Explorer Towing

[bryanredfish]

We're looking at a very nice 1998 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 V6. I can't for the life of me find where it tells the towing capacity. Can it easily handle a 2500 lb. boat/trailer package? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[JB]

Re: Explorer Towing

Howdy, Brian.<br /><br />A Ford dealer can tell you the rating of the Explorer. Be sure to find out if that is with or without 4 wheel drive and towing package.<br /><br />My intuition says it would be fine. I tow a package that size with my MB ML320 which has a 3.2liter V6 and is rated for 5000lb (with tow package).<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[SkippersMinnow]

Re: Explorer Towing

Hi Brian,<br />I have a 2000 Explorer with the small 160 hp v6 and it has it rated on the bumper at 3500 lbs. I only had it to the lake once this year (cold weather has been hanging around) but believe it or not, it pulled my Sea Ray 180BR with no problems. I believe the weight of my boat and trailer to be about 2800 lbs.

 

[Alrobot]

Re: Explorer Towing

You might look on the door frame of the drivers door. It is usally listed on a factory build sticker by the latch pin. I personally tow a 17' Galaxie tri hull with my 94 explorer and I can't wait until friday, because it is being traded in on a 95 Bronco with a real engine. The only time I had problems with the explorer is going up hill. Other than that they are okay for towing...

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Explorer Towing

I use a 2000 4.0L V6 Explorer to tow a 3000lb boat & trailer. It handles it no problem, even up a particularly steep hill to get to my house (I live on a hill).<br /><br />I've seen the same vehicle tow much bigger boats than mine too, so I would have to agree with what everyone has said on this thread - the Explorer will be fine for your rig.<br /><br />BTW, make sure it has (or you get fitted) a heavy duty tow bar. I don't recommend using the one on the bumper for that size boat.

 

[DJ]

Re: Explorer Towing

bryanredfish,<br /><br />All models of the 1998 Explorer (except manual transmission) are OK to tow 2500.

 

[kannuki]

Re: Explorer Towing

hi I have a 1998 explorer 2wd 4 dr i tow my 1987 cajun with a 125 motor on the back and it does fine. i would suggest a class 3 hitch and also when you tow with it make sure you turn the overdrive off

 

[Arnold96]

Re: Explorer Towing

I have a 96 with tow package and a V-8 and it is rated at nearly 7000#. My father in law has a V-6 2000 and it is rated at nearly 6000#. It won't even likely break a sweat with what you are looking to pull. Always add a tranny cooler if it does not already have one.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Explorer Towing

I pull 23'CC @ 5,000 lbs with my 93 in flat southern Florida. Wouldn't try it in hills or mountains though.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Explorer Towing

I pull my 20' Celebrity with my ford Escort. Works great. When I get to the ramp, I just put the car in the glove box.<br /><br />Havn't had my coffee yet.