smushicollects
New Member
- Joined
- May 20, 2021
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Rochester, NY
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2005 Explorer, XLT
Hi there!
So, I've been creeping on this forum for years and well, finally, I've found myself needing to post and ask for help! It's came in handy when it came to our Mountaineer (which made it to a whopping 432,000 miles), but that aside; I recently purchased a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT - transmission's been changed, alternators new, and I've just swapped out the brakes. It is a rear drive vehicle with 4X4.
I have a 1994 Jayco King Series 6 Pop Up Tent Camper that measures at 14 feet when closed. We're planning a two hour get away to the Thousand Islands and maybe later on in the summer a cross country road trip. It weighs about 1925lbs and I've never towed with one of these before and would like some insight. My father suggested to only hit the 4x4 when needed but that it should be smooth sailing as long as I don't speed or take any sharp curves without reducing first.
I've gone camping before and seen some people with PUPs and Explorers and they seem fine. While I've read in other forums that it's risky and dangerous. What are some tips? What about braking and sway? What are your suggestions?
Some side info:
- Previous owner drove it cross country and proudly showed off how he's also explored all of the north eastern side of the USA. Thus, proving she's reliable. Plus, NYS requires inspections of all vehicles so that helped to see it was current.
- I've pulled the pop up camper in our drive way to adjust it and it was very smooth. Barely felt it tug. I was honestly impressed
- I'm a pretty skilled driver and quite mechanics savvy so don't be afraid to break it down.
- It has already a towing package attached - so it's a hitch, plug in and go.
- Looking into a pick up truck is right out of the question. It's not happening. My husband won't allow me to purchase another vehicle when we have four already in the lot!
So, I've been creeping on this forum for years and well, finally, I've found myself needing to post and ask for help! It's came in handy when it came to our Mountaineer (which made it to a whopping 432,000 miles), but that aside; I recently purchased a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT - transmission's been changed, alternators new, and I've just swapped out the brakes. It is a rear drive vehicle with 4X4.
I have a 1994 Jayco King Series 6 Pop Up Tent Camper that measures at 14 feet when closed. We're planning a two hour get away to the Thousand Islands and maybe later on in the summer a cross country road trip. It weighs about 1925lbs and I've never towed with one of these before and would like some insight. My father suggested to only hit the 4x4 when needed but that it should be smooth sailing as long as I don't speed or take any sharp curves without reducing first.
I've gone camping before and seen some people with PUPs and Explorers and they seem fine. While I've read in other forums that it's risky and dangerous. What are some tips? What about braking and sway? What are your suggestions?
Some side info:
- Previous owner drove it cross country and proudly showed off how he's also explored all of the north eastern side of the USA. Thus, proving she's reliable. Plus, NYS requires inspections of all vehicles so that helped to see it was current.
- I've pulled the pop up camper in our drive way to adjust it and it was very smooth. Barely felt it tug. I was honestly impressed
- I'm a pretty skilled driver and quite mechanics savvy so don't be afraid to break it down.
- It has already a towing package attached - so it's a hitch, plug in and go.
- Looking into a pick up truck is right out of the question. It's not happening. My husband won't allow me to purchase another vehicle when we have four already in the lot!