Can I Tow 6000#
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Can I Tow 6000#
I have a 2000 Explorer XLT with V8 and towing package. I am considering purchasing a 4500# travel trailer with a 6000# max GVW. With an equalizer hitch, can I tow this up/down hills at freeway speeds? Any Explorer owners out there with experience?
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
With just the loaded trailer, you're gonna be real close to the max towing limit. If you have 4 people and gear in the Explorer, you're gonna be over the limit. Deadweight on the hitch could be as high as 900#, so an equalizer hitch is a must.
I tow a 2980# boat/trailer rig with my '04 Explorer (V8 with tow package), plus 4 people and gear. It does pretty well on hills, but I wouldn't want to add another ton-and-a-half to her tail. Plus, a TT has a lot more frontal area than a boat.
Steve
I tow a 2980# boat/trailer rig with my '04 Explorer (V8 with tow package), plus 4 people and gear. It does pretty well on hills, but I wouldn't want to add another ton-and-a-half to her tail. Plus, a TT has a lot more frontal area than a boat.
Steve
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Fort Smith
It will do it, but you will put a pretty good strain on the drivetrain. Loaded out with the trailer and people, you will right at the limit. Two things besides the equalizer hitch - get trailer brakes and get some type of adjustable shocks or airbags for the rear. Those two things are pretty much a must. You might be able to pull it, but without trailer brakes, you won't stop it. I would suggest getting something like the Gabriel adjustable air shocks for the rear. It will help the IRS even more by helping againt the rear sag.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Fort Smith
Originally Posted by Steina
CobraXP -
Keith has a 2000 Explorer - IRS wasn't added until the 2002 model year.
Steve
Keith has a 2000 Explorer - IRS wasn't added until the 2002 model year.
Steve
Don't know why I thought he had the 2002+.... I need to wake up and start reading before typing....
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
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Logistics Pro
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Goldsboro, NC
Suggest a transmission cooler, weight distributuin hitch with some after-market reinforcement bars from a hitch shop, and a mechanism to lift the rear (air shocks and air bags) as the weight will likely lower the back quite far. Even a heavy-duty transmission shift kit would help your transmission and drive train. Have you considered safety issues with the family in the vehicle also?