Hey guys I was wondering what all consists of a towing package when they come from the factory? I put in a class three reciever and a wiring harness for the lights, is that it or is there more. I have a 1996 explorer, five speed manual, 4.0l v6, with a 3.73 rear axle ratio. Do any of you know what the towing capacity is for this, I just don't want to break anything. My boat weighs 1800lbs. Thanks for all your help. The ford company gave me some numbers that arn't matching up. Oh yeah it is a 4 wheel drive. Sorry. Thanks for all your help.. Also what can I do to increase the capacity?

 

With that boat you will be fine, just dont drive over your ability and you'll be fine.

Chris

 

Thanks for the help. I am just baffled cause ford said that my gcwr is 7000 lbs and to me that is sort of weird cause I am currently lookin at a trailer towwing guide from ford with all the numbers for the new vehicles and it says that with my setup it should be 10,000 lbs so I don't know. O.k. to me from my little knowledge about vehicles, I would think that the first thing to give would be the clutch would start to slip. O.k. here is the real question I amm within about 40lbs of the max that the vehicle can handle. All I am worried about is the stopping power, will it hurt the tranny, and will it hurt the engine. O.k. I am done sorry for the long message. Thanks

 

Look in your Owner's manual. If your '96 manual is anything like my '97 manual, you will find that your maximum towing capacity is 2600 lbs. The rating is so low because of your manual transmission. An identical Explorer with an automatic is rated to tow 5600 lbs. In '97, a 4-door, 4x4, 4.0L Explorer with a 5-speed manual transmission and 3.73 axle has a GCWR of 7000 lbs. and a maximum towing capacity of 2600 lbs. You should be fine towing your 1800 lb. boat and unless you are hauling a lot of extra cargo you shouldn't be too close to the 7000 lb. GCWR. Your Explorer should weigh about 4400 lbs. Ad the 1800 lbs. from your boat and you should still be 800 lbs. under your GCWR before taking into account your extra cargo. Brakes won't be a problem since you have the same brakes as the automatic equipped Explorer that is rated to tow 5600 lbs. The only thing reducing yours is your transmission.

 

Thanks guys for all your help. I guess i'll try and see what happens