Forum Discussion

mister164's avatar
mister164
Explorer
Jul 27, 2013

Explorer vs Tahoe

I need help making a decision for a new TV. I have an 18ft Star craft trailer. I think the weight of the trailer is 3800lbs, but I don't understand it all. I'm not sure your lingo either. Is TV travel vehicle?
I currently have a 2005 4.6 V8 Explorer with a 3.73 axle. It pulls it ok, but I'm not happy with it. It takes forever to get moving at a stop sign etc and it feels like it's not 100% in control of the camper. We would like to get a Chevy Tahoe 5.3 V8 with a 3.43 axle. We have also looked at a Chevy 1500 pickup that has the same engine. I'm worried that the power of the Tahoe won't make enough of a difference in towing performance. Can I get some opinions on whether or not the Chevy vehicles will pull the trailer better than my Explorer?
Tow Vehicles

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  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    Jul 27, 2013
    mister164 wrote:
    I'm not sure your lingo either. Is TV travel vehicle?


    TV = Tow Vehicle, the name of this forum.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    mister164 wrote:
    Does the new Explorer have more power than the Tahoe?


    Yes, if you get the 3.5L EcoBoost (they also have a 2.0 EcoBoost which is not for towing). The GM 5.3L is actually a closer performer to the Ford base 3.7L V6. The EcoBoost 3.5 compares performance wise to the Ford and GM 6.2L V8s.
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    Isn't the new Explorer a unibody now?
    A 5.3 Tahoe or 1500 will pull your current trailer just fine. But - it's a vicious cycle - bigger TV=bigger trailer.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    The Tahoe probably won't make a dramatic performance improvement. If you want more power, and are happy with the size of your Explorer, the new Explorer (and Flex) can now be had with the 3.5L EcoBoost, which has substantially more power than your current motor.
  • ktosv's avatar
    ktosv
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    What year would the Tahoe be? I towed a 5000# GVWR hybrid TT with an 05 Suburban with the 5.3L/3.42 axle and with 6 of us and two dogs the thing towed great. I had plenty of get up and go with that set up. I always towed in D (third) with tow haul on.

    If you are refering to a newer Tahoe with the 3.42 axle and it has the 6 speed there should be no problems towing a 3800# TT, even if that is the dry weight.
  • popupcamping's avatar
    popupcamping
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    TV is Tow Vehicle

    Yes the tahoe will tow better. It is heavier and has a ton more torque. 3800 pounds though should not be giving your explorer issues though. It simply must be wore out or you are expecting something different than normal

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