Trailer Towing

[sailorman3]

I have a 92 Explorer 4 door that is a 5 speed. I just installed a new performance clutch and I was wondering about how it will do towing a trailer. I have a 21 Foot travel trailer that is about 3600lbs fully loaded. I do have extra leafs in the back as well as a load distribution hitch. Should I go for a larger rad?? If any one has a 5 speed and tows, I would be greatful to here from you. Thanks
Sailorman3

 

[majorlag]

Sailorman3,

I have an auto tranny and don't know a whole bunch about either 5 speeds or towing, but I'll gladly give my $0.02! Since you've got a manual, you likely do not have the extra transmission cooler (unless you have the tow package--and I don't know if that was an option with the 5spd). If you're towing long distances or plan on towing that 3600 lb trailer a lot, you'll probably want one to keep from toasting your trans. Also, you may want to check the owner's manual for towing capacities for your tansmission and gear ratio. My Ex started life with a 3.27 rear end and was only rated to 3500 lb towing.

Depending upon your traveling terrain, you may be OK with the radiator itself. Really the only way to tell that is try it out, I'm afraid. I know my truck ran very very cold, and so would probably be OK for towing a lightish load. From what I know of the auto trannies, and have heard about the 5spds, I would be hesistant to even approach my max rated tow capacity.

On the other hand, the clutch seems to be the weak link in the 5spds, so you may have alleviated that problem.

Hope this helps.

 

[RiverRat]

Flat terrain you will be marginal. Hills and stop and go will be tough on the clutch.

I doubt you will have any overheating problems (it isn't a jeep) but your weak link is the clutch as majorlag said. With my ranger 4.0/5speed manual I only got about 12K miles untill it was clutch replacement time again. This was towing a 4400 boat.

 

[wpurple]

Towed a 21' 4500# TT with my Sport 4L OHV 3.73 rear and never had a problem even on hills.
I did mod the GEM/Xfer case for 2WL so I can be a bit easier on the clutch backing up but that was about it.
I used 4L too as long as the campground had dirt roads.