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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
I have an 09 Adrenalin with the V8 and a six speed transmission. We pull an Outback 23RS with it. It is 5010 lbs dry with a 7000 GVWR. With a head wind you really know that the trailer is behind you. Without a strong wind I get about 25 litres/100km (10 mpg). We've all over Alberta and Saskatchewan this year including some big hills, but didn't get West of the Rockies this year. You won't set any speed records going up hills, but it downshifts and gets to the top just fine. I never use cruise when towing and get up some speed on the flats before a hill so that I have more momentum.
The engine computer gets totally confused when you go from normal city or highway driving to towing a trailer. The fuel economy and "km to empty" are useless until you've towed for a tank or gas or two. Just don't trust them and fill before you think you'll need to and you'll be fine. We ran out of gas 20 km (12 miles) short of the next town the first time we towed the new trailer, but the trailer tires were way, way, way under inflated.
We used to pull a 3200 lb hybrid. You could hardly tell that it was there. The old trailer was a single axle and you felt every single bump in the road. The new tandem axle is much more smooth. So much so that my wife even commented on it.
TXBOYINNC,
Hey, i am in pretty much the same boat as you. I have a 2007 sport trac limited v8
4x4. I am looking at a keystone bullet 281. it is 31 feet and dry wieght is 5100 lbs. did you end up getting your TT? If so, how does it tow? I really like this trailer, but i am just really really nerveous on getting it because of the weight and the lenth. does anyone out there have ANY suggestions at all? Is this too much for my truck? any help is appreciated!!!
FWIW I average 17 MPG in my '07 V8 Sport Trac on the highway. I tried for better mileage, but when I drive slow and like a granny, I barely top 18 MPG, and if I throw mileage to the wind and use WOT to pass road hogs, mileage only drops to no less than 16. That's without a trailer, and with ~1/4 ton payload. So 10 MPG with a trailer doesn't seem too bad.
Never mind the weight, look at the 30' length! Add the length of the trailer tongue and the truck bed, and you're getting mighty close to being as long as a 40' semi trailer.
If it's just you and the missus, you might think about downsizing to around 20' or so. If you have kids, consider summer camp...
Been awhile since I posted here, but we finally did get a trailer. Its a 2007 Jayco Jay Feather Ultra lite 245 exp. Dry weight is around 4500lbs. The length is 26'. We pick it up monday. I am a little nervous, but have had the Trac serviced and its ready to go. First big trip planned to the NC Outer Banks in a week. At least its flat.
The Trac did awesome!! I towed the trailer about 40 miles yesterday to get it home with no problem. Towing it about 250 miles on Monday to the Outer Banks. With the weight distribution hitch and sway bar, could hardly tell it was back there.
Just got back from the outer banks and the Trac did awesome. The only complaint is that the floorboards got really hot. I had to keep the a/c pumping down there just to deal with it. Has anyone else had this problem?
From what I have been told by a few people is that the heat is coming from the exaust system, the convert mostly. They gave me a few ways to fix it. I will have to research some more.
When the engine is under more load the cat will heat up. If you get a cat-back exhaust then it might flow faster and not get as hot. Maybe. It's worth a shot.
Just get the tranny flushed more often if you're going to a tow frequently and otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.
