Towing with a 2013 Ford Explorer?

Jeb

Jeb

Member
Hi all,

I've been looking hard for V-20 Steplift cuddy this spring (Eastern New England area). I checked one out this morning and the owner sort of scoffed at the idea of my towing it with my '13 Explorer XLT. (he had a big Dodge Hemi pickup). My SUV has the factory tow package and is rated to 5K lbs, so I was a little surprised.

I called a local Ford dealer and they gave me a "Yeah, you shouldn't have a problem if the trailer is in good shape." The boat weighs 2650 dry. So, I'm figuring even with fuel and an outboard, I'm not approaching the towing capacity.

Does anyone on here tow with one of the newer-style Explorers? I'd like to hear input if you do.

Many thanks.

ford-explorer-xlt-14.jpg
 
I guess the dealer's answer wasn't very confidence inspiring. He basically just liked my logic and agreed with me.
 
It's a dual axle trailer with bearing buddies. My normal tow will usually be within 3-5 miles and at low speed (<25mph).

The INITIAL tow (if I decide to pull the trigger) is 130 miles.

Thanks
 
Called another dealer and he verified that my SUV has the auxillary tranny cooler which is all I should really be worried about with a load that side. So, that's reassuring. Still, would be curious to hear from any late-model Explorer owners who tow a V-20.

Thanks again.
 
RTOM
(Read the owners manual)

If it is rated for 5000 lbs weight carrying and not 5000 lbs with a weight distributing hitch any the load you plan to tow weighs under that you are fine... But keep in mind that max tow rating assumes min weight inside the tow vehicle... Cargo and passengers reduce tow rating.

3 miles at LOW SPEED is even less of a concern...

The initial tow is where you need to be certain...
The dealer is a bonehead tho saying the trans cooler was the only concern... I would be far more concerned with safety and the secondarily concerned with longevity.

That said, I'd say as long as that 5k is a load carrying rating and you don't plan to have 5 fat guys and a week's worth of luggage in the SUV you should be fine.
 
Thanks. I did RTOM and it confirmed the 5k lb rating. I was just thrown a little by the guy I talked to's certainty that it was a bad idea.

And I agree completely about safety over longevity. I took those comments with a grain of salt. That said, I'm really excited about picking up this boat, but messing up our family car wouldn't be good.

Anyway - if the boat is solid and I buy it, I'll post pics after safely bringing it home.

Thanks
 
Dry wt of a V20 is 1960lbs

I have the version of Explorer XLT just before that one. 4.0L V6, 3500LB tow hitch. 180K miles on it. Doesn't strain at all. If you have a V8 with class III tow package you are absolutely fine.

For short range, no BIG hills, No Problem with towing a V20.
Turn off O/D and drive 50 or below.
 
Maybe get a buddy with a truck to go get it with you, then short ramp trips no biggie.

I am more worried about stopping than pulling
 
I tend to agree with PhatDaddy. I'd be more worried about the braking than the towing. and if your trailer has working brakes than that's not a concern. Figure 2000 lbs dry for the boat, 1000 lbs for the trailer. that's 3000 from your rated cap of 5000. Since you have the aux tranny cooling package you're fine. Don't forget that a rated cap ALWAYS has a safety factor built in... so a 5000 lb cap is probably closer to 5500-6000 lbs.. and in all cases dry weight you're still only around 3000 before gas, ice, food and tackle..... and none of those are a worry for the initial tow since you're not going to be going fishing but rather taking it home. So basically, no sweat.
 
Thanks

Thanks for the thoughtful words on this topic. I towed her back 130 miles without issue. It's a nice trailer ('99 venture tandem). I definitely felt her back there, but never felt like it was too much. I'll post pics on a different thread!!

So psyched!
 
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