Balashark
Jul 29, 2014Explorer
2014 Ford Explorer
Has anyone had a lot of experience towing with this vehicle. I have towed a KZ Sportsman once to Delaware and was pleased for the most part. I could not exceed 65 miles per hour.
rexlion wrote:just make sure that turbo is rated to tow. When I bought mine there was only the stock engine rated to tow. While it's OK with 3k behind me, you better be patient with it.
The current Explorer is very similar in size, power, and tow capability to my Highlander. The HL was ok with a 2700 lb TT everywhere except in the Rockies, where it sometimes would need 2nd or 3rd gear at about 40 mph to get over a long, steep grade at high altitude.
Thinking about replacing the HL soon, so I test drove a Sport. The turbo is definitely better for towing, if one is buying new. But if you already have a non-turbo Explorer, yes it can do the job as long as you don't want to win races up hills.
OpenRangePullen_Ford wrote:agreed.. This ain't your moms Explorer by any stretch. It's nice and heavy but underpowered for any consistent towing IMO
I rented one once, It was the current generation with AWD so it had the non-turbo 3.5 V6. I towed a loaded 12ft enclosed trailer and the V6 seamed to struggled. I was in Denver, Colorado. But regardless the 2.0 and 3.5 are a let down from what the explorer use to be. Its not even a SUV now its a crossover. They do have the 3.5TT in the sport but it still doesn't have the towing capacity.