V6 Ford Expl. to pull 21 ft? (New boater)

[JJ Myers]

I have a ford explorer v-6 (regular, no extras) and have now a 20'1" Balyliner Trophy boat. Info is not on trailor since it has been redone. I don't even know what size ball is needed to pull. Need some help!

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: V6 Ford Expl. to pull 21 ft? (New boater)

Most Explorers are rated to tow 5000#. A frame mounted hitch with a 2" ball should handle your boat OK.

 

[moderator1]

Re: V6 Ford Expl. to pull 21 ft? (New boater)

Moving to Trailer questions.

 

[DJ]

Re: V6 Ford Expl. to pull 21 ft? (New boater)

JJ,<br /><br />Most Explorers (four door) could handle 5K# with ease-IF PROPERLY EQUIPPED.<br /><br />If you have a factory installed trailer wiring harness, you have the factory package. It includes: Transmission auxillary cooler, limited slip rear axle (either 3.43 or 3.73 ratio), wiring harness.<br /><br />Your boat is probably very close to 5K#.<br /><br />I would be surprised if the trailer coupler took anything less than a 2" ball.

 

[MrBill]

Re: V6 Ford Expl. to pull 21 ft? (New boater)

Tow balls and trailer hitches are rated, usually very visible and stamped into the hitch. Tow balls are rated based on diameter and shank size. At 5000#, you'll need a two inch ball with a one inch shank, NOT 3/4". Also, two inch square receiver is in order. Parts that mate preoperly to that will exceed the 5000# rating too.<br /><br />With a 6 cyl., watch the engine temp carefully, and pay attention to the transmission for burnt smells. A friend just pulled a Uhaul trailer filled with miscellaneous stuff from his returning-home-for-the-summer college student, 4 hours, about 1600# - had trouble with engine and transmision overheating. He also had 6 cyl Explorer. If you're traveling less than 50 mies you'll be OK.

 

[Solittle]

Re: V6 Ford Expl. to pull 21 ft? (New boater)

I have a 93 Explorer Sport and tow a heavy 23' Wellcraft CC. My tow is OK for the flat land in southern Florida but would not want it for a tow anywhere where there are nountains. I would recommend disk brakes for the trailer and a double axle one at that. If you are careful you should be OK (but who openly says they are not careful?).