Re: ford explorer sport trac
I used to tow with a 2000 Explorer (same running gear as your sport trac. I towed a 18' I/O and a current boat is 20' I/O. Towed the 18' OK, towed the 20' , no very good and I upgraded the truck. I added air bags to the rear suspension and upgraded the shocks. Both helped the towing performance lots. I woulds definitely add a good transmission cooler to the truck, even if you have a factory one (if you have towing package you have a second one in front of rad.). The 5R55E transmission is not know for it toughness. Not sure how much your setup weighs or the law in your area (goes by state) but I would think about adding trailer brakes to your setup if you do not already have them. Some friends make fun of my love of trailer brakes. (I have SS discs and all 4 wheels of new boat, and I LOVE them). Easy example why is the other week I was coming back across the state and a guy pulled out in front of me on a small 2 lane 55MPH road and the every wheel on the trailer locked up and ABS on the truck kept me straight and he accelerated outta the way of me about to give him a 10K pound turbo boast. I figure that situation alone saved me my insurance deductible right there, plus the risk of injury/hassle etc. Bottom line you can never have a vehicle that stops too fast, especially while towing. You are under the max rated value which is key. As FYI, if you exceed that and get an accident you are uninsuranced, lots of people do not realize the risk they take by exceeding the tow rating. Speaking of ratings, they are set by manufacturers and marketing folks and are BS. Not a Ford slam, everyone lies. I think in 2009 or 2010 the SAE is stepping in and they will set the tow ratings for vehicles based on performance criteria. Watch everyones rating drop like stone at that time.
