2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

[brian195lx]

I am new to boating and have little experience in towing. I just purchased a 2006 Stingray 195LX with a tandem axle Prestige trailer that is equipped with surge brakes. The total approximate towing weight of the boat and trailer is 4000 lbs loaded with fuel. My Explorer, which is a 4X4, is rated to tow up to 3500 lbs. with a class II receiver. I will be upgrading my receiver to a factory class III and installing an aftermarket trans cooler. Will I be able to tow this boat safely over mostly flat terrain with the upgrades I've made to my tow vehicle? Any input would be much appreciated.

Brian

 

[109jb]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

A quick search says that a 2004 V-6 4x4 explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5380 so you should be fine. I would check your owner manual to be sure though.

 

[rightcoastrob]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

You shouldnt have an issue i wouldnt think i tow a 22 ft steury osf with dual mercs.the boat is about 4000 lbs another 500 in motors.900 for the trailor/with surge brakes.And i tow with a 96 chevy blazer 4.3 with no issues with stopping.That will be the hard part.My ramp is super steep also and i drag my boat right out no issues.But there is legal issues if u get into an accident towing more then your allowed to.

 

[JB]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

I would ask your Ford dealer, Brian. The safe tow rating on Explorers varies with the equipment, not just the hitch.

A tranny cooler would certainly help, but the fact that it doesn't already have one makes me wonder about the electrical and cooling systems and about the drive train. I believe that the automatic carries a higher rating than the 5 speed, 2X4 is rated higher than the 4X4 and that you need a higher gear ratio to get the max rating.

I am pretty conservative when matching tows with tow ratings (seen too many vehicles destroyed trying to tow too much). I would want at least 6,000# rating to tow 4,000#.

 

[bowman316]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

i tow my boat which weighs about 3000 lbs with my 93 4wd explorer. And it does the job fine. My truck and boat together weigh about 7,000 lbs.

 

[rndn]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

I agree with JB on this one. I always have made sure I have another 50% more towing capacity. Remember that towing also includes stopping the load, sometimes in a panic situation. If the Explorer isn't rated for the load adding a trans cooler will do nothing to help stop the load.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

The 3.55:1 axle ratio is not going to be your friend, especially if you tow into a very strong headwind. But since you are on primarily level ground and it should do fine. As was pointed out, maximum tow ratings are indeed specified as "when properly equipped" and that usually means factory tow packages and optional axle ratios. It takes a lot of HP to make up for a poor choice in axle ratio.

 

[flatboy]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

The only concern i would have is braking distance. The towing you can always add a programmer to your suv. You need to try the brakes and check to see if you feel the back of your suv lifting up when you stop(most smaller suvs dont have alot of weight on the rear there fore tend to transfer the weight to the front)Besides that drag it and enjoy your new boat!!!!!

 

[JB]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

At the risk of repeating myself: Tow rating as equipped. Don't destroy your vehicle to save a few bux.

 

[brian195lx]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

Thanks everyone for the much needed input. After much consideration and more research on my tow vehicle I have decided to play it safe and get a better tow vehicle. I also talked to a reputable Ford dealer and they strongly suggested that I do they same. Thanks again!

Brian

 

[brian195lx]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

Thanks foir the help JB. My dealer and most everyone else I talked to agreed with what you were saying. That I should have a vehicle rated to tow at least 6000 lbs if I'm going to being towing 4000lbs. I'll most likely be purchasing an F-150 before I'm ready to put the boat in the water which won't be until next season.

 

[maxturbo]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

I have a 2007 F150 and tow my 21ft CC which weighs around 3200 dry. with a 600lb. motor 75 gallons of fuel plus the eqiuptment and a dual axle trailer with no problem. Dont even know its back there

But working for Ford for over 20 years and seeing many trucks and there tow equipt. The explo wouldve had no problem towing it. I'v also seen them towing huge campers with them. Trans didnt last to long on those.

 

[Chris Hays]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

That Exploder, should've had no probs dragging that around, there strong lil beasties!! The BW 4405 transfer case should hold up good, as these are almost bullet proof, (until the shift motor does its thing, Ford guys!!). As for getting an F-150.................Im SOOOO sorry!!

 

[mrbell83]

Re: 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 / 3.55 Gear Ratio

If you were to upgrade your hitch and put a HD trans cooler on you would be fine, but the gears wont be your friend if you encounter hills or head winds (as stated). For around town towing, no problem, but anything more than that and I would upgrade to a V8 version with the towing package or a full size truck.