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Old 04-07-2014, 06:19 PM   #1
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Towing Problem

I recently purchased a 2006 Rockwood Roo 21ss. I am having towing issues I think due to air drag. My tow vehicle is a 2006 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 with the 5.4 V-8. I thought that my truck would walk away with this relatively light trailer, but it struggled to get to 65 mph on relatively flat ground.
Any suggestions or similar issues? I have pulled heavier trailers in the past with a Chevy Suburban with a 350. Never experienced this before.
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Old 04-07-2014, 06:45 PM   #2
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have you towed this trailer with any other vehicles? That truck shouldn't have a problem with that size trailer. Check to see if any brakes dragging on trailer. Is all your maintenance up to date on truck, fuel filter, etc.
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Old 04-07-2014, 06:50 PM   #3
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A Roo should be no problem for a 5.4l. You may have issues with the vehicle such as a partially clogged catalytic converter or low fuel pressure. Keep us posted...
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Old 04-07-2014, 07:34 PM   #4
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with only the 5.4 engine for info, you don't state what the rear end ratio is, nor if it has the factory HD tow package.
it may have a high mpg rear end ratio, that's lousy for towing.

the 21SS is on the heavy side for hybrids, due to the big superslide.
are you using a good WDH with sway control?
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Old 04-07-2014, 07:37 PM   #5
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Pulled a 2011 Roo 23SS with a 04' Expedition Sport 5.4L for almost 6,500 miles... never a problem maintaining 65mph... Bad mass air sensor maybe?
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Old 04-07-2014, 07:41 PM   #6
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the lowest towing capacity for a 5.4 4x4 is 6000 lbs so no way that trailer is anywhere near its limit
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Old 04-07-2014, 07:53 PM   #7
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Thanks everyone. Yes,the truck does have the HD towing package. I don't know what the rear end ratio is. Just bought it! It's not showing any codes. I guess I better take it to a mechanic to have it looked at?
I have a Fastway E2 Roundbar 6000lb hitch. Trailer wt is approx 3800 lbs empty.
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Old 04-08-2014, 04:40 AM   #8
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I sometimes wonder what people expect from towing a camper. My 21BH, although lighter, has the same frontal area as your trailer. I maintain 60 with my 2.8l, which IMHO, is a good towing speed.

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Old 04-08-2014, 06:17 AM   #9
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Exhaust
Intake
Poor Tune-up,
Bad gas
Rear end gear
Transmission issue
Trailer dragging brakes
Low inflated Tires

Way too many possibilites...Mechanic good idea...Has the vehicle ever pulled loads in the past without issues?
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Old 04-08-2014, 05:00 PM   #10
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Towing Problem

Well, I jacked up the Roo, and all fuor wheels spin freely. I was hoping that the camper was the problem. Now I'll have to dig into the Expedition!

ChoochooMan74, I appreciate your comment, but I am not a novice to towing. That's why I'm stumped by this problem. Good to see ya spending lots of family time!

BTW, I checked with a Ford dealer to see what having new plugs installed would cost. $600 plus $35 each if the plug breaks! The rest of the replacements I think I can do myself, but now I'm apprehensive about tackling the spark plug replacement!

Thanks to all for your help!
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Old 04-08-2014, 05:03 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain110 View Post
Well, I jacked up the Roo, and all fuor wheels spin freely. I was hoping that the camper was the problem. Now I'll have to dig into the Expedition!

ChoochooMan74, I appreciate your comment, but I am not a novice to towing. That's why I'm stumped by this problem. Good to see ya spending lots of family time!

BTW, I checked with a Ford dealer to see what having new plugs installed would cost. $600 plus $35 each if the plug breaks! The rest of the replacements I think I can do myself, but now I'm apprehensive about tackling the spark plug replacement!

Thanks to all for your help!
Let them do it, trust me. I tried replacing my plugs (2004 F150) at about 75K miles, and broke the first two in half. Known issue w/ the Ford's (they rust into place basically), they have a tool to deal with it.

EDIT: they did mine for around $200, but I had already bought the plugs. $600 sounds like WAY too much.
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Old 04-08-2014, 05:44 PM   #12
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If it was plugs you would feel the miss and it would shake the whole vehicle and throw a light. I'd check for air restriction like a clogged air filter or the clogged cat or muffler. Both conditions will cause power issues but never throw a check engine light. Air cleaner and the box it mounts in is easy enough to look for mice nests or just a dirty filter. The exhaust I usually disconnect before the cat and road test (yes it's loud). Or you can drill two 1/8" holes, one before/one aft the cat, and do a back pressure check with a gauge. There should not be a huge difference in your readings.
All this might be overwhelming for many, so you may want to take it to a reputable mechanic. I'd hold off on dropping 600 bucks on plugs.
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Old 04-08-2014, 05:53 PM   #13
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The plugs will definitely let you know via misfires and a CEL when they need attention. I would start with an air and fuel filter, then fuel pressure checked and exhaust restriction.
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Old 04-12-2014, 10:54 PM   #14
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Our 2010 F-150 5.4 used to pull a 28 foot Bullet and we downsized to a 24 foot Wild Cat. (empty weight on the Wild Cat is 6,000 just a bit over the Bullet. The 5.4 seems to take care of this just fine.

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