'02 Explorer Towing Experiences
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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
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
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Elk River, MN
'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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'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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'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)
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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'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.
Good Luck.
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