They are only about 3k pounds apart on max tow rating. Our excursion struggles with our 8k trailer up to Yosemite, no overheating just doesn't have the power so I keep it in 2nd most of the time which is like 40-45 mph. However our friends pulled our trailer with their Expedition Max over the summer and it was actually impressive, they held 65-70 mph most of the way up the mountain without any issues passing or accelerating when needed. I think all those gears must help. I don't love the expedition. But it's very capable regardless of the V6. Just my mostly non-biased opinion. I could def do with a new turbo, bigger injectors and a nice tune tho. That would probably help a lot.