We're in between proper tow vehicles and need to move our TT (see signature) for a few miles (flat towing) from time to time in the next few months using our 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with the 3.5 non-turbo. Yes, I know this is not an ideal tow vehicle, but I am looking for input on the best possible class IV hitch to install. Trailer is just over 5 K (actual weight). Any input is much appreciated & Happy New Year to all.

You could probably get some bubba with a truck to do it for you, cheaper, safer, and less headache than installing a hitch.

I would look on Craiglist for a good deal on a simple WD hitch or I would go to Harbor Freight and get this WD hitch.I would not try to just tow it on a ball with that tow vehicle. I think you should use a WD hitch but not spend much money on one for the type of use you are going to put it to.Barney

They do not make a hitch for that truck in the weight class you need.The best you can get from my research is a 675 TW and 4500 tow rate hitch from draw titeYour trailer is 5200 lbs per specs online and a TW of 650 lbs ( Probably more)Ironically this hitch with weight dist loweres the TW to 500 but inbcreases tow rate to 5000..Still out of your relm..I would forget about it since its so borderline... There are so many other variables. Tires, GVW etc.. It would be a shame to destroy a 2017 vehicle trying to tow what it cant..Would I try it? Maybe.. If only a few miles? Maybe. But thats just my thoughts if I were in that situation..Plus I would do more research on the truck itself, and probably take it to the scales to really determine where the payloads/axle weights are at with the truck..Plus I would want to know if its a full boxed frame or not....etc...http://www.draw-tite.com/products/trailer-hitches/class-iii-iv-receiver/class-iii-trailer-hitch/WfzaCtfZMf0hoaEk3ihHPRU6D8ldJVqP

You may have trouble finding a hitch with enough towing capacity to fit that Explorer. AFAIK, the new Explorers are now unibody and not body-on-frame as years past.A better solution might be to rent a truck or hire out the moving if it is just a few trips. One of the worst slip-ups, IMO, is rationalizing a short trip or even terrain into any towing vehicle being capable of the trip.

I wouldn't do it instead I would look for a cheap beater truck to tow with or as others suggested rent a truck or have some one tow it.

Temporary towing with Ford Explorer | Good Sam Community

38 Replies

Camper_G
Explorer
Jan 15, 2017
Excellent! Very smart move. I was worried about your statement about trying to move your trailer with the explorer without any WDH which would have been a recipe for disaster.

Good luck with your F150. They are very nice.
wcjeep
Explorer
Jan 14, 2017
boulderado wrote:
Thanks for all your great feedback. It looks like the consensus is that ANY TT towing with the Explorer is a bad idea :B. So, I cooked a heck of a deal on a new 2016 Ford F-150 (traded the Explorer) and we are back in business, could not be happier. Thanks again to all the great fellow RVers out there.

You should now have plenty of safety margin. Congrats.
Mike_Up
Explorer
Jan 14, 2017
boulderado wrote:
Thanks for all your great feedback. It looks like the consensus is that ANY TT towing with the Explorer is a bad idea :B. So, I cooked a heck of a deal on a new 2016 Ford F-150 (traded the Explorer) and we are back in business, could not be happier. Thanks again to all the great fellow RVers out there.

Nice selection of truck and hitch. You have what I bought but I got the 5.0L w/3.73 locking rear which tows 10,900 lbs. I think the Ecoboost 3.5L with 3.55 differential is only 200 lbs less at 10,700 lbs so you're good to go as well!
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Jan 14, 2017
Great, its always nice to be able to get a new vehicle. and now you don`t need to worry about towing.

Enjoy!
boulderado
Explorer
Jan 14, 2017
Thanks for all your great feedback. It looks like the consensus is that ANY TT towing with the Explorer is a bad idea :B. So, I cooked a heck of a deal on a new 2016 Ford F-150 (traded the Explorer) and we are back in business, could not be happier. Thanks again to all the great fellow RVers out there.
Mike_Up
Explorer
Jan 03, 2017
westend wrote:
Back awhile, I had a Limited with Eddie Bauer Package and every upgrade a guy could get, a hand me down from the Dr SIL. I loved that thing. It could pull a 5K trailer with no sweat at all. That was back in the day when they were built with a true frame.

My Son rolled it on an icy road with 7 teens inside and everyone walked away, even the two riding in the back. I towed it home and then to my salvager buddy who cut the top off and used it as a yard dog. Great vehicle but not so great without a full frame.

Yep, had a 2008 Explorer Sport Trac. Great tow vehicle for a smaller camper as our previous Jay Flight 19BH. Had a 7000 lbs tow rating and 730 lbs hitch rating.
westend
Explorer
Jan 03, 2017
Back awhile, I had a Limited with Eddie Bauer Package and every upgrade a guy could get, a hand me down from the Dr SIL. I loved that thing. It could pull a 5K trailer with no sweat at all. That was back in the day when they were built with a true frame.

My Son rolled it on an icy road with 7 teens inside and everyone walked away, even the two riding in the back. I towed it home and then to my salvager buddy who cut the top off and used it as a yard dog. Great vehicle but not so great without a full frame.
Mike_Up
Explorer
Jan 02, 2017
coolmom42 wrote:
ONLY the Explorer Platinum and Sport trim levels have the 5000 lb tow rating and a class V hitch. Plus those are the only ones with the 3.5 Ecoboost.

All the other trim levels have 2000 lb tow rating, I believe. Way lower than OP's trailer, regardless.

I've checked into this pretty carefully as I am considering an Explorer for a tow vehicle.

Not true, our 3.5L n/a Explorer has a 5000 lbs/500 lb tow rating with our tow package. Not a fan of the 3.5L ecoboost. Like the more reliable n/a engines better.
Mike_Up
Explorer
Jan 02, 2017
boulderado wrote:
We're in between proper tow vehicles and need to move our TT (see signature) for a few miles (flat towing) from time to time in the next few months using our 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with the 3.5 non-turbo. Yes, I know this is not an ideal tow vehicle, but I am looking for input on the best possible class IV hitch to install. Trailer is just over 5 K (actual weight).

Any input is much appreciated & Happy New Year to all.

I have the tow package on our '15 explorer and while the Explorer has a low 5000 lbs tow rating, it's hitch weight is an equally disappointing 500 lbs. It's not a truck with a frame, it's a glorified car with a unibody and can't support the heavy hitch weight without damage, that a truck frame can support.

If you put that heavy trailer tongue weight on it's hitch, you're taking a chance. Just get your buddies or family member to help you move it a few miles instead of risking damaging a brand new expensive car.

BTW, love my wifes Explorer. It's the perfect soccer mom car to haul our kids and groceries. Wanted the tow package to tow a boat or other small trailer.
IBcarguy
Explorer
Jan 02, 2017
There are a lot of guys that will give you all of the reasons why you shouldn't tow with your Explorer. From a technical standpoint there is good evidence that this isn't a good idea. It's all about the "what if" point of view and when asked...the folks on most forums will always point out every negative scenario that there is. And....they are right. However, if it was me in that situation (only a couple of miles, flat terrain, not heavily traveled road, and only once in a while, and driving slow) I would put the heaviest duty hitch I could get and hit the road.