97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

[randyo]

Im considering purchasing the following to tow my 17ft glastron:<br /><br />1997 Ford Explorer XLT<br />- 4 Door<br />- XLT All Wheel Drive (Does have 4WD low/High)<br />- 4.0L SOHC Inline 6<br />- Automatic<br /><br />Would this be safe? Would it be adequate? It doesnt have the towing package upgrade...

 

[LubeDude]

Re: 97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

You will be fine, would be best if you have trailer brakes, but OK as is. Make sure you dont have too much or too little tongue weight.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

The 4.0 is a V6 not an "inline 6". This will probably trigger a host of posts to the contrary but older Explorers have received a bad rap for being a little twitchy in certain sudden maneuvers. This can induce a sway situation that can quickly get out of control resulting in a spin out and in some cases a roll-over. I've seen it happen several times, once directly in front of me. That certainly is not to say it won't happen in any other vehicle. Any short wheel-base vehicle is subject to this so as long as you are aware of the situation and drive accordingly you will be ok with that vehicle. Just make sure the tongue weight is proper for the load and since you are probably at or near the weight range where trailer brakes should be considered.

 

[ColdFire]

Re: 97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

I am using the same set up but in a 98 with 165000 miles on it, with an 18ft astroglass fish'n ski... no problems yet, but you will probably have to turn the overdrive off for anything but flat terrain.

 

[gatorred]

Re: 97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

i pull a twenty ft cabin boat with a f150 with 300 6 with older c6 tranny no od i had no problem's except fuel pump relay it's wiring fell apart and quit when not pulling boat. lucky me right 125000 on title say's od. changed not actual mile's so add 75,000 or more on it

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

pulled 17' glastron w/ 135 merc o/b from North Caroline to Florida, tow vehilce 2005 Mercury Mariner (ford Escape) 2.3 Liter 4 cyl. no problems, did down shift on steep hills, but maintained 65mph all the way (cruise control).

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: 97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

I pull a 20 foot Wellcraft with a 350mag Alpha one, on a tandem axle with brakes, with my 98 Explorer XLT, Runs fine and tow's decent, at about 60-65mph, Truck has 65,000 miles no problems. Being your looking at 97 just be sure the trucks brakes and tires are good and be sure there are no worn front end parts, and the rest of the suspension is in good shape. Just keep in mind the Explorer is a Truck and behaves like one, drive it nice and you'll have no issues.

 

[496 Cubic Inches]

Re: 97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

As far as power goes you'll be fine. I had a '98 Ranger with the old pushrod 4.0 V-6 that only had 160hp. I towed my Dads 20' Bayliner a few times and it pulled it fine,but my truck had the 5-speed so I was able to choose what gear I was in.<br /><br />IIRC the SOHC 4.0 has about 40-45 more HP than the pushrod V-6 in my Ranger. <br /><br />I think I'd be sure the Explorer has a good set of LT rated tires,not the cushy P-rated tires. The LT tires will have a stiffer sidewall and will help maintain control better than the P-rated tires. I'd also be sure to have a tranny cooler installed before you tow the boat. Heat is the biggest enemy of automatic trannies and a cooler will help keep the tranny temps in check.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

That car already has an external transmission cooler and trailer wiring (even without the tow package) - 3500 lbs on the bumper and 5000 with a class III hitch. The wiring adapter thingy is about $12 and plugs in under the rear bumper to the left of the spare tire.

 

[tiller7104]

Re: 97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

I saw only one mention of tounge weight, it is critical and can make your towing more enjoyable and save on wear and tear of your SUV. There are many more people more knowledgable about this subject than I but I had a friend move my axle and what a difference! Good luck, sounds like a nice truck.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: 97 Ford Explorer v6 to tow 17ft glastron?

Ditto on the trailer brakes. I'm sure your rig is over 1,500 lbs...that's the limit in California...one of the few states that require them on a rig so light. So be aware that you're probably illegal if you don't have 'em.<br /> http://www.boatus.com/towing/towlaw.htm