2004 explorer vs. 91 F150 with 4.9 six
Primary TV is a Dodge 3500 Cummins and the travel trailer is about 6000 lb vintage BOles Aero. But if the Dodge had a problem and I had to retrieve the trailer the other trucks are my wife's 2004...
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I have towed trailers (some 6k+) with 2 Explorers a 98 XLT 5.0L AWD and a 06 Ltd 4.6L (24valve) 4x4. Both of them did fine with the latter lasting past 100K miles before I got rid of it.
I towed loaded auto transport trailers, boat trailers and even my TT home from the dealership before I had a HD TV but wouldn't recommend that. I know many don't like the Explorer as a towing platform but when I had a V10 Excursion I preferred to tow med size trailer/loads with the Explorer. I know you say its hard to imagine a 7K tow rating but I bought mines to tow my boat/trailer that I expected was 6,600# after 2 years and on the second Explorer I weight it at a scrap yard at 8K and I was shocked but never disappointed in power, braking and stability. Unless you have a really heavy tongue weight or are driving in the mountains I don't expect you to have any problems.
I towed loaded auto transport trailers, boat trailers and even my TT home from the dealership before I had a HD TV but wouldn't recommend that. I know many don't like the Explorer as a towing platform but when I had a V10 Excursion I preferred to tow med size trailer/loads with the Explorer. I know you say its hard to imagine a 7K tow rating but I bought mines to tow my boat/trailer that I expected was 6,600# after 2 years and on the second Explorer I weight it at a scrap yard at 8K and I was shocked but never disappointed in power, braking and stability. Unless you have a really heavy tongue weight or are driving in the mountains I don't expect you to have any problems.
