Towing Question
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 320
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From: South Jersey
Towing Question
This might be kind of a stupid question, but I'm really not sure or the answer. If you have a v8 4.6 explorer with 3:73 gears and you use a weight distribution hitch would this be as good as a setup if you were to have an F150 with a 4.6 with a standard class III hitch to tow 5000lbs of boat. The explorer with the dist. hitch is rated up to 7140lbs and i believe the 150 is rated up to 7200lbs, also the kind of towing is only one time down 50 miles at the beginning of the season and 1 time back at the end. Oppions greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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I've towed with both and you are in good shape with either set up. I would go with the F150 if I had a choice between the two, but for 50 miles one way twice a year, the Explorer with the dist hitch is more than capable. Just take it easy and make sure your trailer brakes are working correctly.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 200
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From: NW OHIO
I'd say with that short a trip, twice a year, you should be okay. Myself, I would prefer the F-150. But if you already own the Explorer.............Like mcope said, make sure you have good trailer brakes and take your time. 
Chris
Chris
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
> would this be as good as a setup if you were to have an F150 ....
> explorer with the dist. hitch is rated up to 7140lbs
> and i believe the 150 is rated up to 7200lbs.
The Explorer has a narrower track and shorter WB then a F-150. If I had to tow 7k (2k trailer and 5k boat) there is no way I would do it with an Explorer if I could avoid it. You are talking about 2x the weight of the Explorer itself. For only 50 miles I would most likely just rent a U-Haul DRW van to move the boat and do it safely.
Or buy an old beat up Ford F-250 with a 390 in it for $1500 for the short trip that will easily handle it.
> explorer with the dist. hitch is rated up to 7140lbs
> and i believe the 150 is rated up to 7200lbs.
The Explorer has a narrower track and shorter WB then a F-150. If I had to tow 7k (2k trailer and 5k boat) there is no way I would do it with an Explorer if I could avoid it. You are talking about 2x the weight of the Explorer itself. For only 50 miles I would most likely just rent a U-Haul DRW van to move the boat and do it safely.
Or buy an old beat up Ford F-250 with a 390 in it for $1500 for the short trip that will easily handle it.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
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From: Isanti, MN
I doubt you'd have problems with either, but the Explorer is built off of the ranger frame, which is much lighter and isn't built for much heavy hauling. The F150, however, is built for that kind of thing.
A better comparison would probably be an Expedition with the 4.6 vs the F150.
But...for hauling this rig only twice a year, the explorer would probably do just fine.
A better comparison would probably be an Expedition with the 4.6 vs the F150.
But...for hauling this rig only twice a year, the explorer would probably do just fine.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: lawrence
me personally i would stick with the f150.maybe it's just me being finicky but i'd rather stick with a 5 speed stick shift truck than with a recreational suv.i've towed stuff with my '86 f150 than i would ever consider touching with an suv.maybe because i have a supercharged 390 as opposed to the standard 281.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
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From: Isanti, MN
Good point, but that isn't relevant for most of the newer F150s. The manual trannies they put in them now are mazda built trannies that aren't really meant for towing, and you wouldn't want to tow anything heavy with one, they just don't stand up as well as the modern automatics.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: lawrence
mazda does not build trannys for transfer to ford.now it's true that ford owns mazda but mazda made stuff stays with mazda.they don't even come near to HAVING anything close to a 1/2 ton pickup.
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CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Gparcels -
If that boat trailer has surge brakes, you need to make sure the WD hitch you use is compatible with them. Also, keep the weight WAY down in the Explorer (driver only?).
Steve
If that boat trailer has surge brakes, you need to make sure the WD hitch you use is compatible with them. Also, keep the weight WAY down in the Explorer (driver only?).
Steve