I have a 2002 explorer 2wd with a 4.0v-6 and the towing package.....Do you think i could safely tow approx 5500-6000 lbs?

 

No. Chances are the trailer you are towing is too long for an Explorer and you will have a problem keeping that much weight under control with an Explorer. Regardless of Ford's max towing limit, that is more than most people would attempt with an Explorer. Most serious RV people recommend a 3/4 ton truck for anything over 5K, and the Explorer is not even in the 1/2 ton class.

 

I agree, that would be A LOT of weight for your Explorer, don't know what your GVWR is, but I would fall off my chair if it were anywhere near that. 6k with an Explorer, you would be straining the whole powertrain. Plus, with that shortwheelbase I imagine you will be all over the road...

 

Look at your owners manual. I think 5000 is the absolute maximum. 4000 would be closer to a sane limit, except for short local tows.

Jim

 

I had a '96 Explorer 5.0L V8 and towed a 24ft 4500# TT for a few months. The tail wagged the dog! Being passed on the interstate meant a white-knuckled ride. The power was fine with the V8 but too short of a wheelbase made for miserable trips. After a close call, I traded for a F150 4.6L V8 and never looked back. MAYBE if I had bought a Hensley hitch I would have been OK, but I still felt better with the 150. Now I tow a 30ft 7100# TT with a F25 V10. Personally, I wouldn't try to tow 5500#+ with the V8 Explorer and certainly not the V6.

Jim

 

I have a '94 explorer and can't pull a 6x10 utility trailer with 2 motorcycles on it without the check engine light coming on. It has done it 2 times. The first time I only had one bike on it. According to the manual it is rated for 5280 lbs and you have to subtract the weight of the truck 4150 lbs and its contents (passengers). That does not leave much weight to tow. Love the truck but it sucks at towing!

 

First, the new 4.0 SOHC motors, are good for towing, but not for that much weight. They are A LOT better than the older 4.0 engines. I tow a trailer with my 97 Explorer with the SOHC motor. The trailer weighs about 3300 lbs with water, propane, etc. I can pull up most hills fairly easily, but in the mountains where I live, its a little harder. 4000 lbs is the most I recommend pulling with your Explorer.

 

I am only towing about 2000 lbs. Small trailer and two bikes. Does this mean I have a problem with my trans? It pulls good, but the trans overheats. This happens on flat land driving to the beach.

Joe

 

 

Yes. 3500 lbs is ok on the factory bumper if in good condition. You might still have the factory wiring accessory if you're lucky. They were included.

 

According to the official Ford towing guide, a 2002 Explorer with factory tow package (option 53G, comes with 2 inch receiver) is rated for up to 7,300 pounds with a WD hitch or up to 5,000 pounds without WD. If you only have the class II hitch then you can only go to 3,500 pounds.

Trailer frontal area should not exceed 60 square feet with the 53G package or base vehicle frontal area if you have the class II hitch.

Remember the 2002 model was a SUV body sitting on a slightly modified and lowered Ranger frame, and could perform some real truck tasks unlike the little CUV Explorers we have today.

 

There is a world of difference between a 94 or 96 and a 2002, the whole body sits lower, the track is wider, and the whole thing is heavier.