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'02 Explorer Towing Experiences

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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 08:41 AM
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'02 Explorer Towing Experiences

I'd like to hear any feedback on the '02 Explorer towing capabilities. I just bought an '02 XLT this week and will be towing my boat (approx 3000 pounds) in 2 weeks with it. My previous vehicle was an '01 F-150 SuperCrew and you couldn't even tell the boat was behind the truck when driving! I don't expect that kind of "easy" towing with the much smaller Explorer, but would like to hear from anyone who has towed.

As a side note, I was VERY disappointed to find out that my '02 XLT (with Tow Package) did NOT come with the adapter that connects the standard 4 wire connector from my boat trailer to the socket next to the hitch. My '98 Expedition and '01 SuperCrew both came with this $25 adapter.

This is the only thing I have found so far with my '02 XLT that I'm unhappy about.

Thanks,

Mike
http://supercrew.mazworld.com
 
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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 10:42 AM
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'02 Explorer Towing Experiences

U-Haul sells the adapters for $10. I take you do not have any trailer brakes on the boat trailer? Most states require brakes on trailers over about 1500 pounds.
 
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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 10:45 AM
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'02 Explorer Towing Experiences

I have a surge brake on my trailer - non electrical.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2001 | 08:37 PM
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'02 Explorer Towing Experiences

Fill us in on how the towing went. I'm considering a 2002 to replace my 1991 and tow a boat.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2001 | 02:32 PM
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'02 Explorer Towing Experiences

 
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Old Dec 4, 2001 | 06:22 PM
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'02 Explorer Towing Experiences

Can't see any problem towing your boat with an explorer. We have in the past been pulling a 4500lb plus trailer with ours and have moved up to an E-150 5.4ltr -- much better feeling! But 3000lbs. should be a nice solid feeling! Enjoy - it should look good!
 
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Old Dec 5, 2001 | 07:18 AM
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'02 Explorer Towing Experiences

Well, I'm a little late in reporting but I thought the info would be good for others interested in this topic.

My towing experience went very well. I didn't put a lot of miles on while towing, but on the couple of short trips I took, everything went well. I could feel the weight of the boat behind the truck a lot more than I could with my F-150 SuperCrew, but that was expected. Handling was excellent, as was acceleration and braking. An added bonus over my F-150 is that with a shorter wheel base (and much shorter vehicle over all) maneuvering the boat in and out of the garage, especially backing up, was significantly easier. I've only got 2 inches of clearance on each side of the trailer when backing the boat into the garage. I found this excercise easier with my new Explorer than it was with my SuperCrew.

-Mike
http://explorer.mazworld.com (still under construction)
 
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Old Dec 5, 2001 | 07:47 PM
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'02 Explorer Towing Experiences

I have 1994 Explorer 4.0L and tow a 3600 boat for many years. The Explorer pull fine at highway speeds 65 mph. I strongly suggest when you pull you have the vehicle out of over-drive. I also strongly suggest you have trailer brakes as well. I have a surge system on my boat trailer. You will notice a big difference on acceleration with the Explorer compared to your previous F-150. But once at highway speed the vehicle pull just fine.

Good Luck.
 
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