first post, looking to identify towing parts

[unexpected]

what did I inherit as part of this explorer sport from 2000? i'm looking to possibly tow a toyota matrix hatchback for some distance and figuring out if i need to get a tow package from scratch or does this meet some of the required parts

tried to ask the microsoft AI copilot and it wasn't very helpful yet

see attached photos

 

[Mike65]

Welcome. I would probably get a frame mounted tow hitch instead of using the bumper especially if you are going to be towing more.

 

[swshawaii]

MAXIMUM bumper hitch towing weight is 3500 lbs. Toyota Matrix GVW?

Trailer Towing (Page 179+)

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/00expog1e.pdf

Square Tube Frame

curt 13033 - Google Search

www.google.com

Round Tube Frame

curt 13540 - Google Search

www.google.com

 

[J_C]

Too heavy for a bumper mount, get a frame mounted hitch. IIRC, additionally the tow package included a transmission cooler and you'll want to lock out overdrive.

 

[unexpected]

MAXIMUM bumper hitch towing weight is 3500 lbs. Toyota Matrix GVW?

Trailer Towing (Page 179+)

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/00expog1e.pdf

Square Tube Frame

curt 13033 - Google Search

www.google.com

Round Tube Frame

curt 13540 - Google Search

www.google.com

found the part about what I have it looks like:

Using a step bumperThe rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only aball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 1 590 kg(3 500 lb.) trailer weight and 159 kg (350 lb.) tongue weight capability.Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 1 590 kg(3 500 lb).

too low rating for an 03:

2003 Toyota Matrix/Gross vehicle weight rating
3,847 to 3,935 lbs

 

[sehaare]

MAXIMUM bumper hitch towing weight is 3500 lbs. Toyota Matrix GVW?

Trailer Towing (Page 179+)

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/00expog1e.pdf

Square Tube Frame

curt 13033 - Google Search

www.google.com

Round Tube Frame

curt 13540 - Google Search

www.google.com

And that rating is for a brand new bumper not one that has been rusting up in BC where the original poster is located. I wouldn't trust the rusted bumper hitch on my 98 that now lives in Chicagoland to tow anything.

 

[C420sailor]

I’m going to tell you something you aren’t going to want to hear.

If you’re going to tow a car, especially on a trailer, you are going to want to start saving for a transmission rebuild. The 5R just doesn’t last long pulling heavy loads.

I’d install an aftermarket trans cooler. A big one.

I can’t speak to the M5 if you have that gearbox.

 

[unexpected]

I’m going to tell you something you aren’t going to want to hear.

If you’re going to tow a car, especially on a trailer, you are going to want to start saving for a transmission rebuild. The 5R just doesn’t last long pulling heavy loads.

I’d install an aftermarket trans cooler. A big one.

I can’t speak to the M5 if you have that gearbox.

the original "plan" was to DIY a tow trip to bring the matrix from Missouri to BC, Canada. so just scrap that for a 2000 explorer with "supposed" 140k miles?

 

[C420sailor]

Oh, my bad. I misread. I thought this was going to be a regular thing