Towing capacity

[bimmerpowered]

I would imagine that my 2001 Explorer Sport doesn't have the towing capacity to car my BMW (about 3200 lbs). What do I need to do or what do I need to beef up the vehicle so I can safely tow it? I want to hit VIR and some other tracks further from MD, but don't want to end up stranded if something happens to the car...

 

[Alec]

You'd be fine flat towing it, but with the added weight of a trailer shouldn't do it for a long distance.

 

[bimmerpowered]

Originally posted by Alec
You'd be fine flat towing it, but with the added weight of a trailer shouldn't do it for a long distance.

I was thinking of putting the car on a trailer. Don't want to flat tow (I assume you mean just towing along directly behind me) it for 3 hours down to VA or NY. Argghhh...

What do I need to do to beef it up? or can it be done?

 

[SplashMan]

Tranny cooler (if you don't have the tow package), set of add-a-leafs and/or set of Helwig "helper" springs (I run both on mine). If you are doing the trailer, definitely have electric brakes on it.

 

[Alec]

Mine towed 5000# for 200 miles without a problem with the drivetrain. However, the leaf springs were practically ruined. I also have a beefy tranny cooler. Over 3500# definately isn't best for the truck though.