Most of the Explorer vehicles "could" tow heavy loads like that with a bit of work to the suspension, brakes, and perhaps a couple of power adders to the engine, but the transmission on anything less than a V8 model simply will not let you tow that sort of load more than across town once or so before letting you know that it was based on the old Pinto C3 model... :thumbdwn:
I've towed another Explorer on a heavy 2-axle car hauler with my 92, but not for long... I wouldn't dream of actually trying to pull it any distance, like a Moab trip, etc. Heck, I boiled my transmission on the way to Moab running just the vehicle on 31s -- no trailer...
If I were to do something like this, I'd do like suggested ^^^^. That is about the right way to go. I'd also want a weight equalizing hitch and some air bags for the rear springs as well. I'd also run tires 1-2 sizes taller, and then tow in 3 versus OD. With the tire size switch, you bring your 3rd gear RPMs right into line for good freeway speeds.
We regularly tow 7500 behind our Chevy Trailblazer with a couple of simple mods, so that size and type vehicle is not the limiting factor. Granted, a Super Duty is the preferred means (and a goose neck trailer at that) but the SUV type vehicle WILL handle a big load if properly prepped.
We're running 285 x 16 tires, K&N drop in filter, Amsoil everything, modified transmission shift valves, bigger cooler for the tranny, good hitch, etc.
