explorer towing capacity

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Apr 24, 2004 | 05:38 PM

schalfmile

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explorer towing capacity

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?

Apr 24, 2004 | 06:00 PM

johnsdiesel

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From: Denton,TX

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.

Apr 24, 2004 | 08:22 PM

dougandrochelle

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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...

Apr 26, 2004 | 11:03 AM

jimandmandy

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From: Running Springs CA

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

Apr 26, 2004 | 08:02 PM

penguin149

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From: Monroeville, AL

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

May 19, 2004 | 11:43 AM

jddaero

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From: Greensboro, NC

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!

May 19, 2004 | 03:03 PM

Jbsqared

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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.

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Aug 17, 2018 | 04:05 PM

jgarner93

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1997 Ford Explorer towing capacity

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer 6L V8 4 Door Rear Wheel Drive. I need to move a few pieces of furniture in Either a 6 x 12 or a 5 x 8 trailer. Is this doable with this vehicle?

Aug 18, 2018 | 09:41 AM

#10

85e150

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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.

Aug 21, 2018 | 11:41 AM

#11

p38fln

Mountain Pass

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From: Northern MN

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.