Can my vehicle tow this camper?
Since I'm asking the question, I think I know the answer (it's probably no) but let's run thru the match and see how much over I am and how big of a deal is it to be over. Here is my stats on my trail...
Forum Discussion
Ugh, I just spent 30 min typing a reply that got vaporized by a network error! I'll edit in hopes it doesn't go poof again!
WOW so many here are quick to jump without actually researching the vehicle in question.
In short, you will be OK, here is why. The Explorer's low tow rating has absolutely nothing to do with the vehicle, the limitation is exclusively based on the class 2 receiver installed by the factory.
According to the 2007 Ford fleet towing guide, towing package 53G for the Explorer adds the following: Class 3/4 receiver, 7 pin plug, V6 gets 3.73 axle ratio vs 3.55, V8 retains 3.55. There it is, THATS IT!! These are the ONLY DIFFERENCES between the V6 being rated 3500 and 5370, and the V8 being rated 3500 and 7290!! 3500 is the limit for class 2, so if that is the receiver Ford installed, that is the max tow rating.
With a quality properly installed aftermarket class 3/4 and 7 pin I would have NO HESITATION in using the higher numbers.
I used to tow the trailer in my sig with a 2004 V8 Explorer. It weighs 4050 shipped and about 5100 loaded. With my wife and I and 2 little kids we were within every rating for our Explorer. The reason we traded for the Expedition was the 3rd kid. 3 car seats would not fit across the middle row of the Explorer, and trying to put one (or 2) in back was a logistical nightmare, not to mention all the gear that goes with 3 tiny kids. So we traded for more space.
One word of caution, on my 2004 Ford only used a stacked plate oil/air cooler for the transmission and did not have the oil/water loop in the radiator. It was not sufficient for low speed hill climbs, backing into spaces and other low speed maneuvering because there was not enough airflow. If you 2007 is also like this, you will need to add auxiliary cooling with forced airflow like a fan for those situations.
PM me if you have any questions about that generation Explorer and towing with it, I know a lot about them.
Daniel
WOW so many here are quick to jump without actually researching the vehicle in question.
In short, you will be OK, here is why. The Explorer's low tow rating has absolutely nothing to do with the vehicle, the limitation is exclusively based on the class 2 receiver installed by the factory.
According to the 2007 Ford fleet towing guide, towing package 53G for the Explorer adds the following: Class 3/4 receiver, 7 pin plug, V6 gets 3.73 axle ratio vs 3.55, V8 retains 3.55. There it is, THATS IT!! These are the ONLY DIFFERENCES between the V6 being rated 3500 and 5370, and the V8 being rated 3500 and 7290!! 3500 is the limit for class 2, so if that is the receiver Ford installed, that is the max tow rating.
With a quality properly installed aftermarket class 3/4 and 7 pin I would have NO HESITATION in using the higher numbers.
I used to tow the trailer in my sig with a 2004 V8 Explorer. It weighs 4050 shipped and about 5100 loaded. With my wife and I and 2 little kids we were within every rating for our Explorer. The reason we traded for the Expedition was the 3rd kid. 3 car seats would not fit across the middle row of the Explorer, and trying to put one (or 2) in back was a logistical nightmare, not to mention all the gear that goes with 3 tiny kids. So we traded for more space.
One word of caution, on my 2004 Ford only used a stacked plate oil/air cooler for the transmission and did not have the oil/water loop in the radiator. It was not sufficient for low speed hill climbs, backing into spaces and other low speed maneuvering because there was not enough airflow. If you 2007 is also like this, you will need to add auxiliary cooling with forced airflow like a fan for those situations.
PM me if you have any questions about that generation Explorer and towing with it, I know a lot about them.
Daniel
