Towing and Mod. Question

[stealth1]

Hello.

My question is, I have a 97 2wd explorer and I want to pull a 23' camper. Do they make a power chip for this explorer? Also would helper springs help in the back or would a equilizer hitch be the way to go. Also would I need a tranny and/or a oil cooler. Are there any mods that I would really benifit from or need to stay away from. My explorer is in great shape and I don't want to buy a new truck just to pull a camper a few times a year. Thanks alot everyone!!!!!

 

[Alec]

I'd get this equipment:

Air leveling kit from Explorer Express
KKM intake: www.kustomz.com
Custom catback exhaust
Apten chip www.apten-us.com
and definately a tranny cooler.

 

[section525]

Welcome to the forum!

What motor you got?!

 

[RiverRat]

How much does something like that weigh? If you don't have one already get a cooler for the trans.

 

[stealth1]

It has the 4 liter V-6.

 

[DocVijay]

Originally posted by stealth1
It has the 4 liter V-6.

Which one, the older OHV or the newer SOHC?

 

[stealth1]

It has the SOHC. The camper is about 3800lbs.

 

[Nate1]

I would do an oilchange before the trip... and a few weeks before get your trannie flushed and have a cooler installed at the same time. Also, be sure your gear ratio is pretty low. You can find it out by looking at the 'Axle Code' on the doorjamb of your drivers side door. Tell it to us here, and we'll tell you what you've got.
You definatly need a trannie cooler on the 5R55E imho, and you might want to check into having this TSB performed if you have not already.
TSB 02-13-8: Transmission - 4R44E - 4R55E- 5R44E- 5R55E- LOW LOINE PRESSURE READING AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) - SLIPPING SHIFTS AND/OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS - POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0732, P0733, P1762 SWT - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/1/2001

FORD: 1995-2001 EXPLORER
1995-2002 RANGER
1996-1997 AEROSTAR
1999-2002 EXPLORER SPORT
2001-2002 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC

MERCURY: 1997-2001 MOUNTAINEER

Some vehicles built prior to 12/1/2001 may exhibit the following shift and engagement conditions:

1. Low line pressure readings while in DRIVE at WOT
2. No 2nd gear
3. No 3rd gear
4. No engine braking in manual 1st
5. Slipping shifts and/or delayed engagments
6. DTCs P0732, P0733 or P1762 may be present


-----Nate

 

[stealth1]

The axel code is 45 (TR) (D) (SPR) (FF) thats what I found if any of this is right or if helps. This is awesome thanks for all the great posts!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Nate1]

http://www.vibratesoftware.com/html_help/html/Ford/Ford_Explorer_1992-2003.htm

Thats 3.55 open. Thats not bad, but its not as low of a ratio as what comes with the towing package (I believe).
Regearing is probably overkill for a towing once or twice, but if you are going to be towing often, I would switch to something like 4.10s or 3.73s
-----Nate

 

[MikeTEC]

Stealth: I have towed a lot with Explorers... might do a search under towing or towing tips. Lots of good information available. If your travel trailer is 8' wide and 23' long, you are going to be struggling, honestly, with the 4.0L, due to air drag and short wheelbase. I would not recommend over a 19' trailer max. Lighter weight 7' wide travel trailers don't have as much air drag for Explorers and the visability is much better.

Should you do want to try towing, get a good quality weight distribution hitch, along with a sway bar. Any RV shop can fix you up. Reese and EZ Lift are good brands of WDHs. A WDH transfers the hitch weight off the rear of the tow vehicle to all four wheels and to the wheels of the travel trailer, thus making both truck and trailer function a one unit.

You really need at least a 3.73 or better yet, a 4.10 axle for towing. It will make the job a lot easier. Best of luck! Mike

 

[stealth1]

All great replies, Thanks to everyone!! Any ideas on needing an oil cooler? Will the tranny cooler, eqalizer hitch and Cone filter be enough or is a power module still be needed?

 

[PicoG4]

Well theres no such thing as too much power. If you buy the module the x is going to be peppier and more fun to drive. I don't see a downside besides spending money 

 

[Robert]

What is the frontal surface square footage of the trailer? My '97 Owner's guide lists the maximum at 50 ft.sq. That is just a hair over 7' wide and 7' tall. I somehow think a 23' trailer would likely exceed this.

 

[Bill H]

Towing

3.55 gears max towing would be about 3,000 pounds with the 4.0. Now the dirty little trick that you may not know..... that 3,000 pounds INCLUDES....you,your passengers,your gear,your food,water,and the rating is REDUCED if you have a 4x4(it adds weight),oh yes!! and a half tank of gas.There is a towing rule called the 75% rule...max towing is 75% which for 3,000 pounds is 2250 pounds.This supposedly gives you room for your gear,etc. Hope that helps Bill