Towing setup, anything I missing?

[dardie72]

I am purchasing a 23' trailer weighing dry approx 4000lbs. I've got a 96 Explorer XLT 4x4 with auto/4.0L. I already purchased the weight distribution hitch, and a Reese class 3 receiver hitch and a Reese digital brake controller.

I already commited to getting a 2nd tranny cooler, and a temp gauge to monitor.

Is there anything else I need or would be suggested to add to the setup. 90% of the trips will be around 60km, with only a few hills to climb with a few long hauls here and there.

Thanks in advance.
D

 

[wood1]

Full synthetic fluid, maybe a shift kit to cut down on shift overlap to help keep things cool and an electric fan on your secondary (largest you can fit) cooler. You could just hook it to a switch and relay to control it yourself, hills etc...

Also, never tow in overdrive.

Good luck and welcome to the site.

 

[Donner]

Welcome! How about those mirrors that extend your side view? Can't depend on a cell phone, I learned, do you have a cb? These are things that you probably already know, but just in case.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

That is a whole lot of camper for a 4.0. Is the 4000 lbs a dry weight or actual weight?

A big, big trans cooler, a gauge would be a good idea also. Then start a savings account for a new transmission, I doubt it will live long towing that.

 

[dardie72]

Thanks for the welcome.

I plan to take it easy on it and thats why i going to install the cooler/gauges... so I can help my poor little truck as much as I can .

Used to have a CB, got rid of it long time ago. Where I'm gonna drive it we have cell coverage. It'll be the 1 or 2 long hauls that will worry me the most.

Its been a very reliable vehicle so far.

 

[gijoecam]

It's likely 4000 lbs dry... wet it'll be around 5k, I'm sure. That's a whole lotta weight for an Explorer. Even with a WDH, you'll be at or near you rear axle weight rating. You'd be surprised how little tongue weight you can actually put on the back of an Explorer without overloading it.

Don't guess at the numbers: WEIGH THE RIG!!! It costs $9 at any CAT scale-equipped truck stop in the lower 48 and eliminates all the guesswork. Roll the rig across the scale, then drop the trailer in the parking lot, weigh the tow vehicle, and go get the weights. From the numbers generated, you'll be able to determine the trailer axle weight, trailer tongue weight, trailer gross weight, and see both axle weights on the tow vehicle. You want to make sure you don't exceed the rear axle weight rating. Even when properly set-up with a WDH, it's possible to be over on one or both axles after you load the hitch and pile the kids and dog in the back seat.

-Joe

 

[francis tibbetts]

All truck stop Cat Scale platforms are in sections so you can set the trailer on one section and the tow vehicle on another. Depending on the spacing you'll likely be able to use a third section to determine the front and back wheel weights of the xplorer. In any case if a second go around on the scale is needed they all charge only $1 for the second trip, assuming it's within a few minutes of the first.

 

[brianjwilson]

HD shocks, airbags, lower gears, good sturdy LT tires..?
That's a lot of camper for a short wheel base 4.0 auto. If it's advertised 4k dry, it's probably closer to 4.5k dry. Water, propane, food and cooking supplies, etc, it adds up fast.

I think what you're missing is a bigger truck?
Good luck though, it's doable but it's not going to be comfortable I think.

 

[dardie72]

I actually decided to upgrade, I figure the Explorer wouldnt last too long if I pushed it. I ended up getting a 98 Expedition with the 5.4L and has no problems towing it in town. A couple more weeks and its out to the campground.

Thanks