Poll - Aftermarket hitch users pulling > 2000lbs

[zed512]

Poll - Is anyone taking the risk and pulling around 2000 to 3000 lbs on an aftermarket hitch?
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I understand the implications of doing this and the fact that the car won't have the transmission cooling installed... But, I'm sure as time goes by folks are going to push the manufacturer spec limits.

Do most non-ford SUVs come with transmission cooling?

This is my first Ford... is the new Explorer transmission weak?

 

[1995E]

Do most non-ford SUVs come with transmission cooling?

This is my first Ford... is the new Explorer transmission weak?

My understanding based on what I've heard is that the transmission is made to handle a maximum of 290 horsepower. Other than that, not really sure. If you have select shift, just downshift to the lower gears when towing heavier equipment.

As for the oil cooler, I'm wondering if there is really a transmission oil cooler/ engine oil cooler because all the inlet on the bottom does is bring air to the oil pan to cool it but I have yet to notice or see a separate oil cooling device.

For the hitch, the way they mount it in the factory is a lot stronger than an aftermarket mounted hitch. If you can somehow get a mount that is like the factor option, it'd help a lot.

 

[zed512]

The boat I would like to pull is a 17' footer runabout 1900 lbs then trailer + passengers on top of that so its going to be over the 2000 lbs spec but not by much. I will probably pull the boat 40 miles return trip 8 times a year.

 

[spitfisher]

The boat I would like to pull is a 17' footer runabout 1900 lbs then trailer + passengers on top of that so its going to be over the 2000 lbs spec but not by much. I will probably pull the boat 40 miles return trip 8 times a year.

You'll be fine. What I don't get is a Subaru forester 4 cylinder, with no mention of a factory tow package has a 2400 lbs- a Honda odyssey mini van has a 3500 lb towing capacity, again no mention of a factory tow package.

Even a 2009 explorer 2wd v6 ( 3.23 axel) has a 3500 lb tow capacity- no mention of factory towing package required

 

[zed512]

Yeah I think Ford's factory hitch plus extras maybe super robust for long cross country journeys.

My V6 Touareg with less HP could pull 7000 lbs max on an aftermarket hitch. No transmission cooling... But then it could be more robust to start with.