Tow Package??

[croady]

This may be a really, really dumb question but I'm a female that knows absolutely nothing about cars.

Is there a way I can tell if I have a tow package on my 2007 Ford Explorer?

Thanks!
Chantel

 

[gjblanchard]

Yes. If it has the tow package, it will have a "large" (2") square receiver in/under the center of the back bumper and to the left of that will be a circular socket with a spring-loaded flap.

If it does not have the tow package, it will have a "small" (1") square receiver in/under the center of the back bumper and the wire connector will be a small rectangular connector to the left and beneath the bumper.

There is a sticky that you can use to get a copy of the window sticker for your explorer if you have the vin number. If your truck is equipped with the tow package it will be indicated on the sticker.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Gary

 

[paulyjsob]

Do you have a V6 or V8? Adding a tow package to a V8 is pretty easy. Just install a tow receiver with a 2" receiver and add a transmission cooler.
If you have a V6, it gets more complicated because the V6 tow package also adds 3.73 gearing.

 

[feetwet]

Do you have a V6 or V8? Adding a tow pa
ckage to a V8 is pretty easy. Just install a tow receiver with a 2" receiver and add a transmission cooler.
If you have a V6, it gets more complicated because the V6 tow package also adds 3.73 gearing.

I have a 2006 v8 xlt that has the smaller class 3 receiver. are you saying that my ex does not have a trans cooler big enough for heavier towing?

if so, are there any good threads on here about upgrading the cooler?

upgrading the hitch is easy.

why do so many v8 models seem to come with the smaller hitch while most of the v6 models got the bigger class 4 receiver?

 

[paulyjsob]

I think the towing package for the V8 consists of a class 4 receiver and transmission cooler. So no, I don't think you have the tranny cooler. I'm not sure if a tranny cooler is a DIY job or not, but I have heard its an easy install for a tranny shop. If you plan on towing over 3000lbs, I would definitely get the cooler.
Around here, most explorer/mountaineers that I see have the smaller class 2 receiver. Not sure why. I bought my 07 mountaineer used and had a hell of a time finding a V8 with the tow package.

 

[willied]

I got lucky and found a V8 with the Tow Package. Though most V8s I have seen have the tow package.

 

[croady]

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[croady]

Yikes!! It's a rectangle connector with three round holes. So this probably means that I do not have the tow package. Right??

 

[higney85]

My wife's V-6 has the factory tow package (Class III/IV according to the receiver) and DOES have a tow package. In looking at the spec sheet it appears there were a few tow package options and only the top 1 or 2 also included a tranny cooler + hitch. All explorers have a cooler but that's through the radiator. Look behind the grill, ours in on the top left side in front of the radiator.

 

[thebrakeman]

croady - Right. 4-flat connector and 1-1/4" receiver is NOT the factory HD towing package. You have 3500 lbs, Class 2 towing capability, regardless of engine.

Like someone said, if you have the V8, you can simply upgrade your receiver to the Class III/IV unit, and have a trans cooler added, and you will be set for full tow rating somewhere around 7000-7300 lbs.

If you have the V6, you are stuck at 3500 lbs MAX, unless you upgrade your rear axle.

 

[feetwet]

I got a quote of about $250 to add a trans cooler to my V8

 

[thebrakeman]

If the area under the radiator is exposed, such that the bumper and other items DON'T need to be removed, then this quote is very high. Parts aren't more than $75 for a good one, and 30 minutes of labor. I'm thinking $150 tops.

But if the area is closed up, and other items need to be removed, then $250 could be about right.

 

[croady]

Thanks Brakeman!! Seems I'll be stuck with what I've got because I've got a V6! : (