Requirements for Towing

[mahughesnh]

I have an un-modified 2001 Explorer Sport. 4.0 V6-SHOC, Auto transmission, 4x4.

We are considering buying a small (18-20ft) travel trailer that may max out around 3200 lbs with luggage, dry goods, etc. I am planning to have a Class III hitch installed because I prefer having a margin of safety. What other mods should I make. Should I get a transmission cooler and an oil cooler? I sort of figure it wouldn't hurt in any case, but I am interested in other peoples experiences.

I have tried talking to the dealer where I bought it, but that was like trying to get an answer from myself. So I thought I would ask other people with the same vehicles.

Thanks for any input you may have!

Mike

 

[JDraper]

Tranny cooler is a definite!! Oil cooler is also helpful, but not as important as the tranny cooler. I'm assuming you are going to have electric trailer brakes, but you might also want to consider going to synthetic brake fluid to help prevent brake fade.

 

[MikeTEC]

Mike: A good quality transmission cooler is a must. Next, take a look at air shocks, extra leafs in your rear springs or an equilizer hitch. Both your truck and trailer needs to be level when hooked up w/o sag. Also consider an anti-sway bar which you will probably find invaluable with a short wheelbase sport to help with passing truck side draft and cross winds. Many lightweight trailers today are 7' wide vs. 8' wide. Trailers 7' wide are made for mid-sized vehicles, have less frontal area and wind resistance, and in my opinion, are much easier to tow. MikeTEC

 

[mahughesnh]

Thanks for the input!

I want to thank both of you for your input.

I already have front and rear sway bars. I know that an equalizer hitch is the only way to go. What are the better brands?

I want to get a transmission and oil cooler even if I don't absolutely need one. What are the brands to go with? This is the kind of purchase where I won't consider cost very much and I will consider quality most.

The thought of synthetic brake fluid is a good one. I hadn't thought of that.

Again, I appreciate the input.

Mike Hughes

 

[jimbo74]

what is your axle code? do you already have a tow package?

 

[mahughesnh]

Axle code

I don't know the axle code, but I have the 3.73 non locking axle.

Does that help?

Mike Hughes

 

[jimbo74]

stock axles never had a locking option... are you reffering to the trac-loclimited slip? also how do you know you have the 3.73 ratio? on the drivers doorjamb there is a sticker... it sasy axle toward the bottom... what #s or letters do youy have?

 

[mahughesnh]

Axle Code

I checked and the axel code is "46".

Mike Hughes

 

[ok89]

Yup thats the Open 3.73

 

[leebo]

www.campingworld.com

Check them out. We've done all our shopping there, and love them.

 

[MikeTEC]

Mike: It is my pleasure to help another Explorer owner who tows. My wife and I have owned several trailers over 30 years. The sway bar I was speaking of is a sway control bar that attaches to the side of the tongue to the trailer and then to the hitch. It prevents the trailer from swaying when trucks pass. There are several good hitch and towing equipment manufacturers. Hidden hitch, Drawtite and U-Hual make a class III tubular hitch that is partially "hidden" that looks nice on the newer 97-01 Explorers. Reese is particularly known for good towing equipment. MikeTEC

 

[mahughesnh]

MikeTEC

Thanks for the advice.

Hidden Hitch and Drawtite I have heard of. Reese I have not. I will look into the sway control bar. That sounds like something that I should have.

I have very little experience towing, so any advice is very welcome. We have not purchased a trailer yet, but are hoping to right after the first of the year.

Any other advice would be appreciated.

Thanks again.

And thanks to everyone else who responded. None of the advice will go to waste!

Mike Hughes

 

[MikeTEC]

Mike: It is hard to get "all the eggs in one basket" when buying a trailer. As I mentioned before, the 7 foot wide lightweights from 17'-21' are really popular now. Everyone is trying to save on gas and these trailers tow great behind Explorers, especially with the 3.73 axle. I have that ratio in my 93 which I bought new and have pulled all over Texas with no problem. Transmission cooler quality varies and like most things, you get what you pay for. Mike TEC

 

[MikeTEC]

Mike: One other recommendation...be sure you use the right gear when towing. Towing in overdrive is not recommended on my 93 Explorer. I always tow in drive which is recommended on 93s. Not sure what is recommended on 01s but your owners manual should tell you. I have 106Kmiles and much of that has been towing miles. MikeTEC

 

[mahughesnh]

Thanks MikeTEC

Thanks for the input. It does help. Particularly since the dealer has been of no help as far as recommendations are concerned.

We are looking at one of the new 7' wide models. It is by Trail-Lite and called the Bantam. Has all the benefits of a pop-up with all the benefits of a standard trailer. It is light weight and is very easily within the towing capability of either of our Explorers. But we are only planning on having the '97 for three more years. The '01 we plan on having longer so that is the one we are planning to equip to tow.

You mentioned Reese hitches and I noticed from their website that they have that sway bar option that you mentioned. I haven't checked out the others that you mentioned, but I am approaching this very slowly and methodically. We are not planning to purchase the trailer until next year, so I have time to shop for the right combination of components.

Thanks again for your help.

Mike Hughes

 

[MikeTEC]

Mike: My wife and I just returned from Corpus Christi and Padre Island camping trip. About 900 miles round trip. I have a 17' Casita we tow. I pulled up the Trail-Lite site and it looks like a very well made trailer. Aluminum construction is definately a plus. It appears you have done your homework on trailers. One option you should consider is a roof mounted a/c unit. I see they have a 13,500 BTU model that should work well. I have had good luck with Coleman A/C units. MikeTEC

 

[MikeTEC]

Mike: Hope I am not replying too much but just remembered an additional important towing consideration for your new Explorer...you will need air shocks, air suspension or air bags/springs, equalizer hitch or bars, helper springs or some form of rear suspension help to keep your truck and trailer level. MikeTEC