Explorer GCWR
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 73
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Explorer GCWR
I have a 98 Explorer 5L AWD and I can't find any reference to the GCWR for it. The door says the GVWR is 5580 lbs. I called a dealer and he said the maximum trailer weight rating for ALL Explorers was 3500 lbs which would make the GCWR 9080 lbs. Is that reasonable? My 18 ft camper trailer has a GVWR of 5512 lbs and it has been towing fine. Now I'm concerned that I'm grossly (no pun intended) overloading the Explorer. When I bought the Explorer in 98 I explained to the dealer what I was towing and he said the 5L Explorer was more than adequate. (The trailer dealer said the same thing about my 91 4L Ranger when we bought the trailer in 97.) I guess dealers of any sort shouldn't be relied upon to do anything but clear their lots.
I recently bought a freshly rebuilt 81 F250 that will take over the towing duties so now I need to know the GCWR for it also. The GVWR for the F250 is 7650 lbs.
I recently bought a freshly rebuilt 81 F250 that will take over the towing duties so now I need to know the GCWR for it also. The GVWR for the F250 is 7650 lbs.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,757
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From: Elk River, MN
Explorer GCWR
The owners manual should give 11,000 pounds for a AWD 5.0L with 3.73 axle. This is from a 2000 owners manual, so look up trailer tow in your manual to get the 98 values. Should be close or the same.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
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Explorer GCWR
First mistake, I made the same one, never trust ANY dealer. I was sold a 5ver that puts my GCWR at the limit and places my GVWR just barely over limit. Sure I can tow it safely, but for how long? If I get into a panic stop situation, will the truck be able to control the 5ver? Probably, but I'd rather not find out hard way that it can't. It is always better to have way more truck than you need when it comes to towing. I am currently exploring my options. No anyone interested in a 2000 30' Seabreeze 5ver? :-)
You may want to look into an F150 or maybe even an F250 to pull your trailer. Ascending and descending hills will be much more enjoyable with a bigger truck. It makes the vacations much more relaxing.
Rich
You may want to look into an F150 or maybe even an F250 to pull your trailer. Ascending and descending hills will be much more enjoyable with a bigger truck. It makes the vacations much more relaxing.
Rich
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
Explorer GCWR
Paw, I also have an '81 F250 and the owner's manual. I will look up the GCWR for your truck, but I need some more info...
-Wheelbase (reg cab or super cab)
-4x2 or 4x4?
-engine
-transmission
-axle ratio (might be found on a metal tag on diff)
-Does it have a Camper Special or towing pkg?
Post back with as much info as you can, and I can look up your GCWR.
-Wheelbase (reg cab or super cab)
-4x2 or 4x4?
-engine
-transmission
-axle ratio (might be found on a metal tag on diff)
-Does it have a Camper Special or towing pkg?
Post back with as much info as you can, and I can look up your GCWR.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 73
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Explorer GCWR
Thanks ranger pat. I found the sales brochure for our 98 explorer 5L AWD and it also says 11000# GCWR. Thanks again.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
Explorer GCWR
farmpaw, as your truck is equipped...
7650 GVWR, Class I trailer:
GCWR at 9,450#.
Max trailer weight at 2,000#, with 10-15% tongue load.
Min axle ratio, 3.00
That's the highest load listed for 3.00 axle.
But if you change out your axle...
7650 GVWR, Class IV trailer:
GCWR at 12,300#.
Max trailer weight at 7,000#, with 10-15% tongue load.
Min axle ratio, 3.54
7650 GVWR, Fifth wheel:
GCWR at 12,150#.
Max trailer weight at 6,000#, with 25% pin load.
Min axle ratio, 3.54
8650 GVWR, Class IV trailer:
GCWR at 14,200#.
Max trailer weight at 7,000#, with 10-15% tongue load.
Min axle ratio, 4.10
8650 GVWR, Fifth wheel:
GCWR at 14,200#.
Max trailer weight at 6,000#, with 25% pin load.
Min axle ratio, 4.10
I listed the 8650 GVWR just to show how much better the performance rating is with a 4.10 axle.
7650 GVWR, Class I trailer:
GCWR at 9,450#.
Max trailer weight at 2,000#, with 10-15% tongue load.
Min axle ratio, 3.00
That's the highest load listed for 3.00 axle.
But if you change out your axle...
7650 GVWR, Class IV trailer:
GCWR at 12,300#.
Max trailer weight at 7,000#, with 10-15% tongue load.
Min axle ratio, 3.54
7650 GVWR, Fifth wheel:
GCWR at 12,150#.
Max trailer weight at 6,000#, with 25% pin load.
Min axle ratio, 3.54
8650 GVWR, Class IV trailer:
GCWR at 14,200#.
Max trailer weight at 7,000#, with 10-15% tongue load.
Min axle ratio, 4.10
8650 GVWR, Fifth wheel:
GCWR at 14,200#.
Max trailer weight at 6,000#, with 25% pin load.
Min axle ratio, 4.10
I listed the 8650 GVWR just to show how much better the performance rating is with a 4.10 axle.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 73
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Explorer GCWR
Thanks horsepuller. The rear end has gotta go! I just determined it's a Dana 61 with Traction Lok that doesn't lock. Does anyone know the mechanism for clutch engagement in this differential? There is no apparent clutch preload and I was told the clutches are loaded for engagement by torque on the pinion. This seems pretty obscure. It seems to me that the only way that method would apply axial load on the clutches to engage them is through spider gear tooth ramp under load. That implys relative motion (variable clearance)of the tooth contact which seems a bad way to design something. Anybody got a clue?
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