towing

[armyvet8492]

my 97 xlt has the 5.0 awd now heres the question, my son is leaving for the army and needs to get to georgia. mine just has the bumper hitch so can i safley pull a 6x12 enclosed trailer that far? i know it wont be packed full maybe half and no real heavy stuff am i ok or do i need to get a reese or something like that to pull it and will the awd be a problem id assume ill have to climb a mountain or two.....thanks

 

[bluestream1]

I think the bumper hitch is only rated for 3500lbs. (plus whatever saftey factor is built in) How much does the trailer and contents weigh?

 

[armyvet8492]

it'll be a 6x12 uhaul trailer with about400-600lbs no big things. also does it have the holes to mount a new hitch or do i have to have it installed?

 

[eXcali]

Funny you should live in Houghton Lake. I lived there for about 3 years and will be coming up to my parents cabin on Thursday night for the weekend.

On to the post: A 6x12 will be to heavy without the towing package. My suggestion is to send what you can by USPS parcel post and get a smaller trailer. The savings in gas alone will offset the price of postage.
Just the weight of an empty 6x12 will be a couple thousand pounds, if not exceeding the 3,500 mark. Is it a PCS move by chance? If so have the Army move it with their freight company, they come package it and load it, then deliver it at your destination with no cost to you. Then you can still claim your mileage for you driving there which is .55 per mile so right about $450.00.

 

[eXcali]

it'll be a 6x12 uhaul trailer with about400-600lbs no big things. also does it have the holes to mount a new hitch or do i have to have it installed?

I'm pretty sure you will have to drill your own holes into the frame.

 

[armyvet8492]

my sons buddies lives down there he's on ft.stewart so he's moving in with him untill he leaves in sept so he's not in yet so the cost is mine.but thats ok at least he will be doing something good.. i live on the south side three homes off the lake good view and a 15 sec walk'let me know when ur in town and we'll meet up. we can compare ex's seeing i just got mine about 3 weeks ago.maybe u can give me some mod ideas.im going to gr next week to pick up some akura 20" wheels an tires....thanks

 

[eXcali]

I'm leaving the explorer at home this time, sucks too because I just bought my ORV sticker and haven't been able to use it. I know theres about 20miles of trails in Denton Creek I can do unrestricted. Last 2 trips cost me about $75 in gas each way, so since my wife and her friend and kids are going I'm just gonna ride with them.

My parents cabin is about 1/2 mile off the lake on Kimberly. I used to work at Spicers years and years ago back when Bob still ran things. I'd be happy to give you any advice I can, I think those 20's might get you in a bit of a mess in the winter if you get fancy lookers.

 

[eXcali]

Oh, does he have a locked in duty station yet? If he's just hoping to get Georgia he may be jumping the gun a little early. As for the move, tell him to keep his home address as HL when he enters. Once he get's his Duty assignment you can get reimbursed, just change the date of his move to a later date on the paperwork.

 

[BBQ Bandit]

Have the same truck... I would avoid the bumper hitch completely. The bumper may be compromised by rust (look underneath with the spare removed).

Some hitches have a "no drill" bolt-up set-up.
Look at http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-1997_Ford_Explorer.htm ...
that will set you right up the first time. I went with a brake controller because of towing greater than 3,000 lbs.

 

[71cutty455]

I'm pretty sure you will have to drill your own holes into the frame.

Really? Most hitches that I have seen bolt right in. My Hidden Hitch brand one took about 10-15 minutes to install, 4 nuts/bolts into existing holes in the frame. I bought it from JC Whitney (I know they have a cheesy reputation but they are actually pretty good) for about $125 shipped, it's very well made and tucks up under my Explorer nicely.

 

[armyvet8492]

ya i can get one at tractor supply for around the same i just wasnt sure if the ford had the holes already.

 

[gijoecam]

Really? Most hitches that I have seen bolt right in. My Hidden Hitch brand one took about 10-15 minutes to install, 4 nuts/bolts into existing holes in the frame. I bought it from JC Whitney (I know they have a cheesy reputation but they are actually pretty good) for about $125 shipped, it's very well made and tucks up under my Explorer nicely.

Ditto. If you have to drill for a hitch, you've got the wrong one.