted features are 18″ machined aluminum wheels, 1st-row Bucket seats with 2-way adjustable head restraints & 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar, 3rd-row 60/40 split-fold-flat-to-floor bench seat, Cloth seats, Premium Sound System with a single-CD player, AppLink, smart-charging USB port, MP3 capability, 6 speakers, Power-adjustable pedals, dual-reflector headlamps, heated side view with integrated blind spot mirrors, and security approach lamps. The towing capacity of the Ford Expedition XLT ranges from 6,000 to 9,200 pounds, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.

2013 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.

2013 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.

2013 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.

2013-ford-expedition-towing-capacity-with-heavy-duty-trailer-tow-package-thecartowing.com
2013 Ford Expedition towing capacity
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2023 Ford Expedition towing capacity.
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2018 Ford Expedition towing capacity.
2017 Ford Expedition towing capacity.
2016 Ford Expedition towing capacity.
2015 Ford Expedition towing capacity.
2014 Ford Expedition towing capacity.

Conclusion

The 2013 Ford Expedition full-size SUV is powerful and designed to handle heavy loads and tow trailers. With its impressive towing capabilities and spacious interior, the 2013 Ford Expedition is a great choice for families who need to haul large trailers or small boats easily. In addition, the 2013 Ford Expedition has a number of other features like a spacious interior that make it comfortable and convenient for those who need to tow frequently. 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.

Overall, the 2013 Ford Expedition is an excellent choice for those who need a powerful and versatile SUV with impressive towing capacity. With its powerful engine and advanced towing features, it’s a vehicle that can handle just about anything. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip with a large trailer or need to transport a boat, the 2013 Ford Expedition has got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can a 2013 Ford Expedition tow?

The 2013 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 Expedition’s powerful engine and strong chassis. The standard 5.4-liter V8 engine produces 310 horsepower 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.

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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.

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