Explorer Towing
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Springfield VA
Explorer Towing
I am thinking of purchasing an Explorer, but am concerned about towing capacity. We have 5 in the family which total about 600 lbs of bodies and the boat with gear is probably 2000 lbs. I want to be safe and will tow frequently since this is a family fishing/ski boat which will go long distances (2hours plus). Can a 97 or better Explorer handle this??
thanks
joe
thanks
joe
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Joined: Apr 2002
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yes Joe, I would suggest going with the bigger engine or the 5.0 for a V8. BTW Joe as an FYI transporting bodies is probably illegal 
Assuming 4x4:
for a 98 you need a weight distribution hitch if what you are towing is 2000 lbs or more(trailer and boat)
my 5.0 V8 is rated for 4990LBS- you wont ever see my try that though but 3500 isnt a big deal
The 4.0 OHV is 3402 or 3856, depending on the axle ratios
The 4.0 SOHC is 4082 lbs
Assuming 4x4:
for a 98 you need a weight distribution hitch if what you are towing is 2000 lbs or more(trailer and boat)
my 5.0 V8 is rated for 4990LBS- you wont ever see my try that though but 3500 isnt a big deal
The 4.0 OHV is 3402 or 3856, depending on the axle ratios
The 4.0 SOHC is 4082 lbs
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 82
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From: NJ
Not sure what it all weighs, but I tow a 6X14ft landscape trailer loaded with two motorcycles and two ATV's. I have a 93 for the 4.0 engine. It seems to tow just fine. It does suck down the gas when I am towing. I don't think it goes into overdrive when towing since the RPM,s stay up around 3000 at 65 MPH. Normally its down around 2100 at 65 MPH.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Sounds around 3000 lbs?? Im not sure about the 93's but the newer models allow you shut off O/D with a push of a button. I thought you could shift into D or O/D? Oh well, gas milage will suck when towing anything
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 16
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From: Springfield VA
Originally posted by nhfire 77
yes Joe, I would suggest going with the bigger engine or the 5.0 for a V8. BTW Joe as an FYI transporting bodies is probably illegal
Assuming 4x4:
for a 98 you need a weight distribution hitch if what you are towing is 2000 lbs or more(trailer and boat)
my 5.0 V8 is rated for 4990LBS- you wont ever see my try that though but 3500 isnt a big deal
The 4.0 OHV is 3402 or 3856, depending on the axle ratios
The 4.0 SOHC is 4082 lbs
yes Joe, I would suggest going with the bigger engine or the 5.0 for a V8. BTW Joe as an FYI transporting bodies is probably illegal
Assuming 4x4:
for a 98 you need a weight distribution hitch if what you are towing is 2000 lbs or more(trailer and boat)
my 5.0 V8 is rated for 4990LBS- you wont ever see my try that though but 3500 isnt a big deal
The 4.0 OHV is 3402 or 3856, depending on the axle ratios
The 4.0 SOHC is 4082 lbs
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 230
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From: IL
3,000 is nothing. My '99 XLT SOHC (4wd with 3.73 gears and 32" tires) is rated for 5,680. I pull a 14' double axle trailer with my Bronco II (4,690lbs as weighed at a weigh station) on it with no problems at all. On flat land I can cruse 60mph with the OD on and once I hit the hills, I can maintain 60 with the OD off.
With a 5 person family though you are going to want a little more room than a Explorer has. We have five in our family and it gets cramped. With that many people, a Expedition would be your best bet.
With a 5 person family though you are going to want a little more room than a Explorer has. We have five in our family and it gets cramped. With that many people, a Expedition would be your best bet.
