Hello fellow Ford owners. I am new to this list. I want to use my 1997 Ford Explorer to tow a 4 x 8 U-Haul trailer full of furniture from Denver CO to Peoria IL (about 1000 miles). The Explorer is a 4 door 4WD 4.0L (6 cylinder). It has 107 K and has just been serviced. I am having a terrible time locating my Safety Compliance Certification label, which is supposed to tell me my towing capacity. There is a label on my door frame with some codes; that's it. Also, my owner's manual says I have a GCWR of 6500 lb if I have a rear axle ratio of 3.55, and 7000 lb if the axle ratio is 3.73. How does one find out the rear axle ratio? I am guessing that this little trailer, which has a maximum loaded weight of 2700 lbs,will be well within the capacity of the Explorer??? Also, for this load, a ball on the 3500 lb bumper, or a Class II tow package??? I have never done this before, and don't want to get stuck in the middle of Iowa ! Any tips/pointers would be appreciated

 

This link shows how to decode the sticker codes, but the owner's manual should say how to read your axle & engine codes. All the ones I have show it.

You have nothing to worry about, though. 3Kip is not going to be a problem for the truck or a ball on the bumper, but U-Haul will be able to help you confirm it. Just stop by & talk to them ahead of time. They might try to sell you a receiver, but make them tell you if the bumper is rated for it. If they'll rent you the trailer WITHOUT you having a receiver, it's an admission that the bumper is OK.

 

Thank you, Steve 83.

Kbar1000