Towing with Explorer
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: South Jersey
Towing with Explorer
I have an 05 Explorer with the 4.6 v8 and 3:73 gears and towing package and the vehicle according to the owners manual is rated for 7000lbs towing. My question is how accurate do you think this rating really is and do you think the vehicle could handle a 5000lb boat trailor, would only get towed twice a year, down to the shore then back in the fall 60 miles. Thanks in advance.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: South Dakota
I just purchased a 02' Explorer with a similar setup but a 4.0L instead.
I normally tow my ~3500 lb with my F-150, but I'm thinking that my Explorer would work in a pinch.
Personally I think that you'll be okay as long as you take it easy and have the proper brake system.
I normally tow my ~3500 lb with my F-150, but I'm thinking that my Explorer would work in a pinch.
Personally I think that you'll be okay as long as you take it easy and have the proper brake system.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 606
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From: Deep East Texas
Honestly you should be OK. The motor and the tranny both should be able to handle it well. May not want to use your cruise control. Have you thought about purchasing an aftermarket Tranny Temp Guage, or even a cooler? May help to know if you're getting a little hot. I believe they even make small radiator like device to help cool the tranny.
All in all you should be OK. If not just let me know where your boat is and I'll take it off your hands.
All in all you should be OK. If not just let me know where your boat is and I'll take it off your hands.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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I have a 03 explorer with a 4.0L... I haven't towed anything with it, but even the 4.0L can do 5400 pounds. 5000 shouldn't be a problem, especally with the 4.6L, but do get the tranny cooler and aftermarket temp gauge. Also watch those crosswinds and tire pressures! But otherwise, you'll be fine
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
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Your vehicle will handle the boat and trailer easily just as it is from the factory. Don't waste the time, or money to get an aftermarket cooler (yours is large enough), or temp gage. Weight is low, and frontal area of a boat is low as well, especially for 60 mile trips.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
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From: Denton,TX
For that short of a distance you should be OK, but I wouldn't recommend long distances with the Explorer. The short wheelbase makes it a terrible tow vehicle regardless of engine and axle ratio. I also think the 7000 lb tow rating is a dream.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
In February 2002, Trailer Boats magazine picked the Gen III Explorer as Tow Vehicle of the Year over the GMC Envoy and Dodge Durango with a towed load of 5580#; apparently it isn't a "terrible" tow vehicle when you're talking about mid-size SUV's.
Steve
Steve
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From: South Jersey
Thanks for all the replies I really appreciate them. The only thing that I may change is the factory shocks, get something a little heavier duty without sacrificing the ride quality. As far as the vehicle goes I don't think I will have any problems with the 4.6 and 3:73 rear. I just sold a 98 F150 with the 5.4 I do miss the bottom end tork though. But the explorer is nice. Thanks.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Denton,TX
Originally Posted by Steina
In February 2002, Trailer Boats magazine picked the Gen III Explorer as Tow Vehicle of the Year over the GMC Envoy and Dodge Durango with a towed load of 5580#; apparently it isn't a "terrible" tow vehicle when you're talking about mid-size SUV's.
Steve
Steve
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
You could probably do 7K with a Gen III Explorer if you had a midget driving, lost the spare, had 1/8 tank of gas, and put helium in the tires! 
My boat/trailer rig weighs 2980# and I usually have 4 people and gear onboard for our runs to Laughlin, NV and Lake Havasu, AZ (both a little over 400 miles round trip). My '04 with the V8 and towing package does real well, even on hills in the middle of summer, but I sure wouldn't wanna try it with more weight.
Steve
My boat/trailer rig weighs 2980# and I usually have 4 people and gear onboard for our runs to Laughlin, NV and Lake Havasu, AZ (both a little over 400 miles round trip). My '04 with the V8 and towing package does real well, even on hills in the middle of summer, but I sure wouldn't wanna try it with more weight.
Steve
Last edited by Steina; Dec 14, 2004 at 09:15 PM.
