towing

[notded]

what determines the towing capacity of my explorer? horsepower, rear end,stability, braking?
I have a 2000 4 liter OHC and want to tow a 5000#+ boat and trailer combination around florida (flat , no hills) what can I do to beef up the vehicle to handle this weight?

 

[deweyville65]

In my opinion, all the above mentioned items work together to determine towing capacity. Personally, I wouldn't tow ANYTHING in excess of 2000-2500 # with an Explorer. There just isn't enough vehicle there to tow much weight. I know people do it all the time. But some drink and drive too. Still isn't smart.

 

[koda2000]

5000+ lbs is an awful lot of weight for a 13 year old Explorer with the lowest HP engine offered. i'd look for a larger vehicle. maybe a 5.4L Expedition or something similar.

 

[drdoom]

Right on dewey, also the gear ratio is a factor. I recall seeing a chart from Ford somewhere, which gave the tongue and GVWs. The highest GVW rating they had was around 11,000 pounds, which you are pushing if not exceeding. I totally agree with dewey, don't push it.

 

[bill06447]

U Haul won't even rent ANY trailer if you're going to tow it with an Explorer. I'd limit myself to 2000 lbs max trailer also. It might pull it, but once things get squirrely the trailers going to whip that short narrow wheelbase any which way it pleases.

Bill

 

[drdoom]

Transmisson & rear springs are going to be the weak links in the chain. As far as upgrades you would want 4.10 gears, heavier springs, and a good cooler w/ electric fans. Get a bigger truck (Ford, of course

 

[frickea86]

What determines hauling capacity is Engine output, gearing in both transmission and axles. Larger gearing more pulling capacity hence larger payloads can be pulled safer. All this is generally taken into account along with how the vehicle preforms under braking and emergency maneuvers.

Not sure why everyone is so negative to an explorer hauling. I have hauled with my explorer most of its life. Now in its old age I now haul a 3800lbs pop up trailer for the past 3 years without issues. At the same rate, I have weight distribution and sway control along with trailer brakes. As with everything else, you have to careful and invest money into safety equipment.

 

[Joe Dirt]

At the same rate, I have weight distribution and sway control along with trailer brakes. As with everything else, you have to careful and invest money into safety equipment.

^ That ^

Lots of people are concerned about getting the load up and running, but not enough with being able to stop it. If you're running any real weight, you'd better try an "oh s**t" test with your load to see just how long it will take you to stop. I had a buddy try it and blew out a rusted brake line. Have to prepare for that type of stuff, especially with these old rigs...

 

[koda2000]

without restarting this discussion, the reason uhaul will not rent to Explorers has nothing to do with their towing ability. it has to do with the Firestone tire failure suit.

i gotta agree with Joe Dirt, stopping your load safely is more important than getting it moving. plus towing with a narrow track, short wheelbase vehicle can significantly increase the pucker factor during emergency maneuvers.