Tow with a 2WD

[icechunk]

I am new to boating and have a 96 Explorer V8 2WD (with the towing package has a max tow weight of 3500). I was wondering if this is the right tow vehicle for a starter boat (a 18' bow rider). Also, being a 2WD will it make it difficult to pull in and out of the launch ramp?? Please any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

icechunk, during my search for a used Explorer and I found a whole bunch of good info like this on ford truck owners forum. Not a Ford company website, just owners. Lot of good stuff about taking care of the tranny, too. I recommend it.<br /><br />Towing capacity of 3500 with the V8 & tow pkge? you must be talking about using a bumper-mounted ball? I bet it's more than that with a bolt-on frame mounted hitch receiver.

 

[datawire]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

I think jtexas nailed it icechunk. 3500# sounds pretty lightweight to me for the vehicle you describe. Keep in mind that transmission temp. is the killer, and without a dash gauge you can't monitor it. We all really need a lot more info about your vehicle and boat though - to offer any good recomendations.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

jtexas,<br /><br />I have been visiting that site for a couple of years now. It is the I-boats for the Ford truck owner. Great site..

 

[shadowdwpp]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

this info is for a 98 explorer but should give you an Idea<br /><br />1998 Ford Truck Explorer Four-Door 4x2 5.0 V-8 6700lbs rating <br />Requires automatic transmission. <br />Requires Trailer Towing Package. <br />Requires 3.55:1 axle ratio. <br />Requires weight-distributing hitch. <br />A higher tow rating is listed for pickups that tow fifth-wheel trailers. <br /><br /><br />check the owners manual and it should give you an idea of the factory specs.

 

[icechunk]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

I am absoultely new to the whole towing/boating world so bear with me. Yes its a just a little hole on the bumper, says the towing capacity is 3500lbs. I guess with a weight distribution hitch it goes up?<br />My real question, is if I'll problems with a 2wd (RWD) pulling out of the ramp (most I've seen here in Maryland are concrete)? I am also looking to buy a starter boat, a bowrider 18' or 19'.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

icechunk,<br /><br />You will need a "receiver hitch", which attaches directly to the frame and is far stronger than your bumper hitch.<br /><br />Your truck is more than capable of towing an 18-19 foot bowrider. Just get the trailer tongue weight and trailer set up right. Trailer brakes are a huge help. <br /><br />2wd should be fine for 99% of the time.<br /><br />Welcome to the forum, and get yourself a boat.

 

[icechunk]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

Thanks, I am looking on iboats.com right now for a boat that suits my needs. I am guessing a boat dealer would be a great place ot get the reciever hitch installed.

 

[DJ]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

Forget the boat dealer for hitch help or a boat that can be towed behind your vehicle. They are in the boat selling business. They do not care if you tow it away with a semi or a bicycle.<br /><br />Go to a well advertised hitch shop and DO NOT buy more boat than you can haul.<br /><br />Make the boat dealer PROVE to you what it REALLY weighs.

 

[datawire]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

Icechunk, if you are the least bit "handy" (and you better be if you're going to own a boat), you can get a bolt-on receiver hitch from any number of online sources. J.C.Whitney comes to mind first. Installation with common tools will take you 2 hours maximum. As POINTER94 said - 2WD is really not an issue unless you plan on launching in mud or snow.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

Look around on etrailers.com to get an idea of what we're talking about. Look for brand names like Drawtite, Hidden & Reese, then look up "truck accessories" in your local yellow pages. For my last two vehicles I found a local shop where the installed & wired price is just slightly more than the on-line price; the next one I'm doing myself. You'll do just fine.<br /><br />One thing I read on the ford owners site, is that the bumpers are installed with break-away bolts, to absorb the shock of a collision. That's not exactly a desireable trait if you got a major investment attached to it!

 

[icechunk]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

Thanks you guys are the BEST.....

 

[gsbodine]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

just to add my two cents...<br /><br />I know there was a discussion on one of the forums here about limited slips for 2wd vehicles. I trailer with a 2wd and wouldn't want to be pulling up a ramp without it. I would guess your Explorer has a limited slip or locking differential of some kind, but if it doesn't, you should certainly look into it. I don't really know anything about Explorers in particular.

 

[BillP]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

You should have NO problem towing an 18' boat with that rig. Go down to you local ramp on Saturday afternoon and watch see what locals are using. Not likely you will need 4WD unless the ramps are too steep or are not paved.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

Originally posted by datawire:<br /> ...if you are the least bit "handy" (and you better be if you're going to own a boat...

ain't dat the truth!<br /><br />

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

Go down to you local ramp on Saturday afternoon and watch see what locals are using.

This is never a good idea unless you are looking for a good laugh or personal tragedy. It is a circus at our local ramp.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

I have an expedition 4x4. I have launched and retrieved extensively with this on both a 17ft Br and a 21 ft pontoon. Never needed to engage 4x4. Not even close. You should be fine. If you still feel nervous about it bring a tow rope. Someone at the ram p would help if you had issues.

 

[Richok]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

Icechunk check your left door (Drivers side)for GVWR. Federal law requires the manufacture to put the towing requirements there. That vehicle should pull it just fine. <br /><br />25 years with GM

 

[r j f]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

i tow a 20ft trophy wa with a 93 ford 150 pu with a inline six cyl. 2wd. when pullin out of the water just take off slow and steady like you would in snow. never had a problem. the guys i take fishing can't belive how easy the truck pulls the boat out. just remember slow in steady so you don't spen the tires. good luck

 

[BinLurkin]

Re: Tow with a 2WD

Yep, It don't make no never mind. I've done it with a 2x4 for always. Salt water ramps with slippry (sp)? moss all over them. Never had a problem. And that's with 6 cyl job & a 22 foot cuddy cabin boat.