2015 Explorer
We just bought a 2015 Explorer Base 4WD model for my wife with Ford Sync/Sirius Radio and Tow Package.
This Crossover (they call it an SUV :D ) could be a nice tow vehicle for lighter and shorter campers.
While with a max 500 lbs hitch weight limit, it'll be limited to small travel trailer with around a Max "LOADED" weight of 3900 lbs, to stay within the hitch rating.
While the drive train looks to be less powerful, it is surprisingly powerful. I had a 2005 Pathfinder 4WD (true locked 4 Hi with truck frame) and the 4.0L that was rated for higher torque than the Ford 3.5L. The Nissan Pathfinder felt less powerful down low despite weighing the same.
The reason is gearing. The Explorer has some pretty high ratio gearing along with a 3.65 axle ratio in the 4WD model.
It gets up and goes with that gearing even though the rated torque is 255 lbs at 4000 rpms.
Now here's the most surprising benefit. It has 1398 lbs of payload right on the yellow tire loading tread act sticker on the door jam. That's only 30 lbs less than my previous 2010 F150 Crew Cab 4WD 5.4L 3V truck! It's also higher than many 1/2 ton trucks.
So you can probably load it up with a family, get a small TT or Hybrid, and do pretty good with it.
Really surprised as it has more payload than my late 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac by over 100 lbs.
Hek, it even has Trailer Sway control and a Tow mode.
Granted it's crossover design limits hitch weight but within that, it could be a pretty decent tow vehicle.
This Crossover (they call it an SUV :D ) could be a nice tow vehicle for lighter and shorter campers.
While with a max 500 lbs hitch weight limit, it'll be limited to small travel trailer with around a Max "LOADED" weight of 3900 lbs, to stay within the hitch rating.
While the drive train looks to be less powerful, it is surprisingly powerful. I had a 2005 Pathfinder 4WD (true locked 4 Hi with truck frame) and the 4.0L that was rated for higher torque than the Ford 3.5L. The Nissan Pathfinder felt less powerful down low despite weighing the same.
The reason is gearing. The Explorer has some pretty high ratio gearing along with a 3.65 axle ratio in the 4WD model.
It gets up and goes with that gearing even though the rated torque is 255 lbs at 4000 rpms.
Now here's the most surprising benefit. It has 1398 lbs of payload right on the yellow tire loading tread act sticker on the door jam. That's only 30 lbs less than my previous 2010 F150 Crew Cab 4WD 5.4L 3V truck! It's also higher than many 1/2 ton trucks.
So you can probably load it up with a family, get a small TT or Hybrid, and do pretty good with it.
Really surprised as it has more payload than my late 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac by over 100 lbs.
Hek, it even has Trailer Sway control and a Tow mode.
Granted it's crossover design limits hitch weight but within that, it could be a pretty decent tow vehicle.
