Towing w a Ford Explorer

[danfrompgh]

Any body using an Explorer w the 4.0 as a tow vehicle? I recently turned in my leased 2006 F-150 and ended up with a more family friendly vehicle.
The boat and trailer according to the website weigh in at 3880# and the usual lake we use is 70 miles away. I have been towin for 30+ years and have always had bigger vehicles but if the kids want to go to college... we downsize. (it was better than sellin the boat)
The Explorers got all the coolers and the towing package but is this V-6 gonna cut it? the salesman says it would haha!!
Just think,only 3 months and we may be boatin in Pittsburgh again...maybe.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

towed a lot with one. The 4.0 is a good motor and the transmissions hold up well in my opinion

 

[frankie g]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

my 96 has a great engine burns no oil between changes plenty of power for a 6.....the trans sucks though, after the second one, I won't tow squat!

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

I assume it's a late model Explorer? You'll be okay as long as it wasn't one of the old V6/4-5 speed autos.

The old A4LD was a direct descendant of the C3 (Pinto trans). With old Ex's the only trans' that are worth a dang are the M5OD and 4R70W (5.0L)

 

[LOW-LIFE]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

they are called expolders for a reason.....

 

[JB]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

What Explorer are you using? What is the tow rating as equipped? Do you have working brakes on the trailer?

3880# is a heavy load without gas, toys, etc. Could be as much as 5,000# ready to launch.

I would want a tow rating of at least 7,000#.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

Not really adequate IMO. I have a 2000 Explorer with the 4.0 SOHC and 5R55E transmission and it terrible IMO for towing. My boat weights about same as you and although I used it some in the past in a pinch I would say it was not very pleasant or safe.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

my 96 has a great engine burns no oil between changes plenty of power for a 6.....the trans sucks though, after the second one, I won't tow squat!

Same here. 1991 and 200k miles, its has 2 tranny rebuilds, and now needs a third.
It towed a 4400 pound travel trailer just fine when it was new. we stopped towing with it after the second rebuild.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

Like everyone else said, the 5R55E transmission is weak link. Setup for car like shifts and terrible for towing. Undersized from the get-go so towing hurts it more from durability standpoint. I dunno if your truck as factory tow package, even if it does add a high quality , large external transmission cooler if you are going to tow with it. I have the factory trans cooler and still added a second cooler and external filter to my explorer back when I used it as tow vehicle and helps some what. Heat kills automatics and anything you can do it keep them cool helps a ton.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

Pushing the envelope for sure.

Like JB said, add water, batteries, anchor/chain, gears, fuel in both the boat and Explorer, and the weight of you and your passengers, you are gonna be over 5000#.

I wouldn't do it with my Explorer.

Transmission and handling/braking would be my worries.

 

[frankie g]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

Like everyone else said, the 5R55E transmission is weak link. Setup for car like shifts and terrible for towing. Undersized from the get-go so towing hurts it more from durability standpoint. I dunno if your truck as factory tow package, even if it does add a high quality , large external transmission cooler if you are going to tow with it. I have the factory trans cooler and still added a second cooler and external filter to my explorer back when I used it as tow vehicle and helps some what. Heat kills automatics and anything you can do it keep them cool helps a ton.

I put the largest tranny cooler you could get after my first rebuild...didn't work, next rebuild. I'm working on 3. like I said I don"t no more!

 

[spudshaft]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

Depending on the year, I'd avoid it. I had a couple of them and the transmissions are somewhat fragile

 

[danfrompgh]

Re: Towing w a Ford Explorer

Thanks for the feedback. I realize its not the best choice for a tow vehicle but as I said, it's gonna have to do for now. I will install a bigger tranny cooler and plan my routes accordingly. I've always had full sized pickups or a Tahoe so I do know somewhat of the disadvantage I'm at.
Four more years of college and I'll be able to drive whatever I want again
GO STEELERS!!!!