Towing with the 2.3 ecoboost

[Mooch66]

Looking to purchase my 5th Explorer. Looking at a 2022 XLT with the 2.3 Eco at the moment. I do have a boat that weighs around 3500 lbs with trailer. Philosophically I have an issue with towing something that large long distances. Any feedback good or bad truly appreciated. Thanks

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Looking to purchase my 5th Explorer. Looking at a 2022 XLT with the 2.3 Eco at the moment. I do have a boat that weighs around 3500 lbs with trailer. Philosophically I have an issue with towing something that large long distances. Any feedback good or bad truly appreciated. Thanks

I myself don't have any experience with this, but I've heard about good towing experiences at towing weight around that area over long distances. These cars do pretty well towing from what I have heard.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

Not sure how they compare, but this 2nd gen still tows our 3600lb boat. Its gone to Havasu, etc. From a powerttrain perspective. the 2.3 and 10 speed are more than adequate. Not sure suspension wise.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

I see in your profile you have an 05. I can almost garuntee the 22 will tow better. I'm piecing my knwoldge here together

The 3 vehicles that tow the boat

98 Explorer 4.0 SOHC lifted
24 Ranger 2.3
19 Subaru Ascent

The suspension in the Subaru is adequate for towing the boat, and no real issue, just a bit of sag. My 98 will tow similar to your 05 probably, although IRS vs solid axle. The 2.3 10 speed in the Ranger puts out more than enough power for towing, and it doesnt seem like it has any cooling issue. So if the 2.3 were to go into the unibody IRS like the Ascent, I think it'd be fine honestly.

However, this is just me piecing different parts together, the Explorer could be different, not sure.

Where are you planning on pulling it? FWIW our boat goes thru the mountains in CA, and sometimes when its hot out, so I dont think WI can be harder on it...

 

[Beargap]

Looking to purchase my 5th Explorer. Looking at a 2022 XLT with the 2.3 Eco at the moment. I do have a boat that weighs around 3500 lbs with trailer. Philosophically I have an issue with towing something that large long distances. Any feedback good or bad truly appreciated. Thanks

We replaced a 2008 Mountaineer V8 with a 2021 2.3l Explorer XLT with the tow package and find it tows our 5000lb horse trailer very well, actually better than the older car did. The tow package is essential and you'll find the gas mileage drops a lot when underway.

 

[Cincykz]

I find that the 2.3 tows adequately. Power won't be an issue, might want to use tow haul or the paddles to keep the rpms adequate.

In the hills when making sharp turns (intersections mostly), you will need to take it easy as a 3500 lb trailer will push you some. If I was towing that trailer consistently, I would want the trailer to have decent brakes. I find that 2k or up without brakes will push the car in tight turns pretty noticably.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I find that the 2.3 tows adequately. Power won't be an issue, might want to use tow haul or the paddles to keep the rpms adequate.

In the hills when making sharp turns (intersections mostly), you will need to take it easy as a 3500 lb trailer will push you some. If I was towing that trailer consistently, I would want the trailer to have decent brakes. I find that 2k or up without brakes will push the car in tight turns pretty noticably.

Paddle shifters are only on the ST now I believe.

 

[Cincykz]

Thats a bummer. I can't say I use them a ton on my 21, but appreciated them when I did use them.

 

[peterk9]

Looking to purchase my 5th Explorer. Looking at a 2022 XLT with the 2.3 Eco at the moment. I do have a boat that weighs around 3500 lbs with trailer. Philosophically I have an issue with towing something that large long distances. Any feedback good or bad truly appreciated. Thanks

With the vehicle you mentioned, #2 would apply and that is if it was factory installed.

Peter