Got a bigger boat. Don't want a bigger SUV. Can it pull it?

[Michael Pigman]

I have a 2011 Explorer 3.5 Limited FWD that I've used to tow a 3400 lb, 4400lb when loaded with people at the ramp, boat for several years. It pulls up the ramp pretty well as long as I feather the throttle. I've yanked it down the road at 80 mph against my better judgement.

Well, I've purchased a boat and trailer from a neighbor with a 4600lb dry weight. I have not tried to launch it with the explorer yet because I'm a worried about pulling it out. With gas, people, stuff, we are going to be closer to 5600 pounds. It's a mile drive from the ramp to the shed. It'll also make one 360 mile round trip per year with the boat pretty dry/empty, right at 5k pounds. I like my explorer so, I don't really want to get into anything bigger. Think it can do it? If I were to trade into a 4wd explorer, could that handle it?

 

[peterk9]

Assuming that the Explorer came with the factory installed class III tow package and 3.16 final drive ratio, you should be okay at 5000 lbs with a weight- distribution hitch. It will likely tow 5600 lbs. The guide shows that the AWD with the 3.39 final drive ratio will tow the same thing. The only thing that changes is the GCWR. https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/...eet/towing-guides/Ford_Linc_11RVTTowGuide.pdf
Your Owner's Manual also shows towing info on page 260 of the 4th printing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.

Peter

 

[CDW6212R]

I think you will need the 4WD or AWD for some boat ramps. I would probably look around for a better version that is similar to what you have or like. more gearing will help, and a larger trans cooler for any towing. Use the best ATF, never cheap brands, put in an additive from Lubegard for the specific transmission and ATF type. The transmission is the weakest link for towing. I don't know what other choices are available for all engines or year models similar to yours(I'd look into that for sure).

 

[410Fortune]

does the trailer have surge brakes or electric brakes? Make sure they are working
Even if you can pull it, can you stop it? Safely? In an emergency stop?

Its easy to pull something
Its a different story to safely stop and control a load

 

[CDW6212R]

That's very true also. There were bigger brake options on the later models a couple of years newer. Those may be an upgrade you can do, or find a little later truck that has them. Keep fresh brake fluid in any vehicle with hard usage, like towing. Old fluid does reduce braking ability. Use the best pads also, and no cheap brand rotors.

Any vehicle can do better at towing with these various improvements and higher care of parts. You did ask, and these things can help a lot. Enjoy the new boat safely, and have fun.

 

[Michael Pigman]

Thank you all. This is good advice. The trailer has surge brakes that probably need to be looked at. The explorer should be in good shape, but I'll certainly get it looked at. Thanks again