Explorer or Expedition?
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Explorer or Expedition?
Due to the purchase of a new snowmobile trailer, I am forced to look for a new tow vehicle. I am currently towing with a v6 96 Explorer, I tow a 4000lb boat in the summer, not for long distances and I just bought an inline v-nose snowmobile trailer, with sleds loaded it will weight somewhere around 3300lbs or so. I have been looking for an 03 Expedition but have had a hard time finding one thats not beat, would a newer 03/04 v8 Explorer do the job for the towing I need or am I better off looking at the Expeditions with the 5.4L? Thanks for any and all help.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 234
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From: Bristol, RI
I think you'd probably be ok with the Explorer but, I'd prefer the Expedition. what happens if you get a bigger boat in the next year or two? I'd also rather have a vehicle that tows easily than one that is at it's limits when towing. You'll get better performance and longevity out of it.
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Joined: Oct 2006
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The Expedition is the more serious and capable tow vehicle. You want something with safety room, not right at its capacity -- in tow weight, in engine/tran/brake matchup to GCVW, and as someone already mentioned, in wheelbase to help counter any sway tendencies.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
My '04 XLT handles our 3452# boat/trailer rig just fine, with 4 people and gear on board. If you can find an '03/'04 4.6L Explorer WITH the tow package (around 5900# tow capacity) it will do the job for you. Like the previous posts mentioned, bigger is better but that depends on finding a suitable Expy plus the extra $$$. Let us know what you decide.
Steve
Steve
Last edited by Steina; Nov 13, 2006 at 09:45 AM.
Elder User
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Your 96 hauls your 4000# boat so what makes you think you need more to haul a 3300# snowmobile trailer?
If you just want a newer vehicle, I LOVE my Expeditions but the Explorers get better mileage when NOT towing ...(which would be most of the time.)
Any 03/04 Explorer will do the job. A 5.4L Expedition will do it EASIER.
If you just want a newer vehicle, I LOVE my Expeditions but the Explorers get better mileage when NOT towing ...(which would be most of the time.)
Any 03/04 Explorer will do the job. A 5.4L Expedition will do it EASIER.
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Originally Posted by Leader
Your 96 hauls your 4000# boat so what makes you think you need more to haul a 3300# snowmobile trailer?
If you just want a newer vehicle, I LOVE my Expeditions but the Explorers get better mileage when NOT towing ...(which would be most of the time.)
Any 03/04 Explorer will do the job. A 5.4L Expedition will do it EASIER.
If you just want a newer vehicle, I LOVE my Expeditions but the Explorers get better mileage when NOT towing ...(which would be most of the time.)
Any 03/04 Explorer will do the job. A 5.4L Expedition will do it EASIER.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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I have had an explorer and towed around 3500lbs with no problems up here in snow contry, but have found that My wifes expidition 4x4 with 5.4 dose a better job and we feel more secure. Just recently purchased an excursion V10 4x2 and what a difference! If i have my choice the Excursion is the best and also there is tons of room for gear and passengers. the kids enjoy the leg room in back. I wish the excursion had 4x4 but it used in the summer to pull a 8000 lbs Travel trailer.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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I have had an explorer and towed around 3500lbs with no problems up here in snow contry, but have found that My wifes expidition 4x4 with 5.4 dose a better job and we feel more secure. Just recently purchased an excursion V10 4x2 and what a difference! If i have my choice the Excursion is the best and also there is tons of room for gear and passengers. the kids enjoy the leg room in back. I wish the excursion had 4x4 but it used in the summer to pull a 8000 lbs Travel trailer.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Make sure you put it where you can get at the manual lever easily; you don't want to fumble around for it if you need to jerk a squirrelly trailer back into line.
Congrats on your Expy!
Steve
Congrats on your Expy!
Steve
