2003 Ford Explorer Enough To Pull 2900 Lbs. ?

[RCKYMTAIR]

Hi,
I am looking at a New boat, it is a Crestliner and is 18'1 in length and weighs 2105 dry with trailer roughly 2900 lbs. I am wondering if my 2003 Ford explorer will pull it I have a v6 4x4 in the explorer with 3.55 axle ratio, I also have a reciever hitch below the factory hitch that is mounted to the frame. I pulled a 1994 Sea Ray boat 17 ft weigh about 400 lbs less, it pulled that fine. I checked Fords website and they state my explorer is rated to pull 3,280 lbs. Am I pushing it by pulling this boat ???? Or do the put that on thier website to be conservative that is what the boat dealer is telling me (but I am sure he wants just to sell a boat) Please help.
I am wondering if anyone has about the same 03 Explorer and has pulled about the same wieght.

One last thing the boat will come with surge brakes so should help stopping.

 

[peacekeeper6]

Re: 2003 Ford Explorer Enough To Pull 2900 Lbs. ?

do it, it comes in under factory rated specs, i have pulled a lot more with my 00 F150.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 2003 Ford Explorer Enough To Pull 2900 Lbs. ?

The rating you mention seems kind of low but I wouldn't think you will have any issue. Does it have a tranny cooler ??? If not get one.

 

[rocket1968]

Re: 2003 Ford Explorer Enough To Pull 2900 Lbs. ?

I am towing the same size boat (actually a little heavier) with a 2wd explorer and not a problem unless starting out on a serious incline (no surge brakes either). I am adding a trans cooler this year. Note: Make sure to Tow with the OD off. I replace the brakes (at least the pads) every year since it is cheap and easy to maximize the stopping power.

 

[DJ]

Re: 2003 Ford Explorer Enough To Pull 2900 Lbs. ?

Your boat is going to be 4K#, or better, as a towed load.

The Explorer will handle it fine as long as you do not overload the weight in the towing vehicle.

Your Explorer is a very stable vehicle. Go slow and get used to it. You'll be fine.

 

[tnduc]

Re: 2003 Ford Explorer Enough To Pull 2900 Lbs. ?

That tow capacity seems low. I had a '04 Ranger with 4.0 V6, tow capacity of 5k pounds.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 2003 Ford Explorer Enough To Pull 2900 Lbs. ?

I don't believe the 3280 pounds capacity either....not doubting your word, just think there must be some kind of communication gap there. It's got to be at least 5,000 with a frame-mounted class III receiver.

I don't believe the 2900 lbs of boat, either. Add fuel, gear, rigging, beverages, at least another thousand pounds.

[note to rocket1968: you probably have checked this out, but a word of warning just in case, since you don't state your location -- in many states your rig without brakes is illegal]

 

[mrrod2001]

Re: 2003 Ford Explorer Enough To Pull 2900 Lbs. ?

I just got a 19ft bayliner openbow, am towing with a 2002 explorer sport trac 2wd with tow package(tranny cooler-trailer wiring) and it is no problem. Stopped at truck scale on way home (LA to Bay area) and the whole package was 7960Lbs then took off trailer and explorer alone was 4900Lbs= Boat was 3060 Lbs. No wheel spin at the dock pulling it out eather.

 

[ebry710]

Re: 2003 Ford Explorer Enough To Pull 2900 Lbs. ?

I was reading another thread about trailers and someone there had a good point. It was suggested that dealers are having some trouble selling boats in this market. The conversion was about fitting a boat into a garage. It was suggested that the dealer probably won't mind making it a condition of sale that the boat fit into the garage. Towing should be something that you and the dealer could decide on the back of your Explorer.

 

[rocket1968]

Re: 2003 Ford Explorer Enough To Pull 2900 Lbs. ?

thanks for the info. I am not sure if my trailer has surge brakes or not. How would I check? I am guessing by the age of the trailer it doesnt. It is a 1974 Caulkins trailer and I am in Illinois.