Extended wheel base and towing

[perfcomp]

I am patiently shopping for a '97 4.0 E4WD Aerostar. I'm interested to hear opinions of the difference in tongue weight/towing ability of the short and long wheelbase versions.
thank you,
Michael
'92 XL 3.0 Aerostar

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The specifications for the short or long wheel base shouldn't vary as far as towing capability. I understand that the extended version weighs slightly more, but it's not such a major factor. What do you plan on towing?

 

[IZwack]

Assuming ball-to-axle length is the same, the longer wheelbase will help stabilize the towed vehicle / trailer.

 

[BrooklynBay]

This might help you: http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/60738-aerostar-air-springs.html

 

[EJD]

Hi there - this is my first post here, and I have an Extended Aerostar. I tow a tent trailer and I hear there's less sway with the extendeds, but like it was mentioned before, it depends on what you intend on towing.

My trailer is barely 1500lbs soaking wet, so I think Extended or Standard wouldn't matter, but if you're getting into a 20' travel trailer for instance, with the Standard you might feel the "tail wag the dog".

I can't stress this enough - Get A Transmission Oil Cooler! Yes, Aeros have them built-in, but add another. Best thing I ever did...made my nervous trip to the mountains a stress free one.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! An external filter with a temperature gauge is also a good idea.

 

[Aeroguy]

The maximum towing weight of the standard Aerostar is 4800lbs... increase it to the extended length, that number drops 200lbs. Add AWD and you'll have to drop it another 200lbs, so you're talking 4400lbs for the AWD XLT. This was most likely due to the fact that the vehicle itself increase in weight for each of those steps.

I towed 5600 lbs with my last Aerostar... never had any trouble.

 

[DoOver]

Aeroguy,
Are those numbers good for either motor?
Brooklyn,
Do you have a link for the extrenal tranny filter/temp gauge?
Brian

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34136
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225103