Tow question

BarneyS wrote:
You are NOT going to like the way it tows. First the GVWR of the Explorer (the most the truck itself can weigh)is not 10,000lbs. That has to be the GCWR - the total that the truck and trailer COMBINED can weigh. Most 3/4 ton trucks have a GVWR of around 8800lbs or so so the Explorer has to be less than that. I suspect the GVWR is in the 6000lb range.

I suspect your Explorer is rated to tow 5500lbs. That means that you could tow a boat, flatbed trailer etc ok, BUT a travel trailer has a large frontal area and tow much differently than a boat. A 4500lb travel trailer will tax that Explorer to the limit and will not be fun even though it might be within the numbers!

Your profile says you are in Lakeland. I hope that is Lakeland, Florida where it is flat. If you stay in flat areas you might be ok as long as you don't try to go very fast. The engine, combined with the frontal area of the trailer will prevent going very fast and you will most likely not enjoy the towing process.

Sorry to be so negative but that Explorer, with its' small engine, short wheelbase, and soft suspension is just not designed to tow and will not make a good tow vehicle for a travel trailer. It may get you by but be prepared to go slow and stay near home where it is flat. I would not venture up into the upper parts of Georgia or other places where there are mountains or large hills.
Good luck. :)
Barney

I am going to have to agree with BarneyS on this and say I don't think you will like the way it tows. Also I would like to know what the GVWR of the TT is. I am afraid you will be on the ragged edge. Can you provide the GVWR of the TT or a model year and model number so we can offer a more informed opinion?

You are NOT going to like the way it tows. First the GVWR of the Explorer (the most the truck itself can weigh)is not 10,000lbs. That has to be the GCWR - the total that the truck and trailer COMBINED can weigh. Most 3/4 ton trucks have a GVWR of around 8800lbs or so so the Explorer has to be less than that. I suspect the GVWR is in the 6000lb range.

I suspect your Explorer is rated to tow 5500lbs. That means that you could tow a boat, flatbed trailer etc ok, BUT a travel trailer has a large frontal area and tow much differently than a boat. A 4500lb travel trailer will tax that Explorer to the limit and will not be fun even though it might be within the numbers!

Your profile says you are in Lakeland. I hope that is Lakeland, Florida where it is flat. If you stay in flat areas you might be ok as long as you don't try to go very fast. The engine, combined with the frontal area of the trailer will prevent going very fast and you will most likely not enjoy the towing process.

Sorry to be so negative but that Explorer, with its' small engine, short wheelbase, and soft suspension is just not designed to tow and will not make a good tow vehicle for a travel trailer. It may get you by but be prepared to go slow and stay near home where it is flat. I would not venture up into the upper parts of Georgia or other places where there are mountains or large hills.
Good luck. :)
Barney

The GVW is 10,000. The hitch is factory. I bet the truck weighs about 4,500.

Don't assume anything. Look for the decal on the trailer that has the load capacities for the tires, axles and gross. Then look on the door or door post in your tow vehicle for the load capacities for it. Just because you have a hitch rated for 5,000 pounds, doesn't mean what it attaches to has the same rating. Usually it is less.

#1, no one tows an empty trailer. Never consider that weight. I like to use the GVW of the trailer.

I will not support or condemn your setup. If that is what you can afford right now, just be safe and enjoy. I don't think your setup will be over and if it is, it won't be by much, unless that trailer has super high tongue weight. And for ease of mind, take it by the CAT scales. I did, and found I am over by 100lbs on TV gvw. I guess I will use the bathroom before I tow :-p