Forum Discussion
mgirardo
Mar 25, 2016Explorer
What is the Explorer rated to tow? How heavy is the Roo? That is what is important.
We towed our Roo 233 with our Nissan Xterra with a 3.3l V6, 170 HP, 205 Ft/lbs torque (first generation Xterra). I didn't like towing it on serious hills, but it got the job done. We had an Equal-i-zer hitch and sway was never an issue. With the larger engine of your Explorer, I would think power wouldn't be a problem on flat land, but it probably wouldn't be ideal.
Our Xterra had a tow rating of 5k pounds. The Roo 233 when loaded was pretty close to 5k pounds. I did install a B&M tranny cooler. Since we lived in the south, I used the OEM tranny cooler and the B&M cooler together. When in really cold weather, I would bypass the OEM cooler.
I think you will find that the Explorer will tow your Roo, but it probably isn't the ideal tow vehicle. The 23ss is pretty heavy too. Make sure you have anti-sway and weight distribution as well as a brake controller.
-Michael
We towed our Roo 233 with our Nissan Xterra with a 3.3l V6, 170 HP, 205 Ft/lbs torque (first generation Xterra). I didn't like towing it on serious hills, but it got the job done. We had an Equal-i-zer hitch and sway was never an issue. With the larger engine of your Explorer, I would think power wouldn't be a problem on flat land, but it probably wouldn't be ideal.
Our Xterra had a tow rating of 5k pounds. The Roo 233 when loaded was pretty close to 5k pounds. I did install a B&M tranny cooler. Since we lived in the south, I used the OEM tranny cooler and the B&M cooler together. When in really cold weather, I would bypass the OEM cooler.
I think you will find that the Explorer will tow your Roo, but it probably isn't the ideal tow vehicle. The 23ss is pretty heavy too. Make sure you have anti-sway and weight distribution as well as a brake controller.
-Michael
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