Towing Help

[lroberts]

Those guys you talked to are correct....in a way. Stopping distance and capabilities are one of the main things about towing capacity, but there are other considerations. Like tongue weight, suspension capability, gear ratio, transmission issues (cooler or no). Trailer capacity of the truck also does not take into account if the trailer has breaks, or if you have a weight distributing hitch (many trucks that tow large campers have one), or sway control bars. I had a 2006 1500 4x2 chevy with a 4.8L v8 and towed a 27 ft camper....with a weight dist. hitch. The weight was within its limits and it towed it ok......but eventually I would have torn up the truck. I now have an 06 F150 5.4 with the towing package and it does MUCH better....handling, power, and stopping are much easier! Tires on the towing vehicle are also important...i always check with my trusted local tire dealer when cheching out the capacities of tires. You can basically take the load of your trailer, divide it by four, and see if each tire can support that weight. This is usually not an issue while towing boats, but FYI.

[twoshort]

I just purchased a used 21 ft Nitro 929 CDX boat. I'm trying to determine if my 2005 Ford Explorer will pull this boat. I have the tow package with it, but also don't want to drive this car to the ground. The engine is a 4.6L - 8 cylinder. I'm almost sure it has a transmission cooler and a class III/IV hitch. The boat is probably about 3500 lbs with gear.

I've tried to ask the local Ford dealership, but I’m not buying a car. Therefore, I'm not getting a lot of help.

Does anybody have any experience with Explorer's or towing expertise?

Thanks!

I pull my TR21 with my explorer with no problem i have the same engine

[keepersize]

I have towed with two Explorers, v6 and v8, no problems with either and my partners were in awe of how well both towed. A full sized truck does make a better tow vehickle because of the longer wheel base but the Explorer will do just fine.

[Embrey]

I own almost the same rig and let me tell you that your explorer will do it...but your tranny will not last. I am on my third rebuilt trans and if you do not work on them yourself I would not recommend using an explorer to pull that boat...or any boat for that matter. Save yourself the grief and get an F150 or something comparable, the explorer is nothing more than a giant stationwagon with 4 wheel drive.

****, you didnt beef it up any after the first one blew up??