At the risk of being lynched by the full size guys, I'm considering trading off my '05 F150 FX4 for a Sport Trac. My main use of the vehicle (other than daily driving) will be 1.) towing a 16' trailer loaded with ATV's and usually 3 guys, and 2.) towing my 20' ski boat (single axle, appx 4500 pounds with all gear and family). My wife has an '04 Explorer with the V6, and it does surprisingly well (as good if not better than most small v-8's I've experienced). It has no qualms with pulling the boat up even the steepest ramps, or topping very large hills when on the road. My question is this - is the V8 worth the expense and extra tow capacity?

I drove a V8 today and was borderline impressed with the acceleration. Ride was just OK, but I wasn't expecting too much there. I'm not too crazy with the interior (door handles, plain-jane layout, and no carpet).

I would like to hear some of y'alls experiences/opinions on the Sport Trac besides what I've all ready seen on the lists.

Thanks.
ran

 

Ran,

Don't do it!! I just got done trading my 03 Explorer for an F150 for towing, I had a 19' boat 3500lbs and I was tearing up my Explorer. In the short run the Explorer will do it but it will kill you in the long run. I replaced rear bearings, ring and pinion, my auto 4wd was kicking in under the heavy load, tranny slipping, etc... None of this started until about 50k miles, at 78K she had to go. At 4500lbs you will be at the top of the tow rating for this truck and probably over the GCWR after the rig is loaded with people, gear, etc...

Steve

 

"Trailer Boats" mag just came out with a test of an '07 SportTrac equipped with the 292 horse V-8; it came across pretty well. I gave the mag away, but if I remember right the 'Trac was rated for around 6600# and the boat/trailer rig used in the test was around 5500#.

Steve

 

I think my wife's Sport Tarc is very underpowered and that's not towing a thing.

 

I think my wife's Sport Trac is very underpowered and that's not towing a thing.