Newbie with question, could use your advice

[bobroperfan]

Hey everyone, I am new here and need a little expertise from someone who knows.

I have a 2004 4x4 explorer with the 4.0 v6.

I am on the market for a camper but want to make sure I am looking at campers that my vehicle can comfortabley haul. I know nothing about this issue and the owners manual is like reading japanese.

All I want to know is how big of a trailer can I haul, what is the weight limit of the trailer. The explorer came with a hitch, that indicates a max of 3500 lbs and 350 tongue. What does all of this mean?

I am looking at campers that are anywhere form 19 to 29 Ft, but don't know how practical a 29ft would be for this vehicle to haul. If anyone can help, so I don;t waste a bunch of time looking at trailers that are too big for my explorer. We do travel through the mountains quite a bit, so this would need to be a factor in the desicion as to how big a tralier I can haul.

Thanks ahead for your help.

 

[2001ExpSport]

The explorer came with a hitch, that indicates a max of 3500 lbs and 350 tongue. What does all of this mean?

Exactly that, you're towing capacity is 3500 lbs. Basically the trailer/camper fully loaded with gear.

The tongue weight is directly on the tongue of the hitch/hitch ball. All trailers/campers come with a tongue rating and empty weight rating.

Stay within the limits and you will be fine. You should also drive with OD off while towing. It is easier on the tranny. BTW, you are limited to Class 2 trailers.

Try this site:
http://www.atvsuspensiontech.com/towing.htm

Matt