Wudwork

I bought a 2016 Ford Explorer Limited this summer to tow a single axle travel trailer, 4400 lbs loaded. The Limited cannot get the 3.5 EB engine. I got the Limited as I insisted on Lane Keeping, YES this single option was required by me (scary story/history). I put a few coolers in back of Explorer and as best as CAT scales indicate, I am fully loaded about 300 lbs below GCWR. When dragging the trailer up mountains, around 60mph, it seems I have only 3rd gear (2800rpm) and 4th gear (4200 rpm) in TOW mode.

I don't like the 4200rpm as it seems the engine is straining. Next fall I intend to replace trailer with 6000lb dry unit.

I want an F150 Lariat with 502a and technology to address the GCWR and rpm issues while keeping all the technology I now have. I am NOT considering an F250 or above; I simply don't want the mpg issues and lack of technology. I will have to get the F150 to handle next trailer, but the trade-in on Explorer is a $10k hit.


Am I nuts ? Do I trade-in and upgrade ? Anyone offer me $43k for Explorer ? Anyone have suggestion ??

Scotsskier

No that would be the crazy one!!

Velosprout

The Explorer 2.3 has a max trailer weight of 2000 pounds as per the Ford specifications site. You will be hurt financially by trading. Best scenario will be to sell outright to a private party, but you will still take a substantial loss.

tsigwing

isn't max tow on the Explorer 5000 lbs? Crazy or not, if your going to tow a 6000 lb trailer, something has to give.

Wudwork

I have tow package so YES, I max tow at 5000#. I can pull this trailer, but not the next one. I am hoping for comments on the RPM issue. I believe the trailer axle will overload (its rated at 4500lb) before I hit GCWR ceiling on Explorer.

130428

the question should be, do you want to buy that next trailer?
If so, it's not a question of whether or not you should trade, or how much you lose, you have no choice. and yes, the F150 will handle a 6k lbs trailer better than your current SUV.
the EB will typically run at lower rpms, the 5.0 needs to rev to make torque. It's designed for that, so other than the additional noise (someone who has one can comment on that), no issue.

AbitaPro

Suggestions: Since summer is just a few months behind us and your already looking at selling or trading in your new 2016 Explorer, I would pause a moment and give some thought to the matter. Unless you trade out of vehicles every few months, you may want to think a few years into the future and figure out your needs.

$10K loss on a trade on a 2016 doesn't sound odd. There's depreciation when you roll of the lot and the dealer wants to make a few thousand on the deal as well.

gwpfan

1. You could slow down. Traveling thru the mountains at ~60 mph? Granted some hwy's are posted at 60-65 mph, but if your that concerned on the climbs why not travel at 55 mph?

2. Your numbers seem off "it seems I have only 3rd gear (2800rpm) and 4th gear (4200 rpm) in TOW mode" 3rd at 4200 rpm and 4th at 2800 rpm would make more sense.

3. There is electronic rev limiting along with temperature measurements that will automatically slow you down if you push the limits too close.

4. What is red line on that? I would guestimated ~6K? How long are you running at 4200 rpm?

5. Since your not doing this until next year you may find a better lighter trailer by then.

6. I would wait until you find and get the trailer you want, then maybe you could look at a slightly used newer F150 and have all of todays tech you want.

Seems to me you want the bigger truck no matter what...so you have to pay to play.

KMP44

I went from towing a 2800 lb popup with an older Explorer ('03) to pulling our new 5300 lb empty (6000 lb loaded) travel trailer with my '05 F-150 with the 5.4 engine. Its not just the weight that strains the engine, but that big square frontal area creating drag. But the F-150 is a huge improvement for towing. With that 5.4 it runs at 3,500rpm sometimes on a grade, but its designed to handle that. I would expect the current 5.0 would be similar. The EB should not need to rev nearly as high if that's a deciding factor for you.


Based on your scale check you said you were just under CGWR, but what about the rear axle of the Explorer? Normally payload is the first thing you max out on with a camper.


With the 6,000lb empty new trailer, you'll probably be in the neighborhood of 6,800 loaded plus the hitch itself. With 12% tongue weight and a typical hitch, that's over 850. Then with passengers, gear, whatever else you bring, even an F-150 will max out on payload long before you go CGWR. Just something to consider when spec'ing the new combo.


I was all set to look for a 2016 F-150 this spring, but then the 2017 Super Duty came along. We could really use a higher payload for our kayaks, bikes, and firewood that usually go with us. The 2017 is getting the F-150 cab and most of the tech features too. Don't know what the price is going to be, but on '16's and F-250 with the 6.2 is about the same price as a similarly equipped F-150. Not sure if I want to take the hits in mileage and ride quality - plus I would expect the 6.2 would still rev fairly high on the hills. I figure I'll at least wait and take a look in the summer when the details come out. If we stay with the F-150, it should still work fine, but will need to continue watching what we bring along.


The Explorer is a great vehicle for just about everything but heavy towing. Hopefully you find a good deal to trade up for pulling the new trailer.

Wudwork

GWPFAN, thank you.