Towing with my 96

[Trainmstr]

Hi again. Just bought a used boat that I will be towing alot in Florida. It is a dual axel trailer with disc brakes. Boat weights 2,500 with motor less fuel (100 gal.). I have 5.0 V8 2WD with factory towing package and frame mounted hitch riding on Michelin LTX MS P235/70R15, shocks are Monroes less than 10K on them, front and rear sway bars have Moog repair links on them. Tried to get poly bushing kit for rear suspention but no one makes it. I have heard horror stories of Explorers swaying down the road while towing. Is there anything specific I need to do to the truck to make it more stable while towing?

 

[Green98XLT]

I'd say you'll be fine. All you can do is hook it up and see!

 

[justin146]

I tow alot more weight with mine (double axle trailer with a Range Rover on it) and have never had problems. I do turn the OD off though. Does the trailer have surge breaks or does it need a brake controller?

Your trailer will sway if you dont have enough tongue weight. The boat should be almost balanced on the trailer with only around 100 lbs of tongue weight.

 

[Trainmstr]

Thanks for the reply. The trailer has surge brakes, their brand new S/S disc brakes. From what I read I thought I should have 200lbs. tongue weight (5-10% of load). That is what a trailer pamphlet said at "US Boats" store. Towing is new to me.

 

[Skibug]

I tow a 4000# boat and trailer combo with my 96 v6 sport with no problems. Added a tranny cooler, 4 pack leaf springs, and I was good to go.

 

[Kadahaf]

I tow a 2500 Lb. Cobia single axle, but I have a u-haul hitch not the fatory like you

 

[je5]

A sway control system will make it very stable.Hi again. Just bought a used boat that I will be towing alot in Florida. It is a dual axel trailer with disc brakes. Boat weights 2,500 with motor less fuel (100 gal.). I have 5.0 V8 2WD with factory towing package and frame mounted hitch riding on Michelin LTX MS P235/70R15, shocks are Monroes less than 10K on them, front and rear sway bars have Moog repair links on them. Tried to get poly bushing kit for rear suspention but no one makes it. I have heard horror stories of Explorers swaying down the road while towing. Is there anything specific I need to do to the truck to make it more stable while towing?

A sway control system will make it very stable.

 

[Turdle]

I reccomend installing a second auxillary trans cooler, and amsoil trans fluid change, and install a low cost trans temp guage to monitor. with these you should be completely safe.

 

[rowekmr]

Hello
I just bought a 98 5.o AWD jsut to tow a recently purchased 26' cruiser (96 Regal 258) I guesstimate a 6500# load with trailer and I installed air shocks in the rear to level the rear and a U haul hitch (no one had Reese in stock) and I hauled it 200 miles no problem even up and down inclines and in the stop and go traffic of the Windy City. I turned off the OD like everyone recommends but one short stop I forgot to and it was about 15 miles later I realized it was still on and I noticed no problems but I still truned it off and watched the RPM's increase (and fuel flow). Suprised at the lack of aftermarket bolt ons for this engine combo compared to the choices for the similiar 5.0 in older Mustangs (had 3).

Joe

 

[justin146]

Hello
I just bought a 98 5.o AWD jsut to tow a recently purchased 26' cruiser (96 Regal 258) I guesstimate a 6500# load with trailer and I installed air shocks in the rear to level the rear and a U haul hitch (no one had Reese in stock) and I hauled it 200 miles no problem even up and down inclines and in the stop and go traffic of the Windy City. I turned off the OD like everyone recommends but one short stop I forgot to and it was about 15 miles later I realized it was still on and I noticed no problems but I still truned it off and watched the RPM's increase (and fuel flow). Suprised at the lack of aftermarket bolt ons for this engine combo compared to the choices for the similiar 5.0 in older Mustangs (had 3).

Joe

alot of Mustang parts will fit on your 5.0. You basically have a Cobra engine with a different cam, exhaust, and ignition.

 

[Tom G]

More tongue weight=Less sway

 

[Trainmstr]

I trailered the boat this weekend approx. 150 miles around central Florida. Had no trouble with the Explorer, even with a few emergency stops (Florida drivers love to pull right out in front of you). No swaying at all, have approx. 150# of tongue weight, went as fast as 65mph on I95. Thanks to everyone for their replies.

 

[rowekmr]

alot of Mustang parts will fit on your 5.0. You basically have a Cobra engine with a different cam, exhaust, and ignition.

I have owned 3 Mustang GT's in the past but that was in the early 90's. Could you tell me which ones will bolt on AND increase hp or torque.

Thanks
Joe
rowekmr@aol.com