Towing question

[Stang6595]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum and have a question about towing with my Explorer. Its an '01 5.0 with 3.55 gears and I have already installed a frame mount receiver hitch and i have a weight distribution hitch. I am considering buying a travel trailer and would like to know if it can handle it. The travel trailer is 25' long and weighs in right around 4600lbs. Thanks

 

[deweyville65]

The truck may be rated to tow that size load, I'm not sure. But, what I do know is, I sure would not tow that size load with anything less than a heavy half ton truck. Ideally, a three quarter ton would be more appropriate. Too many tow too big a load with too small a tow vehicle.
FWIW, I towed an 18 foot travel trailer with a 2003 Dodge Dakota, once, and only once.

 

[LONO100]

your gearing may be a problem with that type of load.

 

[Stang6595]

I was afraid of that......

 

[deweyville65]

Not only the gearing, but what you gonna do when a gust of wind hits that big ass billboard from the side? I have been blown onto the shoulder of the highway in a big rig during a thunderstorm. Something you may want to consider.

 

[LONO100]

^ there's also that!

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Are you sure your gears are 3.55? I thought all 5.0 Explorers & Mountaineers came with 3.73 gears only.

 

[Stang6595]

Yeah, they are. I looked at the axle code and on the tag on the differential. I didn't really think about it when I bought it. It was in good shape, and well maintained so I jumped on it. Lol