I have a 2007 Sport Trac XLT 4.0. Per the manual 4.0l class II towing 0-3500 and 4.0l class III/IV 0-5240. My has a class II 1 1/4receiver hitch. Im looking to get a camper at about 18 to 22 feet and they vary from 3000 to about 4000 dry weight depending on age and materials. My question is what determined what size hitch you got, was there a tow package, and what do I need to do to pull 5240 rating? It has that built in hitch so is it just a matter of cutting out the 1 1/4 and welding in a 2in and adding a brake controller? Or was the more added like trans cooler and stiffer rear springs? I just paid off truck, its in great shape with only 75k and frankly I love the truck. I have the ability to modification to hitch and can upgrade what I need to. I just need to know what I need to do because that 3500 rating of my current hitch is limiting my search. Thank you in advance.

 

see page 16 ---------- basically add a trans cooler.


http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/...guideApr08.pdf

 

Ok, had to go back to page like 18 or 19 but not much info on that thread to be found. Ok I figure a possible trans cooler but hitch still only rated at 3500 and might need to go over its rating depending on what kind of camper I find.

 

While a trans cooler and a hitch upgrade will help, there are other things to take into consideration, such as tires and springs. 3500lbs is based on those items. Basically, Ford put a smaller receiver on the vehicle to limit your ability to think you can tow more. I replaced my reciever for a 2" version due to the items I use the receiver for...such as a shelf.

 

Well that’s exactly the point I was asking. What would need to be done? Do you have any info or pictures of your swap you did? I always thought accessories where better with 2” plus I did buy this adjustable hitch when I had a Expedition that well I couldnt use just because receiver size.

 

I had my local Uahaul shop do the upgrade...it was a simple bolt in swap. I don't have photos of it, but it looks factory. Honestly, the vehicle isn't stout enough to go much over the rated numbers. It's not a full sized truck frame or rear axle...it's a Ranger underneath. I suppose you could upgrade the axle, springs, and a few other things on the suspension, but you'd still be limited by the rest of the driveline.

Bear in mind that they always underrate the true capacity. I forget the percentage underrated, but I believe it to be something like 30% or so.

Swap out the receiver for the 2" hole, but don't overdo it when towing anything. If you have an Expedition, then that's what you need to tow with. Thats what I use my full sized trucks for.

 

I sold the Expedition back in 2006. If I could just swap out the hitch I would do that but it is a welded crossmember of the truck from the factory. . 2007 and up it was structure membervof the vehicle where as 2005 and under it was similar bolt in.

 

Just be aware, adding the components which from the factory increased your tow capability, does *NOT* mean you can "legally" tow more than the door sticker states.
The door sticker *IS* the tow limit - no matter what you add to improve your Sport trac. Not that it will likely matter, but "should" you get in to an accident while towing it's possible you could be considered over your legal tow limit.

 

V6 STs that came with Class 2 hitch would need the Class 3 2" square and trans cooler upgrade
V8 STs that came with Class 2 hitch would only need the Class 3 2" square, since they came factory with the trans cooler regardless of hitch package

One advantage of the V6 over the V8 is that it came with 3.73 axle ratio vs 3.55 ratio on the V8, but the 6-speeds more than make up for it

 

do they make a plug and play 7 pin wiring harness for a 91 explorer??