Does the 2014 Sport with the Ecoboost tow better than the XLT with the V6? I have trouble getting out of fourth gear on the highway with my XLT.
I do not mean to sound condescending or selfrighteous but...
While it does have more HP and TQ, that does not raise the tow rating due to the limitations of the vehicle structure. Remember that the Explorer is a UNIBODY it no longer has a stand alone frame. one wrong move with the 5100 lb+ trailer will most probably rip the back of your Explorer off thereby totaling and since it was over the limit you will be left holding the bag as 1. your warranty is thereby void and 2. your insurance will not pay out for damages due to you knowingly towing something over the stated tow rating thereby causing your own damage.
I think all tow ratings are usually rated several hundred pounds below what the vehicle is actually capable of to account for the people who do tend to push things a little...
Unless you are a lawyer and know the law in all states, I'll take that as your opinion.That doesn't make it legal. Tow over the rating, no insurance, illegal and potentially criminal.
Unless you are a lawyer and know the law in all states, I'll take that as your opinion.
Is it smart? No. Definitely beyond the capabilities of the vehicle.
Would I do it on a short haul, infrequent basis, maybe. Definitely not often or over long distances.
The explorer sport engine is capably of towing way more than its 5k rating. The problem is its unibody construction that's mainly the limiting factor. Towing a little over the limit for any vehicle is I'm sure common place, but with this set up you'll be way over the limit. With passengers and gear your probably pushing 1500 lbs or more over. This is a good load for a f150 not an explorer. I personally wouldn't tow this much with mine.