5.0L Towing

[nrschaaf]

So I have a '97 Explorer AWD 5.0L and had a question about towing. I recently towed my Model A from Jersey to Vermont and the truck just didn't seem like it wanted to pull. I've read that the truck can tow over 6000 pounds and the combo of truck and trailer was less than 4500 pounds so I figured there would be no problem. There were a few times that i would have it wide open just to maintain 60 MPH. The engine runs great, plugs and wires are fresh, all fluids are good, and I've never felt any shuttering or slipping from the trans so I don't know what to look into first. It does have a check engine light on for EVAP vent circuit malfunction which I havent adressed yet, but I didn't think this could effect the trucks power. Maybe I'm just expecting to much out of an SUV but I figured it'd be worth asking.

 

[Turdle]

You might check the codes again, the towing might have made more pop up.

As far as I know, as long as the check engine light is displayed, you will not get peak performance, as the truck is not running in closed loop mode.

 

[nrschaaf]

Wish it had, but I checked them a few days ago after I put an A/R/S in the truck to make sure I didnt cause any problems. I was unaware just having the check engine light on caused it to run differently though. Guess I will have to crawl under and change that valve then. I hate laying in the snow. :-(