I'm interested in opinions about towing my racing car with an Explorer. The car is just under 2100lbs and only about 12ft long - I'm guessing that an appropriate trailer without a solid deck should be under 1500lbs so I'm looking at towing 3500lbs, mostly less than 150 miles each way once a month or so. I've got a 93 Explorer XLT but with 215K on it, it's getting tired and I'm looking to replace it with a newer '96 to '99 Explorer. I haven't used it for towing.
1) I'm assuming that the V8 is the way to go but will the OHV V6 handle towing that much weight?
2) Any advantage to 2WD vs. 4WD when towing? - no boat so I'm not worried about getting up a ramp
3) Should I look for a factory tow package as opposed to something aftermarket?
4) I like the Expedition but it's bigger than I need and I don't like the fuel economy.
Thanks,

 

1) No idea myself, but check Ford's tow limits for that model/engine/gears

2) No, there is no advantage to a 4x4 unless you tow in snow or muck. Usually the advantage is the other way around... 4x2's are usually rated for more weight due to the lighter weight of the vehicle.

3) Factory is best, but don't let the lack of a factory package break a deal.

4) Yes. (?)

 

Towing with an Explorer is not a problem with horsepower, rather it makes a poor tow vehicle because of the short wheelbase and P-rated tires.

 

Those Ford trannies were bad. You'll fry it very soon. At least, add an additional cooler. Make sure the gears are suitable for towing, like 3.73 or lower. Buy a used F150. More fun to drive than an Explorer.

 

1) I'm assuming that the V8 is the way to go but will the OHV V6 handle towing that much weight?

Yes, it has the torque to get going and HP to do hills at 55 with what you plan.

2) Any advantage to 2WD vs. 4WD when towing? - no boat so I'm not worried about getting up a ramp

Always an advantage, especially if you are on wet grass and want to get going or have to start up a sand/snow/rain/oil covered slippery incline. This is where automatic hubs are nice.

3) Should I look for a factory tow package as opposed to something aftermarket?

Always nicer, but, no major difference. On some vehicles like Aerostars it meant it came with extra relays and such, I do not think that is the case with the Explorer.

4) I like the Expedition but it's bigger than I need and I don't like the fuel economy.

Then go with the Explorer, they are nice vehicles, they are just not ideal tow vehicles because they are narrow and have a short wheel base. If you are only using it to tow 3500 pounds for short 150 mile trips I would go with what you currently have.

Add a bigger transmission cooler, with a fan. Your A4LD is the weakest point in your towing set up. Though your year you could get a manual, I just assume you do not have one.

Get a frame receiver and do not bumper pull.

Try buying the same size tire in a LT rating with a temp A rating. If you have to stick to P metric, try a Michelin, though I would encourage you to get a LT tire.

I am not an Explorer expert, but, I think if you get a 1995 V-8 AWD (pre OBD II and TTB) it might be the ultimate tow vehicle for you. I think the AWD only came with the V-8.

 

Hi Oilleak: I used to have a 97 explorer 5.0l v8. I ws towing a boat that was about 3500 lbs. The power was fine but the tires were junk, Goodyear Wranglers, built to Ford specs. The side walls were so soft that it was dangerous to tow anything. Even when the tires were inflated to the max the rig still swayed. I solved the problem by installing a set of Michelin's that had stiff side walls. The Explorer was OK. after that. Find a set of tires that have the stiffest sidewalls (most # of plies) and you will have a good tow vehicle.

 

Thanks for the advice guys - keep it comming!
For clarification, what is an LT rating? I've only ever paid attention to high performance and race tire info so I'm way undereducated regarding Truck Tires.
Thanks,

 

I have to disagree with one point made above. 2wd is better than 4wd when towing. The tow vehicle is lower to the ground and therefore more stable. They also tend to get better mileage.

 

LT = Light Truck, the tires have stiffer and thicker sidewalls and many times have at least one extra ply for the sidewalls. They usually come with a much higher load rating too.