2003 Explorer Limited V6 towing boat

[noot74]

Hi everyone. We downsized our vehicle lineup and now need to tow our 17.5 foot searay with our explorer. It currently has the class II receiver and I have found a stock Class III or whatever the bigger one is...mayve IV? Anyhow, I have read through some of the forums and realize that I need to install a tranny cooler. I do not know what my gear ratio is or if there is other things that I need to do. It is an AWD, auto with the V6. Mostly towing back and forth to the lake (less than 15 miles) and about 4 summer camping trips driving 5 hours each way. I am unclear as to what I am missing, so if you have any suggestions, let me have em!

Thanks,
Corey

 

[James909]

Definitely get a class III hitch, or IV but the class III should be enough. A tranny cooler is also a necessity. You may also want to consider an auxiliary tranny filter and temp gauge to keep an eye on the trans. Change the fluid more often and consider synthetic ATF. You should be fine. How heavy is the boat?

 

[noot74]

From everything that I can tell , it weighs around 2400 pounds. I am worried about the transmission issue that everyone seems to have. I took mine in becuase the tranny was acting wierd and sounded odd when it shifted from forward to reverse while it was under warranty, they said all was fine. My gears should be fine as well I assume?

 

[James909]

I don't see you having a problem towing that load. Regarding the gearing, you should check what the rear axle ratio is but the towing capacity for even 3.55's is about 3,500lbs IIRC. Ideal would be 3.73's or deeper but even if you have 3.55's you shouldn't have a problem. To check the ratio, get the code that's under axle on the driver's door sticker and post it and we'll tell you what gears you have.

 

[noot74]

I will post it as soon as I can get ahold of it. Its in the shop after being hit in the front while stopped at a stoplight. I have also been probing around and looking at mpg issues. We usually average around 15mpg no matter what we do. Only thing I have ever done was a K&N air filter, the plugs are stock at 52k miles so will probably have those changed over and switch to synthetic fluids all the way around. Any other hints?

 

[James909]

Assuming that there is no CEL and the truck runs good I would start with the basics to boost the mileage. Do a full tune-up, and synthetics like you mentioned will help the mileage. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and check them often. I would start with those things but remember that the thing that has the most effect on gas mileage is driving style. Also you may want to do a search for "quest for 30" there is a member here (Aldive) who consistently achieves over 30mpg in his SOHC. That thread is full of gas saving ideas.

 

[noot74]

I am unclear what CEL means. The truck runs good overall though. I was just reading about the guy that gets that kind of mileage. I did not think it was possible as that is about the same as my honda civic

 

[Andy96XLT]

CEL= Check Engine Light

I am also going to be towing a boat with my ex, the boat is only a 12 footer though. Just take it slow and you'll be fine.

 

[Essex4x4]

I don't think you really need the trany cooler if the boat only weighs 2400lbs. Save yourself some cash and don't do the hitch, its rated for 3,500lbs. thats way over the weight of your boat.

 

[jrford]

Switching the overdrive off will help.
I have a V8 AWD with the 3.55’s (originally a Class II) Axle. I upgraded to a Class III because I found a bike rack that would mount over a drawbar. I now have the bike rack and also tow a 12’ boat behind it. Total weight is only 800lbs and you don’t even know its there, the OD is usually on. I also towed 2000lbs pop-up in some hills for an 1 hour, just took the OD off and towed without effort.