Quick question about this tow vehicle

[Ripsnort]

My F250 HD is in the RV shop getting its Truck camper toilet repaired..this week end we wanted to head to the lake. I was wonder if you think the bumper on this vehicle is safe for towing?<br /><br />'99 Ford Explorer XLT, OHC V6, boat would be on a ball hitch attached to a bumper.<br /><br />The boat:<br />Campion 542 20', dry weight 1690 (roughly 2500 loaded with gear, motor, etc.) Tongue weight is roughly 250 lbs. The EZ-loader has surge brakes.<br /><br />I've used Class IV hitches all my life! I don't know if this is suitable! For what its worth, we're traveling just 40 miles round trip, no hills. I'll check the manual tonight, just thought I'd ask today on the web and see..

 

[JB]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

That bumper hitch is probably a 2000# hitch, Ripsnort. It should be stamped into the bumper.<br /><br />If that is true the answer in no.

 

[Ripsnort]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

Originally posted by JB:<br /> That bumper hitch is probably a 2000# hitch, Ripsnort. It should be stamped into the bumper.<br /><br />If that is true the answer in no.

Rgr that, will check the manual tonight when wife gets home. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Mikevn1500]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

Rip, I just bought a 2004 Ford ranger. The day I picked it up I had to go pick up some plywood,I didn't have my bedliner in yet so I figured I would use my little 5x8' trailer. Well just with the trailer hooked up and me pushing down on the rear of the trailer,the bumper was flexing!I would not pull with just the bumper and I didn't. I dont mean the whole bumper just the step portion where the ball was. Very weak I would think.

 

[nimmor]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

Consider instaliing a reciever hitch. You won't regret it.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

My '98 Explorer Sport bumper is rated at 3500#, I been pulling my little boat (less than 2000#) for a couple months now with no problems. I plan on getting a receiver pretty soon but in the mean time I'd go the 40 miles (assuming you have the 3500# bumper).

 

[ndemge]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

Get a hitch installed real quick, then you've got your backup tow vehicle always ready.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

The Bumper is 3500 carrying 350 tongue, the bumper itself is actually attached to a another metal bar that is frame mounted, For a short trip you should be fine just be sure you get the correct ball, and remember your turning radius will be reduced abit when towing off the bumper, avoid tight turns.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

Mikevn, I have the 2003 Ranger S/C and pulled my boat (Bayliner 1700 about 2500 lbs) 1400 miles home. You mean to tell me the bumper hitch is not strong enough? Just kidding but the bumber is rated at 3500/350 hitch weight. Mine does not flex at all and even in the panic stop it was solid. under the ball hole is a thick metal bar attached to the frame on mine. I will tell you the bumper part is weak steel ask the wife who jacked knifed the empty trailer.<br /><br />I understand that the Explorer can handle a 3500/350 tongue wt trailer by adding a ball should be fine. The hole is a 3/4" hole just to let you know.

 

[Ripsnort]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

Stamped on the bumper:<br />Max tongue weight 350 lbs.<br />Max Gross Trailer Wt. 3500 lbs.<br /><br />Good to go!<br /><br />Trailer weighs 800 lbs., boat is 1690 dry, motor is 410 lbs., fuel, gear...I'll be pulling about 3100 max.<br /><br />No sense in installing a hitch now though, we're selling it next spring, wife wants a bimmer!

 

[DaveM]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

Yikes, that would be too close for my comfort. But what the hey, at least you are not trying this on something equivalent to a Ford Mustang II.<br /><br />BTW - I didn't know F250s came with toilets!

 

[Ripsnort]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

Originally posted by Juan Cool Dewd:<br /> Yikes, that would be too close for my comfort. But what the hey, at least you are not trying this on something equivalent to a Ford Mustang II.<br /><br />BTW - I didn't know F250s came with toilets!

LOL! It has a 1973 Holiday Rambler Truck camper on the back (in mint condition!)<br /><br />The Exploder has about 10,000 miles on new brakes and tires, so I should be okay. No mountain passes, just 20 miles to the lake and back.<br /><br />

 

[poolshark38759]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

the way i read your original post was you were gong to tow the explorer towing the trailer... but i was wrong... why cant you just hook the boat to the truck??

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

So, will you be getting a toilet installed in the Bimmer? maybe you can have a receiver installed at the same time~on the Bimmer! LOL

 

[shadowdwpp]

Re: Quick question about this tow vehicle

One other thing to check is that some states don't allow using the bumper as a hitch I'd make sure it's legal, to avoid a possible ticket.