How much can i tow

[chillione69]

Have a question about towing. I have a 98 explorer xlt, 4ltr sohc.
Just wondering how much I can tow using just the bumper hitch.
Thanx

 

[slpdave]

Not much, the 2000 XLT bumper hitch can only support a small trailer with a mower on it, about 400 pounds total. many people on the forums call the hole for the hitch in the rear bumper a flower holder because you can't pull much without damaging the bumper.

I mow our company's grounds (family business) 1 to 2 times a week and have been doing so for 4 years. I have pulled my small tilt-trailer without any issues but I would be afraid to pull much else without a heftier hitch installed.

David

 

[jp450]

Get a Putnam style hitch and you will be all set to pull about 2000 lbs with out a problem.

 

[spotdog14]

Its really strange, i take it the bumpers for the Ranger and Explorer are extremely different? (i mean they ARE different bumpers, i jsut thought since they shared so much in common they would share the same towable weight etc...) I had an '01 Ranger that I pulled everything with the bumper hitch, but got tired of ripping up the plastic pumper cover so i got a class IV hitch for it.

On our '95 Limited we have a ball on the pumper but have only used it once to pull my ranger out of a field. I would really like to get a class IV like i had on my Ranger, but cannot justify spending ~$200 for a hitch we would hardly ever use.

BTW i would not pull anything with the pumper hitch! lol its very weak!

 

[gijoecam]

Per page 132 in the '98 owner's manual, the bumper hitch is rated for 3500 lbs trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight. For anything over 3500 lbs, they recommend a frame-mounted weight-distributing hitch.

I pull my Jet Ski all the time with it. Never had a problem.

-Joe

 

[Nocturnall]

Yea I had noticed the bumper had that stamped in the plastic so I was wondering about it. With a class 4 hitch how much can a 97 sport 4x4 4.0 ohv tow? Also as a side question I was wondering has anyone put a v8 in the sport?

 

[gijoecam]

It can tow the GCWR from the owner's manual minus the gross weight of the vehicle which varies based on how much fuel is in the tank and how much junk is in the back.

I can't speak for a 97 OHV, but a 98 SOHC 4x4 with the 4.10 rear end can tow 4750 lbs. (9000 GCWR minus 4300lb GVW per my locak truck stop's scale). That 4750 lbs drops for every passenger I put in the vehicle.

Those numbers work out to 50 lbs more than this:

Yourspecific vehicle's towing capacity will depend on how your vehicle is outfitted and how many passengers are in it. A properly loaded and balanced trailer is essential, and that is generally good up to 4000 lbs (assuming an automatic). Tow ratings vary slightly depending on the runnign gear your rig is equipped with.

-Joe

 

[aldive]

I tow a Jeep on a tandom trailer with my 4.0 SOHC 3.73 rear.

 

[slpdave]

Aldive is that jeep and trailer being towed off the bumper or do you have an optional hitch installed?

From everything I've read (I was looking at a camper at one time) the bumper can't support enough tongue weight for a big trailer with a load.

David

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Don't risk it, buy a hitch! They can be bought for a little over $100, sometimes found used for much less. I never, never pull anything on the bumper. I have seen so many bumpers ruined by towing, its not worth the risk. Besides that, every time you hook up your trailer you risk banging up your bumper. Try www.etrailer.com, and see what they have.

http://www.etrailer.com/products.asp?model=Explorer&category=hitch&year=1998&make=Ford&t1=&h=e

 

[aldive]

Aldive is that jeep and trailer being towed off the bumper or do you have an optional hitch installed?

From everything I've read (I was looking at a camper at one time) the bumper can't support enough tongue weight for a big trailer with a load.

David

No, it a Class III Hidden Hitch.

I personally wouldn't tow a bicycle from the bumper.

 

[ma96782]

What GIJOE says is correct, basically you should start by reading your door sticker........here is something I copied:

GM says:

The CWR is the maximum weight of the load your vehicle can carry. It doesn't include the weight of the people inside. But, you can figure about 150 pounds for each seat.

The total cargo load must not be more than your vehicle's CWR.

ALSO......from my owner’s manual (GM):

After you’ve loaded your vehicle and camper, drive to a weigh station and weigh on the front and rear wheels separately. This will tell you the loads on your axles. The loads on the front and rear axles shouldn’t be more than either of the GAWRs. The total of the axle loads should not be more than the GVWR.

Open your vehicle’s driver’s door and look at the Certificate/Tire label to find out your GAWR and GVWR.

If you’ve gone over your weight rating, move or take out some things until all the weights fall below the ratings. Of course, you should always tie down any loose items when you load your vehicle or camper.


If you want more information on curb weights, cargo weights, cargo weight ratings and the correct center of gravity zone for your vehicle, your dealer can help you. Just ask for a copy of “Consumer Information, Truck-Camper Loading.”

Also, there is no set answer as to how much your vehicle can tow safely, GM says:

It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. And, it can depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.

You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write at the address listed in your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.


But, then again GM also says:

If your vehicle comes with the trailering Package, there is also a load rating which includes the weight of the vehicle and the trailer it tows. This rating is called the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).

When you weigh your trailer, be sure to include the weight of everything you put in it. And, remember to figure the weight of the people inside as part of your total.

Your dealer can help you determine your GCWR.

CWR = Cargo Weight Rating
GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GCWR = Gross Combination Weight Rating
GAWR = Gross Axle Weight Rating



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Aloha,Mark

PS......BEWARE OF ALL THIS.......cause, IF you exceed your ratings and get into an accident......it's almost a slam dunk, for a lawyer looking for liability.