Tow Rating
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Tow Rating
Hello everyone i'm new here and have a question about my 2005 explorer xlt. we recently purchased a boat which weighs roughly 3000 with trailer. My question is if i install a class III hitch under the oem Class II hitch will it be ok to tow with the 4.0 V6 engine and 3.55 gear ratio? the dealer told me the difference between the to ratings (3500 and 5000) was the hitch but upon further research i noticed the different gear ratio with the 5000# rating. what do you think
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Yeah, the tow package would've given you a Class III hitch, 3.73 LS rear end, and an oil cooler for the V6. It wouldn't be a bad idea to weigh your boat/trailer rig as it's ready to hit the water, with gas, cooler, skis, vests, and any other gear you're gonna carry in it. The people and gear inside your '05 count toward the tow rating also. I would definitely install a Class III/IV hitch for peace of mind.
Welcome to FTE!!!
Steve
Welcome to FTE!!!
Steve
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Ummm. lemme tell ya a little story about towing a boat with an Explorer. See, I have a 20' ProLine on a galvanized trailer and I'd guess that rig weighs maybe 3500 lbs max. I towed this rig down a 2-lane highway about 50 miles to the gulf of mexico many times, and was never concerned with the truck's pulling capacity nor was I worried about pulling the boat out of the rather steep ramp (no 4wd). But i gotta tella ya, that truck will NOT provide adequate braking power to stop the entire rig in an emergency situation - no way dude, we were headed for the ditch. So I bought a Chevy Van (G20 series) for adequate braking power.
Everyone seems concerned with "will it be enough power to pull blah blah blah" but noone seems concerned with the more serious issue of stopping power....
just my 2 cents......
Everyone seems concerned with "will it be enough power to pull blah blah blah" but noone seems concerned with the more serious issue of stopping power....
just my 2 cents......
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
jperlette -
That's why I suggested getting that rig weighed; "roughly 3000 with trailer" isn't very accurate, and the trailer may need brakes. My rig legally didn't need them, but I installed Fulton electric brakes for my safety and everyone who shares the road with me. JMHO.....
Steve
That's why I suggested getting that rig weighed; "roughly 3000 with trailer" isn't very accurate, and the trailer may need brakes. My rig legally didn't need them, but I installed Fulton electric brakes for my safety and everyone who shares the road with me. JMHO.....
Steve
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i've towed boats that have weighed more than this one with no trailer brakes and they have been fine although it wasn't with the explorer but a dodge dakota the boat alone weighed 3500lbs. but i'll see what happens the first time i tow it i'll give it a hard break test just to check the stopping power. thanks again for your advice
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 454
Likes: 8
From: CT
In CT trailer brakes are required over 1500#
The only issue with boats is that they are surge brakes, if the boat starts to sway you can't hit the brake controller to control the trailer. With the Explorer's short wheelbase, that can be a concern.
The only issue with boats is that they are surge brakes, if the boat starts to sway you can't hit the brake controller to control the trailer. With the Explorer's short wheelbase, that can be a concern.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Kurt -
The info at http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm shows CT is 3000#, not 1500#
Steve
The info at http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm shows CT is 3000#, not 1500#
Steve
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