98 Eddie Bauer 5.0 lack of power

[toddyj]

Not sure if I'm posting in the right place, but here's my question, I have a 98 Eddie Explorer 5.0 AWD and I'm pulling a 20ft travel trailer at approx 4000lbs and having a difficult time reaching hwy speeds. I have done all the ford maintainence on this vehicle and just replaced two cats on it thinking that they were plugged and it helped a little but still can't hold and maintain 60mph, am I overloaded for this type of truck? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Todd

 

[bluexpy]

4000 sounds OK - but the length doesn't sound good for a short wheelbase like the Explorer. Do you have the overdrive OFF?

Tune-up? How many miles?

 

[toddyj]

126000 miles, OD is off when pulling, has a new filters, plugs etc.. per ford maintainence done at the local Ford garage. Actually the truck handles really well pulling the trailer it's just the lack of power....

 

[Tom G]

Trailer brakes stuck?

 

[toddyj]

brand new trailer, everything is functioning properly

 

[Turdle]

I would clean the maf sensor and see if it helps.

 

[CDW6212R]

4000 pounds is a lot. I have pulled two big loads, 4500lbs. of sod, and a 99 Explorer. They both were tough to pull up the steep hills of SC. Maintaining speed on normal roads is no trouble. Do add a large trans cooler, whether the truck has one or not already.

Don't push it too much on hills and accelerating, the heat will build fast and kill the trans. It takes time to cool down after one hill etc. Do the tune up items and take it easy while towing. Regards,

 

[toddyj]

Gone over everything on this truck, does anyone think it could be vaccum related, maybe a crushed vaccum line under load or something like that?

 

[CDW6212R]

A vacuum leak could make a difference, but a big enough leak would create an error code(dash light).