Thinking about an Explorer

[jasonnb]

Here's the situation. I have a 19' boat on a tandem axle trailer with electric brakes on one axle. I weighed it at the truck scales and it is 4200lbs with full tanks and toys. I currently tow it with my '99 F-150 Supercab 2wd with the 4.6, 220hp, 265lbft V8, Auto, 3.55ls gears. Great vehicle for this load with just enough power to cruise at 65 in OD without hunting for gears. Usually tow 40 miles each way to he lake, all interstate. Get ~18-19 highway, ~12-14 towing.

However, we are thinking about tossing the wife's minivan and my 150 for a newer, say 04. explorer/mountaineer. V8's aren't that plentiful around here and command a stiff premium. With the V6 with 3.73's get me a similar tow to my current 150 power wise? If I remember right, the 4.0 SOHC is 210hp, 254lbft, and makes max torque at a lower RPM than my SOHC 4.6 (3600 vs. 4000 or such)

Gas mileage is a big concern. Trying to stay in the range of the minivan which gets ~19 average with 60% town, 40% highway driving.

Any opinions? Sure I would like the V8, but like the price and apparent mpg of the V6. Would likely go 4x4, but may stay 4x2 with a LS rear if they exist.

Generally the towing will be with my wife and two small children with the AC on, and occasionally 4 adults + the kids.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Nice post-

I think the biggest problem you face is the total towing capacity of the V6 models. Depending on the gear ratio its equipped with, your boat is near to its max capacity. One with 3.73's may do the job OK, but I'd invest in an additional trans cooler.

Hopefully someone who tows with a 3rd gen will jump in here and help.

 

[CDW6212R]

You should find one with the 5R55W transmission, the 1st gear is a lot better than the past autos, near 3.2:1 ratio. My 98 4R70W has a 2.84:1 ratio, that 3.2 ratio makes a lot of difference when taking off, reducing strain on the TC and fluid.

Do add another cooler, change to Amsoil, and find a V8 from somewhere else. The prices are much different in other locals, same for 4WD/2WD trucks. Good luck,