Can this pull my boat???

[brad20653]

1974 thunderbird formula 18ft single axl teailer with a 1994 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD SUV???<br />How would it be on the ramp no hills just need something 4wd to get it up and down the ramp, im only 5 miles from the ramp. Think it would be ok??

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

Long as your within the vehicles tow weight limit, no problem... Probably don't even need 4 wheel drive, unless the ramp is realllly steep......

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

I tow and launch/retrieve with a 1993 Ford Mustang, you don't need 4WD unless it's real steep or slippery and even then I've seen 4WD's slip all 4 wheels at low tide.<br /><br />Just a thought.<br /><br />Craig

 

[cuzner]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

You will be fine!I had the same ford. Make sure you don"t leave it in 4wd, it has plasic hubs that crack real easy.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

You shoud be fine. I recommend you don't use the bumper hitch, get a receiever hitch. I think you will have no problem from a weight perspective. <br /><br />The explorer is actually a pretty good tow vehicle. I think, that with the 1994 you are good to about 5000 lbs.

 

[rhinohorn]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

Brad1- With your short towing distance, getting there and back isn't that big of an issue. A four-wheeler (atv) can pull your boat! What really matters is that you have working trailer breaks!<br /><br />I pull a 21 foot Larson on a tandem-axle trailer with a 97 Jeep Cherokee. I was a little worried at first, but it does very well. 60-65 mph in fourth gear. Third gear for the hills. I'm comfortable pulling it because the surge brakes work so well.<br /><br />If you have trailer breaks and a good receiver hitch, I think you could pull anywhere!

 

[rhinohorn]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

One more thing...you may need to get an airbag system (about $175.00) for your saggy rear depending on tounge weight.

 

[k5ranger]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

hey rhinohorn...i have a 93 jeep g/c/l....do you have aribags on your jeep? if so, how do you like them?

 

[buddyx1]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

I have a 1999 Ford Explorer Sport with a 4L V6 and do not have any problems with pulling my boat.<br /><br />1987 MonArk with 4.3L V6 Cobra 18foot single axle Spartan trailer

 

[Solittle]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

I have pulled my 23' CC with my 93 Sport 2 wheel drive for 10 yrs with no problems in South Florida. I would want a larger truck with more beef in hilly country.

 

[rhinohorn]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

K5ranger-<br /><br />I just ordered a set and will let you know how they work when I get them on. All I'm trying to do is keep the ***-end of my wife's jeep from sagging. These add an extra 20000 lbs. of capacity, so they should do the trick. Otherwise, the Jeep pulls like, well, a Jeep. And I have 3.07 grears and 30-inch tall tires.

 

[rhinohorn]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

Sorry, I ment 2000 lbs. Although Jeeps are TUFF!

 

[seamegr]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

Rhino, so are you telling us all that your wife's rear end is sagging???<br /><br />(sorry but I couldn't resist)<br /><br />Greg

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

These add an extra 20000 lbs. of capacity, so they should do the trick.

Sorry, I ment 2000 lbs

Just to clarify this. Air bags add to the LEVEL towing ability of the car only.... They do not increase the tow capicity of the car (It still can only tow the factory rating... It just tows it without a sag).<br /><br /> I wonder if they make airbags for the front end.... My wife is sagging some there too....... <br /> (sorry, but I too could not resist).

 

[rhinohorn]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

Yes, we all have sagging wives! I guess that after a while, they just say "What the Hell, I'll let myself go just like my husband has!" I keep trying to get her to have airbags installed up front but...<br /><br />Good point Seaboo, airbags DO NOT increase factory towing capacity on a vehicle. They only keep said vehicle from sagging (there, I said it again!) when trailer tounge weight is applyed to the hitch. This isn't really an issue with single-axle trailers, although I would want ANY trailer riding as level as possible. Tandems are a different story because most tandems are equipped with brakes on the rear axle. Too much weight up front, and you loose the braking effect. I hope to get my airbags in this week, install them, and give you all a report only after pulling. Rhino

 

[cdivrmike]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

I pull my 04 keylargo 190 with a 94 ford explorer and have had no problems. boat and trailer way about 2800#

 

[rhinohorn]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

Hey all! Got the new Airlift air bags installed on the wife's 97 Cherokee and...WOW! The BEST $175 I've ever spent! The install took about 4 hour (I screw around a lot, and try not to hurry these things!) I hooked the boat up the next day, watched the tired rear suspension sag as usual, and then put about 50 psi into each air line. The Jeep and boat came right up to level. Just like their supposed to do!<br /><br />My only concern is that the installation instructions say keep 5 inches between the bags and the rear tires. I put these on as per directed, and I have about 3 inches of clearence. It's just the way they were designed. I guess I'll just have to be extra carefull when offroading! I'll never have a tow vehicle without them! They are AMAZING! I actually have my steering back!<br /><br />Rhino

 

[Formula1974]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

i pull my 16 ft bayliner capri cuddy with my 95 chevy S-10 Blazer 4x4 I never have to put it in 4 wheel drive. Do you have the truck yet? Maybe look into getting something with a stock tow package. they work better.

 

[seamegr]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

Rhino, glad to hear the air bag operation was a success and your wife's rear end is no longer sagging.<br /><br />But seriously, I will keep this in mind when I move to a bigger boat hitched to my 03 Jimmy. Thanks for the report.<br /><br />Greg

 

[rhinohorn]

Re: Can this pull my boat???

Greg S- I'm sure they're all good, but I went with AirLift. They were easy to fing on the internet, have a really good web site, and they had a kit for my wife...uh, I mean my wife's Cherokee! Good luck to you and have a sun-burned-filled summer on the water. Rhino