03 Explorer 4.6 towing ???
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Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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03 Explorer 4.6 towing ???
I'm new to towing, was hoping for some advice on any options that would make towing as safe as possible.
This is what I have:
2003 Explorer XLT 4x4 automatic trans. with the 4.6 V-8 and the tow package 3.73 gears.
I just bought a 2006 Skamper Kodiak 235 23 foot travel trailer that has a dry weight of just under 3700 lbs. it has electric brakes. The dealer that I purchased the traler from also sold me a Reese weight distributing hitch, a sway control bar, and installed a brake controler on my Explorer.
So far, I've only towed the trailer home from the dealership (3 miles). I haven't noticed any problems or major concerns about towing as of yet, but don't have much time in the seat to go on.
Is there anything else that I need, or could benefit from as far as safety goes?
Any recommendations on aftermarket side mirror extenders? (the factory ones don't see around the 8' wide trailer very well)
This is what I have:
2003 Explorer XLT 4x4 automatic trans. with the 4.6 V-8 and the tow package 3.73 gears.
I just bought a 2006 Skamper Kodiak 235 23 foot travel trailer that has a dry weight of just under 3700 lbs. it has electric brakes. The dealer that I purchased the traler from also sold me a Reese weight distributing hitch, a sway control bar, and installed a brake controler on my Explorer.
So far, I've only towed the trailer home from the dealership (3 miles). I haven't noticed any problems or major concerns about towing as of yet, but don't have much time in the seat to go on.
Is there anything else that I need, or could benefit from as far as safety goes?
Any recommendations on aftermarket side mirror extenders? (the factory ones don't see around the 8' wide trailer very well)
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
What's the gross weight of that trailer, and how close are you planning to get to it? How many people/how much gear are you planning on having in the Explorer? Will you be doing mostly flatland towing, or are there lots of hills where you'll be going?
Steve
Steve
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Thanks for the reply,
The actual dry weight is 3614, and the GVWR is 4840, I shouldn't be close to it though. Probably only 200 to 300 lbs. of camping gear in the trailer. The Explorer will have me the wife, and our two boys ages 2 & 4. The majority of the trips will be approximately 40 miles with some hills.
The actual dry weight is 3614, and the GVWR is 4840, I shouldn't be close to it though. Probably only 200 to 300 lbs. of camping gear in the trailer. The Explorer will have me the wife, and our two boys ages 2 & 4. The majority of the trips will be approximately 40 miles with some hills.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
With water, propane and your gear you're gonna be well over 2 tons on that TT; make sure the controller and TT brakes are set for max efficiency. Stay out of OD, keep your speed reasonable and be expecting to pull steep hills in 3rd or even 2nd gear. Make sure the controller is mounted so you can grab the manual lever quickly if the TT starts to get squirrelly on you. You should be fine if you take it easy, so have fun!
Steve
Steve
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Thanks for the replies.
I kinda figured that I would be pretty close to the limits of the Explorer. The Explorer is the wife's / family vehicle, I'm sure my old 79 would tow the thing with no problem, but the family can't all fit in it. I'll just have to be careful and check the gauges when I'm towing. I only need to tow with the Explorer for about 2 years, then it'll be paid for, free-ing up some $$ so I can get a new F150 crew cab that can haul the whole family.
I kinda figured that I would be pretty close to the limits of the Explorer. The Explorer is the wife's / family vehicle, I'm sure my old 79 would tow the thing with no problem, but the family can't all fit in it. I'll just have to be careful and check the gauges when I'm towing. I only need to tow with the Explorer for about 2 years, then it'll be paid for, free-ing up some $$ so I can get a new F150 crew cab that can haul the whole family.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
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Thanks for the input everybody. I took it on it's first trip this past weekend. I turned off the overdrive, and took my time. The trip went without any problems. The brakes worked as they were supposed to, and the temperature never climbed into the high end.
I topped a rather long steep grade on RT31 in Westmoreland County PA near Somerset at 40 miles per hour, which is pretty respectable I think, since I spoke with a motorhome owner who only topped it at 35 MPH with a Ford V10.
I topped a rather long steep grade on RT31 in Westmoreland County PA near Somerset at 40 miles per hour, which is pretty respectable I think, since I spoke with a motorhome owner who only topped it at 35 MPH with a Ford V10.
Last edited by clean79150; Oct 6, 2005 at 07:53 AM. Reason: add info & grammer
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