What do you think about what I am towing with?

[MTBOY87]

I recently moved from a 1998 Lincoln Navigator 4x4 with a 5.4 Triton with 110k miles to a 2000 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 SOHC with 80k miles also a 4x4 it has the tow package on it from the factory.... I will be towing a 1986 Bayliner Capri 1900 Cuddy with a 125 Force motor according to NADA my boat is 1755 lbs and my trailer is just a 1986 Escort Trailer I am adding 1000lbs for the trailer but I really dont think it is that much so over all I would say loaded up I am around 3500lbs. My truck is rated to towing is like 5500lbs... I know my trailer doesn't have brakes. Even with my Navigator I didn't go over 65mph. The lake I go to is about 60 miles one way and I usually go every other weekend and the last week of July I tow my bout 1000 miles one way to Lake Powell in Southern UT halfway thru in Salt Lake I stop for a 24 hr break. I have towed my boat about 30 miles with the Explorer of course without overdrive! It pulled it strong at 65mph but I think I will keep it at 60mph. I even set the cruise to see how it would do and it did good the RPMs were steady and no gear changing... What do you think I should do or check on the truck especially before my long trip! Should I also be concerned for anything? I am a little nervous about towing with the Explorer... When I had the Navigator I towed a 1987 SeaRay 210 Cruiser that was 7000lbs loaded and I didn't have brakes on that trailer either... So I am thinking it's not much different from that one... But any tips or suggestions would be great!! Thanks

 

[superbenk]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

You might want to check your local laws. Many states have laws on how light a towed load must be to get away with not having brakes. I know here in PA anything over 3000 lbs requires brakes. If you are ever in an accident, that could come back to bite you pretty hard (especially if someone gets hurt). Something to think about.

Obvious things I can think of before your trip... check all fluids & be sure your fluid changes are current, make sure your brakes are in good condition on the truck, make sure your trailer tires are in good condition, check & repack bearings once a year, lights, etc. Make sure you have proper tie-downs on the transom of your boat & a chain in addition to the winch strap on the bow. I'd highly recommend a spare tire for the trailer & many would also recommend carrying a spare hub & bearings just in case as well.

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

if you feel comfertable driving and stopping then i'd say your good, obviously grab a few things ahead of time. a jack if your vehical doesnt have one or its junk, a spare tire for truck and trailer, i wouldnt go as far as hubs just check them after running for an hour if hot add grease if not your good to go.

 

[lncoop]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

Should be okay, but here's something to think about. I recently called my state's highway patrol because I wanted some clarification of the "3k pound brake law". I was advised that the requirement is not based on weight, but on the GVWR of the trailer. So, phone calls to the states in which you plan to tow might be a few minutes well spent. Just a thought.

 

[Outsider]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

R and R transmission fluids and coolant. Summer is frequently unkind to vehicles under load ...

 

[jkust]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

I'm suprised that vehicle is rated up to 5500lbs is my first reaction just given the engine alone. I would at the least go get the preventative maintainance schedule and do all of it. The other tip I'd give from experience is make sure your lug wrench fits your trailer lugs or go get a T wrench. I learned that lesson the hard way.

 

[the vision]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

I pulled my 18ft. VIP bowrider inboard with a 2003 Explorer 4.0 2wd. boat dry weight 2500# it did fine. The only problem is it's hard on the brakes. After a couple of had stops (light turned red) the brkes got hot. So now I bought a full size truck to pull it with. The wife got here explorer back.

 

[2000fourwinns]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

I towed my old 1984 Sportcraft 18.5" with no trailer brakes with our old 2001 Mercury Mountaineer with the 4.0l v6 4x4. It pulled great, maybe better than my truck with 5.8l. Just remember you are towing without extra brakes so leave extra room. The Mountaineer we had had a 5 speed automatic that was geared pretty low and close ratio. I think you are just fine as long as each state you go through is ok with it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

I think I remember seeing some hills in that area, regardless of the law, you need trailer brakes.

 

[MTBOY87]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

The tires on my truck and boat are all brand new in the last month including both spares... I always make sure my brakes are good before I tow my boat and everytime I take it in for maint I have them check them out and I always keep up on the maint on my truck just because I like to keep it running good! I have never felt uncomfortable with stopping towing any of my boats I have always had older boats with trailers that never had brakes... If I were to get brakes how would I do that?

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

Montana:
Boating Law Administrator: 406-444-2452
Maximum Speed Limit: N/A
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:N/A'L x 8'6"W x 14'H
Maximum Length with Trailer:75'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3,000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes:Y (Over 3000 lbs.)
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:Y
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 406-444-6130

 

[roscoe]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

If the flanges are already on your axle, then you bolt on a set of brakes, an actuator, lines, etc, and go.
If the flanges are not on the axle, they you will likely need to replace the axle, or look for a trailer that has brakes.

 

[2300max]

Re: What do you think about what I am towing with?

Agree, It's an easy job and the relief to know that you are safe and if the local LEO pulls you over you won't be looking at a hefty fine! Here in PA trailer has to be inspected if over 3000 lbs.