Max Tow weight on an 96-X w/4.0L ??

[96_explorer.com]

Hey all,, as you know,, I just purchased an new boat and I am kinda cerious if I am over or close to the limit on towing my boat.

I have an 96 X w/ 4.0L (AT) all stock

My boat weighs close to 4K and I am thinking the my X--- might be pusing it to the limit. I have to take OD off and tow and seems to be under-powered. Thank God that I have surge brakes on the trailer... if not... I think I be having allot of problems doing stops.

If you all can recommend any mods that I should or wortj do to get my X- up to an peppier power let me know?

Or should I just get an Expedition and call it an day??


thanks

 

[Alec]

I think the manual says 3500. If you're towing more than that regularly, I'd be worried about your tranny; but most other systems should be fine.

 

[Alec]

Oh, and since you're in Austin; I can show you some power mods

 

[JLP]

96_explorer.com,

I am in the same situation as you. I have a 96 xlt 4.0 4x4 and use it to tow my boat. I actually figure my towed weight to be about 5k which I am sure is over the Max for the vehicle (if not it should be). I had a Class III 5000lb under bumper reciever installed as the step bumper is 3,500 max (plus I never trust bumper mounted hitches). My boat trailer is a tandem so the tongue weight is not to bad and the Exp does not sag more than 2 inches. All this said I am glad that I slip the boat and only have to tow about 10mi on 25-40mph roads 3-4 times a year. I did drive on the freeway once (when I picked up the boat) for about 40mi and it didnt seem too bad once up to speed (60mph). With surge brakes on the trailer stopping was ok. Didnt get have to deal with crosswinds and large trucks on a 2 lane hwy (always a sway problem with many trailers).

All said I am going to start shopping for an Expedition. Im sure that even my limited towing is taking its toll on the Explorer and I want to take some trips away from my home lake.

Check the weight of your boat.... my boat is listed at 3600 lbs, add 1000 for the trailer, and couple hundred lbs for gas and beer. and Im at 5k easy. It adds up quicker than you think.

Have fun with the new boat.

Several good boating forums
www.offshoreonly.com
www.hotboat.net
www.boatered.com
www.goboating.com
www.trailerboating.com

 

[96_explorer.com]

Thanks all.

So the MAX towing capacity is ONLY 3500Lbs??

If so... looks like I am at max on towing my boat.

I figure my boat weighs about 2400LBS,
then my fuel tank on the boat is 33 gallons.. so IF I towed w/ full tank of gas that will be ruffly 275lbs.

My trailer is about 700lbs + .
So 2400+275+700 = 3375 LBS... and that is not includeing the gear I will add in the boat like Skis, vest, Ice Chest.. Oh then my SUV with 3- adults and 1 kid.

I think I need to upgrade... what U all think???

Suggestions???
Comments???

thanks all!

 

[JLP]

With your towed weight around 3500 I would say you are ok. The bumper is rated at 3500 but I think the vehicle is slightly higher (exact rating vary all over the place but 4200 is in my mind for some reason). Believe it or not 4x4 is rated LESS than a 4x2 for towing capacity (due to the increased weight of the vehicle). Anyway with your towed weight around 3500 I would add a under bumper class III hitch (check out UHAUL) and with trailer brakes you should be fine. You might want to add a tranny cooler if you have mountains to contend with.

Start out towing short distances till you get the feel of the trailer and how your vehicle responds. If after a couple of trips you are uncomfortable with the towing capabilities of your Explorer then you might want to look at stepping up. I am currently looking at Expeditions but will probably have to wait till next year.

 

[MikeTEC]

Towing is all about useable torque and a good tow axle ratio. Your 96 4.0 liter reaches torque about 2400 RPM, as I remember, which is excellent for that size engine. You could check the axle code. Best ratios for towing are 3.73 and 4.10. You may want to take a look at changing to these ratios if you have a 3.27, ect.. Mike

 

[96_explorer.com]

Thanks all!! After FREAKIN out IF my "X" would not pull the 3800# boat, it did a great job pulling it up the hill(s) here! Also the boat ramp being very wet,, my X tug that boat out w/o no hesitation at all,,, even my tires did not spin. My wife was kissin the dash of her X to make sure it pulled it out of the water.
I am excited to say that I was glad that I did not have to trade in our X to get somethine bigger!!

now I know I can depend on my X to do the towing job on our boat. Oh yea the OD button was offf all the time. All the boat was, was a morning jog for her!!

Thanks,

Oh here are some pics of my X and our boat!

Dead Link Removed


Oh BTW... there was an 2002 F150 crewcab next to us down on the ramp loading there own boat and the guy that owned the f150 had an smaller boat and they got stuck on the ramp trying to pull there boat. I think they had issues w/ bad tire traction,,, I felt bad and wanted my wife to kiss the dash board of there F150 to make sure it would get unstuck or at least try harder,,, but then my wife said she would not do that,,, being unfaitful to her X .... her X would get jealous and NOT want to tow our boat again,,, so as we climb the ramp w/ our eXplorer,,, we just waved to the guy w/ the F150 and told him goodluck. I think he was on the phone getting help from some1 to pick them up,, or maybe get a vehicle that had better tire traction to get there boat out off the ramp. lol

 

[MikeTEC]

Glad to hear a fellow Texan had success. Are you experiencing rear end sag with the boat attached? If not great, but if you are, might consider Hellwig's progressive helper spring. That is what I am considering. Also I have switched to Mobil 1 snythetic transmission fluid to help with hot Texas heat during summers. Good luck! Mike

 

[96_explorer.com]

Miketec,

I got a little bit of sag,,, but maybe the rear went down to about 1" if that. Its no biggie.
--------

I am very surpriised that an 160HP 4.0L can tow this 3000+ LBS boat w/ full gear and family in the X.

I also keep it out of OD. I diffentatly can feel the boat behind me while in tow. Up pretty steep hills my top speed is about 50mph and thats w/ no mods at all.

Heres a picture of my X and the boat about to go on a lake trip to Lake Travis

 

[MikeTEC]

Nice picture, 96_EX. Lake Travis is a good lake. While not as large, Lake Belton is a really beautiful small lake and if you come during the weekdays, it is quiet with very few boats. I have a 93 EB with the 4.0 and your 96 is an every better 4.0 OHV. Pound for pound, it will outpull all other 4.0 GMs on the road. Better hang on to it. It is a great engine! Having pulled with mine to the coast during 108 degrees tempertures in Texas, I know pulling with the overdrive off will save your transmission. The Explorer is a short wheelbase vehicle and while my 96 V-8 Limited has tons of power, I still know the travel trailer is back there. Even long wheelbase pickup owners know they have a load attached. Be skeptical if someone tells you differently. Good luck! Mike

 

[96_explorer.com]

MikeTec,

Thanks for the complement . EB are great boats also. I dont know what the 93 looks like,, if you got some pics post up?

I been to Lake Belton one time about 2-summers ago and had a great time!
Is the water level there constant, or does it go down also? If so where is the water level at?
Hows the fishing out there?

- I am planning on getting more HP's for the X,,, but I am needing to get with Alec (SPLAT) (that also lives here in Austin area) sometime soon so he can recommend some mods to put on my X that will be the best bang for the buck!!

Well you take care and take care of the X . So far I am very happy with mine. No problems what so ever.

 

[MikeTEC]

96_Explorer: Don't have any pics of my 93 EB as I don't have a digital camera yet. It is electric red with mocha trim, 2wd with 3.73 LS. Ordered it from the factory and have keep it close to showroom condition although it is a daily driver. Our first grandchild is on the way so I had better get with the camera program! If interested in other towing information you might do a search under "towing" for information I have written along with other members. Lake Belton is not a constant level lake..not sure about its depth now. Divers used to have competition meets there due to its clarity. Has some really big catfish by the dam! More security/helicopters on patrol from Ft. Hood these days. In modifying your 4.0 OHV, be careful not to disturb its excellent practical and useable, low end torque range...2400 RPMs or its reputation for high milage/longevity. It is truly a well designed engine as is. Best of luck! Mike

 

[96_explorer.com]

Miketec
Yea the low range torque is great on my 96 X I am very happy with that. I can even be at idel and release the brake pedal and the X would move the boat in tow .

Unlike my fathers 2001 Blazer (4.3L/190hp) you have the gas it some to get his boat to start moveing with his blazer and his boat is about 1K lighter (bass boat / outboard) then mine. Funny huh?

But what I actually like to improve is the highway passing power. After about 65 mph the power seems to be lacking a bit. So thats actually where I what some more power to go.
But anything I plan on doing as for mods will only be bolt-on's. I plan on getting full exhaust system (maybe gibson or flowmaster) and a K&N filter/intake system.
As for computer chips... I have no idea yet,,, maybe a programmer if they even make it for the X... which I assume there is one . These X's gots allot of upgrade options... that why Fords # 1 IMHO.

Take care of that EB,,, and if you ever plan on coming up Lake Travis send me an IM or E-mail.... we can maybe meet up and then go to Devils Cove and party out there with all the other adventerous people there that chill there. Lots to do here in the summer. Very fun.
Take care and
Good Night,

 

[MikeTEC]

96_Explorer: I read a lot of technical towing information in magazines like Trailer Life and other RV magazines. From technicians/mechanics who write articles, the single best power upgrade one can make in their towing vehicle is a good set of headers. Especially if they are designed for increased useable towing torque. Most of the headers I have found are designed for horsepower increases on the upper end of the power range. My wife and I are looking for a good RV camping park around Lake Travis, so if you see a good one, let me know. Thanks and happy towing/boating! Mike