Explorer vs Tahoe

[mister164]

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?

[ktosv]

mister164 wrote:
I have been looking and I haven't seen a 3.73 rear in a Tahoe. I'm looking between 2010-2012. Do you now that they exist?

No, they do not exist unless modifed. A 3.42 axle Tahoe with the 6 speed tranny (available starting in the 2010MY) will out tow a 3.73 or even 4.10 equiped Tahoe (of any year). Careful, make sure you get one with the 3.42 axle as there is a 3.08 available as well. If you only tow 500 miles a year, maybe the 3.08 would do.

In my opinion, any 2010 or newer Tahoe and 3.42 axle would make a great tow vehicle for your trailer and will be far better than a 2005 Explorer. A new 5.3L engine is going to have like 60 more HP and 50 more #-ft of torque over your Explorer. If you ask me, any vehicle with the same power/torque improvement and longer wheelbase would be a recipe for better towing performance.

[MARK_VANDERBENT]

Tahoe will have a much stable tow feel. Wider, heavier, and touch more power for it all.

[MO_Trout_Bum]

The Tahoe is a much better towing platform. Greater payload, heavier duty truck over all.
I would not go with the unibody explorer to tow something in the 4000 pound weight class. Probably too much tongue weight especially if you have several passengers in the vehicle. Just my two cents from experience with both trucks.

[coolbreeze01]

Might as well look at the Jeep wagons while you're kicking tires. Model rated to 7,200# I believe.

[bikendan]

mister164 wrote:
Does the new Explorer have more power than the Tahoe?

as far as towing, it only is rated for 5000lbs. towing capacity.

you'll be much better off with the Tahoe, over the Exploder.
make sure it has the factory tow package, though.

[Fordlover]

I have the same TV as you and a bigger trailer and I'm satisfied. Been towing this setup for six years, and so far, so good. I guess it just depends on what your expectations are. I'd expect more stability from the Tahoe, but not a drastic change in towing power.

[mister164]

I have been looking and I haven't seen a 3.73 rear in a Tahoe. I'm looking between 2010-2012. Do you now that they exist?

[Terryallan]

carringb wrote:
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.

They are also Front Wheel Drive based. FWD does not a good TV make.
The Explorer has a max tow of 5000lbs, and the Flex 4500lbs.

IF you could find a Tahoe with the 5.3, and a 3.73 rear. You would be much better off. A 3.42 rear is too much of a high gear.

[FishOnOne]

The Tahoe will hands down out tow the Explore.

[wildwest450]

carringb wrote:
The GM 5.3L is actually a closer performer to the Ford base 3.7L V6.

Wow, step away from the crack pipe.

[wnjj]

mister164 wrote:
I'm not sure your lingo either. Is TV travel vehicle?

TV = Tow Vehicle, the name of this forum.

[carringb]

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]

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.

[mister164]

Does the new Explorer have more power than the Tahoe?