I am thinking about buying an explorer and pull my camper with it. They are suppose to tow about 7300lbs i think. Does anyone use their explorer to tow and how does it do? Thanks for your input.

 

7300 pounds! you nuts! you probably couldnt even get it to go with that much weight on a trailer......it could do half that, safely, and thats with the v8

 

I have an 02 Mounty, pulled about 9,200 pounds for about 153 miles with the 4.6 V-8. It did great even though it was overloaded some. I never saw any Explorer ever have a problem with towing.

7,300 pounds isn't that much to be towing around, these trucks can take it as I see it all the time around here.

 

Different years and different styles have different tow ratings. If you're thinking of getting one for towing, go with one that has the factory tow package. The package will be different depending on model, but all years (at least up to '03) included a higher gear ratio (3.73), wiring for at least a flat 4 pin harness, and some extra cooling capacity. In the latest generation, it also included the class III/IV built in hitch. Also, when towing a heavy load, plan on installing an electic braking module and make sure to have a trailer with electric brakes. Both my '92 and my '03 have the towing package and they both pull well with 4.0L V6's.

 

Tow ratings are usually figured with a 150# driver and half tank of gas, and with no options like a 3rd row seat. When you have 4 passengers and gear aboard, your tow rating drops. I think 5000# is a safe limit for Gen III V-8 Explorers; it's always wise to have a "pad" when towing.

Steve

 

i wouldnt be towing around anything over 4000 pounds with my gen II 5.0. the gen III maybe can tow more, i dont know anything about them....

 

I have a 1996 5.0 AWD and regularly pull a 2 horse trailer, about 5500 - 6000 lbs. I use it and sold my F150 because the Explorer towed it easier. I would think 7000 lbs would not be a problem.
Heck even my 92 that had the 4.0 in it would tow it, just not very well. You definetly need to have trailer brakes to tow above 2000 lbs. You really notice a difference in stopping distance without them.

 

We used to pull a 17' travel trailer with my wife's 91 4.0. Can't remember the weight but is was a 78 so probably not the lightest thing in the world. It didn't have any problems. I saw an ex of about the same year pulling about a 30' trailer. This was in Alberta though, in Alberta I think the rules are if you can get it to move you can pull it.

 

I agree with JerrySimm, If you are going to tow go with factory tow package. I just bought a 05 with V8 and factory tow, for my 18' boat. No issues, Explorer has no problem towing 3000-4000 lbs around. Follow the advice in the owners manual on towing and you should not run into any problems as Ford is very conservitive. Also one thing almost everyone forgets, if you are towing a heavy trailer long distance, in hot weather, and have hilly terrain, I would recommend the following. A transmission oil cooler (a must for any long distance towing), lower gear ratio - 4.10 istead of 3.73, and if possible an engine oil cooler. My old 97 Explorer towed the same boat with no issues either for years, with 4.0L SOHC and I did have the factory transmission cooler. I hope this helps.