Towing my new boat

[fordexplorerdude97]

Hello

I finally found the boat that I want to buy, Just have concern for my Explorer, I have a 97 Explorer 4.0 SOHC with the stock transmission cooler. This is the boat that I would most likely be buying. Would there be any transmission problems with my X if I start towing this?

 

[manaen]

nice picture, but there is no way anyone can answer your questions without knowing the information on your boat or your truck. If you search this forum on towing you will find many threads about this very topic. Check you owners manual it will tell you what your truck is rated to pull. There are also a lot of mods that you should probably look into for your tranny. check out these threads

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191138

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189876

 

[fordexplorerdude97]

Thanks

I forgot to mention its about 15 foot and the owner says its under 2500 pounds

 

[CougarX]

It should tow fine. I tow my 21 foot, 3500# runabout with my sport trac (same engine) all the time. It does have a manual tranny but it only has 3.73 gears with 35's which is a lot harder on the truck then a stock tired automatic! A larger transmission cooler can never hurt but I doubt you will have any problem at all with that small a load. On top of that it looks like you're on the East Coast so you don't have to worry about crazy hot weather either. Just check your fluids regularly as you should anyway and you'll be fine.

Now, for the disclaimer part... If you have a 97 i assume you have relatively high mileage on the engine and tranny. The boat will obviously put a little extra load on the driveline. If your transmission is already having any slipping problems or is close to dieing then the boat is going to speed things up, but it isn't going to cause any problems that aren't already there. The boat should be well under the Explorers tow rating so if everything is mechanically sound and well maintained there should be no worry at all.

 

[badge49]

arya6000, I have a '97 XLT and a boat almost identical to the one pictured. My truck has no problem towing the boat/trailer. I do have a tranny cooler, but still use the overdrive button when I tow. My only concern so far with towing the boat is that I have to remember to brake early due to the added weight. (I'm planing on getting cross-drilled rotors to help with that.) Good luck! :navajo:

 

[mawrazen]

Add a Hi-Performance Trans cooler in-line after the radiator!

I just towed a 19' Ski boat from Atlanta to the mountains of PA. I used the bumper hitch, but do recommend a class III after market hitch if possible based on your estimated gross weight. The handling was never better, very stable.

The biggest problem is overheating the transmission fluid. I was smoking going up hill or passing, and found fluid residue on the back of the truck and on the boat. The tranny has to work extra hard, and it causes the fluid to get hot and swell. It then is discharged out of the overfill vent and onto the exhaust, Cats and muffler.

I would also add a pint of transmission fluid coolant. I found some at Advance Auto. I forgot the name, but it states to reduce the fluid temp by "about" 50 degrees.

I have also added a 12 volt DC Fan infront of the stock tranny cooler and a bottle of Water wetter to the radiator.

Haven't had a problem since.

Hope this helps. You Can Do It!

 

[fordexplorerdude97]

I have also added a 12 volt DC Fan infront of the stock tranny cooler and a bottle of Water wetter to the radiator.

Does the fan always run when you turn on the car? I'd like to install one on my stock tranny cooler too, since I have a Radiator fan laying around

 

[mawrazen]

I had a switch on the dashboard. I turn it on or off manually when I am towing.

 

[410Fortune]

heck I towed a 15' bayliner with my BII with a 2.9L and 5 speed.

2500# is not a whole lot, as long as you keep the tranmission cool and keep the transmission from "hunting" you will be 100% okay.

the problem comes later down the line, whenever you buy a boat it only takes a couple of years before you are looking to buy another bigger boat

 

[mawrazen]

So True!

LOL