I have a 97 X with the 4.0 and no towing pkg. How hard is it to hook up a controller? I understand that x's having a towing package have a place already for the controller. Though I dont have a towing package do I still have a place to hook up the brake control? Another question. If I use a weight dis. hitch do I still need to upgrade the rear shocks? I'll be pulling a 21' TT.

 

My '99 came with the tow pack, but it didn't have a place for the brake controller. I had to install mine myself. It was very easy. The directions that came with the controller were very good. As for upgrading your shocks, it would be a good idea or install a set of Helwig "helpers".

 

I had a contoller put in my 99 and it was pretty simple. Of course I had to pull it out and put it in my new 2003 expedition because the 22 ft TT was to much for the explorer. Not sure how much your 21 ft TT weights my 22ft is 2900 lbs dry and as long as I was going down hill it was no problem but up hill forget it.

 

How do I know if I have the towing package in my 97 ford explorer limited? I just bought a brake controller and am trying to figure out which connection I need to purchase.

Thanks

 

Explorers are not rated to tow that much weight i think its 5,000lbs, but i dont think they would even tow that even with the v-8 they are a small chaises vehical which are not made to tow trailers, you should not be putting a brake controller in and be towing that big of a trailer with the explorer, first thing is the truck will be all over the road when cars pass or in wind...and you will probally only be able to do like 40 if your luckey and of course it will have no power, if you plan on towing a 21ft trailer you should have a F250 or 350 with the diesel engine, no explorer....And in my state CT you need a CDL to tow a 21ft trailer, the biggest trailer you can have with a regular drivers lisence is a 20ft, i would defently not reconmend towing the trailer with the X, or waisting your time and money putting a brake contoller in b/c you should not be towing that much weigh with it.....Let me give you an example of the amount of weight is on a 20ft trailer, my buddy has a landscapping business he has a 20 ft, and puts 1 commercial rider and 2 walk behinde lawn mowers on his trailer also edgers weed wackers and leef blower, he has a 2500 ram with the cummens diesel, his father has the 1500 with the v-8, and the 1500 cant tow the trailer