Towing with 2001 4.0l Explorer

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Mar 12, 2005 | 01:29 PM

youngguy

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Junior User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 92

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From: Montana

Towing with 2001 4.0l Explorer

I am making a move from Montana to Nevada and am planning on towing a 5 x 8 U-Haul trailer behind a newly purchased 2001 Explorer w/ 4.0l and auto tranny. I had the tranny flushed with Mercon V and filter replaced 100 miles ago as it was a little brown and probably hadn't been done before. I will turn off the overdrive when I tow and have one steep pass to cross on my way. Other than the fact that U-Haul won't rent a trailer to be pulled by an Explorer (ways around that), are there any concerns I should have in towing this size trailer? It will be loaded with tools and such from my garage and shouldn't be too heavy. Is the 4.0l enough motor for this trailer(seems to have plenty of power) and what tow rating does this Explorer have? Are Explorers really hazardous enough to warrant not renting a trailer to a person towing it with an Explorer? Any suggestions would be appreciated as I could use a little peace of mind!

p.s.- I do have a lot of experience towing trailers( 24' camp trailer and 2-place ATV trailer)

Thanks in advance!

Mar 12, 2005 | 01:44 PM

JerrySimm

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 805

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From: Pauline, South Carolina

Explorers tow just fine. I've towed with a '92 and an '03 both 4X4 with 4.0L and the towing package available in those years. The towing package definitely helps (more cooling, 3.73 differential ratio, etc.) but I would pull a 5X8 without it. In the mid '90's I pulled a 5X8 enclosed U-Haul trailer behind my '92 from South Carolina up to Kentucky on a couple of occations. Went through some pretty good mountains and hollers with no issues (other than a tire blow out on a Goodyear Eagle on my Explorer). Just remember you have a short wheel base, and use the standard towing practices (not too big of a hurry, no sudden moves on the steering or brakes if avoidable, etc.). If you could find someone other than U-Haul to get the trailer from I'd recommend it. I haven't rented from them recently, and would try not to due to thier cranial-rectal disfunction regarding explorers and lawyers. If you do rent from U-Haul, be sure and check the tire pressure in the trailer. I've never gotten one from them with sufficient tire pressure (thy're always low) and that makes them pull worse and eat more fuel.

Last edited by JerrySimm; Mar 12, 2005 at 01:48 PM.

Mar 12, 2005 | 01:57 PM

Steina

CO River Rat

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 3,209

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From: Lake Havasu City AZ

If you're planning on picking up the U-Haul trailer with another tow vehicle ("ways around that") and then hooking it to your Explorer for the trip, I sure wouldn't advise it. If you have or cause an accident, you're gonna be WAAAAY out in left field but that's JMO...........

Steve