Hello everyone, just looking for some general advice?
We are moving from Boise back to W. Washington and rather than having our fishing boat hauled (to save money), I am hoping to tow it, but have never done this before.
We have a '03 Ford Explorer, Eddie Bauer, 4ltr, AWD. The manual says it has a class III/IV hitch on it.
The boat is a 14' AlumaCraft fishing boat and trailer with an old 35 hp outboard. I think I will also put a couple of bicycles in the boat and strap them down.
The truck just went to the mechanic and everything is sound, it does have 149,000 miles on it. The boat/trailer are at the shop making sure the bearings are packed, tires are good and everything is road worthy. The boat hasn't seen the road or water in 25 years. The boat guys says that boat and trailer are likely 800 to 1,000 lbs. There are no brakes on the trailer.
I have two options, either go over 2 mountain passes, 4,300 ft. and 3,200 ft. or just one (over the Cascades and into Seattle, (highway and local mountain road) or along the Columbia River and up to Seattle (all highway)).
Last year we sold our '98 Expedition with the 5.4 engine, which I wouldn't have had a worry about, but the Explorer is much smaller and we will be travelling around 550 miles.
I know this was a lot of rambling, but should I worry about the Explorer? From what I have read towing capacity seems to be ok? Is there anything special I should do? In another forum someone suggested a transmission cooler, but I am only hauling it this far once in an attempt to save money.
Any thoughts, suggestions would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for reading the ramblings.
Elliot
We are moving from Boise back to W. Washington and rather than having our fishing boat hauled (to save money), I am hoping to tow it, but have never done this before.
We have a '03 Ford Explorer, Eddie Bauer, 4ltr, AWD. The manual says it has a class III/IV hitch on it.
The boat is a 14' AlumaCraft fishing boat and trailer with an old 35 hp outboard. I think I will also put a couple of bicycles in the boat and strap them down.
The truck just went to the mechanic and everything is sound, it does have 149,000 miles on it. The boat/trailer are at the shop making sure the bearings are packed, tires are good and everything is road worthy. The boat hasn't seen the road or water in 25 years. The boat guys says that boat and trailer are likely 800 to 1,000 lbs. There are no brakes on the trailer.
I have two options, either go over 2 mountain passes, 4,300 ft. and 3,200 ft. or just one (over the Cascades and into Seattle, (highway and local mountain road) or along the Columbia River and up to Seattle (all highway)).
Last year we sold our '98 Expedition with the 5.4 engine, which I wouldn't have had a worry about, but the Explorer is much smaller and we will be travelling around 550 miles.
I know this was a lot of rambling, but should I worry about the Explorer? From what I have read towing capacity seems to be ok? Is there anything special I should do? In another forum someone suggested a transmission cooler, but I am only hauling it this far once in an attempt to save money.
Any thoughts, suggestions would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for reading the ramblings.
Elliot