Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

[dorelse]

I'm looking at purchasing a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac (V6 AWD), or possibly a F150 SuperCrew Harley Ed.

I have a 1978 Glastron 18ft boat, single axle trailer, weighs, fully packed with gear & family for a week long vacation maybe 3500lbs...at most.

I currently have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 QC, 5.9L, 4x4, 120k miles, and has been a rock solid tow vehicle. (For comparison)

I'm surprised that the Adrenalin ed Sport Trac I'm looking at is a V6, but it is...how have people found the Sport Trac's as tow vehicles?

My towing needs...we typically tow the boat about 45 miles to the lake, all 4 lane hwy's, flat terrain (its Iowa)...and once a year, we tow it 400 miles to N. MN for a vacation.

Probably tow & use the boat 6x a summer, as I refuse to let that dictate my summer weekends...

It does have the factory tow package.

I would keep the Dodge, as I know it'll last for a couple years yet, but the kids just don't fit in the back any more. TIA!

 

[JB]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

What is the tow rating? Unless it is 5,000lb or more, forget it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

You are comparing apples to pumpkins in the Explorer/F-150. The F-150 is by far a better tow vehicle. More power, longer wheel base, and just better equipped for towing. Yes - you can tow with the Sport-Trac but given the choice, it's a no-brainer.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

The 2008 Sport Trac is rated for up to 5,250 lbs. with the 4.0L SOHC V6 . The 2wd is rated at 6800#. Pretty much the same engine I have in my Explorer. Nice long 130" wheelbase. Thats 13" longer than an Explorer.
More than capable.

It is on my list of possible replacement vehicles.

 

[dorelse]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

Given my needs, I think its a very capable match. For the 6-10x a year I need to tow, its there...for the rest of the year, I have a comfortable SUT that I can actually park where I want to, and gets better than 12 mpg.

Honestly, I think they're both good...but the Adrenalin is just cool! The F150 would, I agree, have more capabilities in all aspects...but, that doesn't mean the Sport Trac isn't well suited for my needs.

The only thing will be if my son and I can fit in the back comfortably...I'll have it for a long time...so there has to be room for the family road trips.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

BIL has a sport-trac(also has an f350 diesel), and a slightly heavier boat than yours. That little st has been unstoppable - even through the mountains. It is certainly more than adequate for your needs, and probably cheaper then the f-150HD.

 

[dorelse]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

Biggest thing, after driving a Sport Trac, is there's just no way my growing family will fit long term in it.

It would be especially uncomfortable for an all day drive...but, its a nice vehicle.

I'm going to stick with looking for a used F150 SuperCrew.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

The Explorer and ranger parted ways several years ago, but hte sport track is built on the Ranger's narrower frame.

My search for a larger tow vehicle got sidelined this week, when my round of layoffs came around. Guess the old Isuzu will have to keep it up a little longer.

 

[dorelse]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

So, we test drove another Sport Trac last night, whole family in tow...very nice...I am going to keep them on the list of 'possibles'.

My 'getting taller by the minute' son & daughter fit very nicely in the back seats...I was surprised by the room.

The particular one we drove does not have the Trailer/Tow pkg, so that one is completely out...but a V8 model with Tow pkg may be a possibility.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

Ok, not trying to start trouble....but I just don't get these type of vehicles. Wouldn't a regular Explorer be more versatile than one of these with its tiny little bed? You may be able to bring a dishwasher home from the appliance store but what the heck else are you going to do with it?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

awwww but their so "cute" lol....

 

[jfadool]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

The Explorer and ranger parted ways several years ago, but the sport track is built on the Ranger's narrower frame.

The 07+ sport track is biased on the explorer not ranger. This is also when they started putting a V8 in them.

 

[surge006]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

I have a f350 and always have had a pick up. I did have a 2010 sport trac for a rental a couple weeks ago for 3 weeks and cant say anything bad about it. it was very smooth ride and plenty of room and power for that v6 i was suprised. The harley ed is very nice but i know some of the earlier models didnt have 4wd they were only 2wd and if it is supercharged ? forget getting up the ramp with your boat.

 

[dorelse]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

Ok, not trying to start trouble....but I just don't get these type of vehicles. Wouldn't a regular Explorer be more versatile than one of these with its tiny little bed? You may be able to bring a dishwasher home from the appliance store but what the heck else are you going to do with it?

Not trouble.

Ok, long story, short...I'm a farm kid...I have tried to not have a pickup for about 15 years now. Every time I've tried, I've always gone back to a truck within a year.

But...every time I try to park the truck, or maneuver the thing in tight places, I think I should have something smaller.

This seems to be a good compromise for my needs. I can haul about 90% of what I'd need it to...the rest could be on my little single axle trailer.

Its either going to be a Sport Trac, or an F150 Harley Davidson Super Crew...and its funny, b/c I haven't owned a Ford in 10 years.

 

[dorelse]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

I have a f350 and always have had a pick up. I did have a 2010 sport trac for a rental a couple weeks ago for 3 weeks and cant say anything bad about it. it was very smooth ride and plenty of room and power for that v6 i was suprised. The harley ed is very nice but i know some of the earlier models didnt have 4wd they were only 2wd and if it is supercharged ? forget getting up the ramp with your boat.

Yeah, it'd be the 2003 F150 Supercharged Harley Ed...RWD the only option.

The funny thing about that is...I've never, not once, used 4WD with my Dodge Ram at a boat ramp (which didn't have a LSD in it). It never spun or slipped at all. Its been the same story on gravel ramps, cement wet and/or slimy...

So I would think the LSD in the F150 Harley would actually improve my pulling ability.

 

[surge006]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

Yea here in mass were i live the ramps are pretty steep and with sport street tires on it forget it your not goin anywhere. But obviously thats not everywhere, but ive always wanted one for ever, but if thats the rd you take and it dosnt work out ill trade ya lol.

 

[holguinerito]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

well on the 2nd of feb i just got a 05 F250 supercab , i never had a ford truck before and let me tell you that if you are looking at ford this truck is it .I dont have my own boat yet but already got a chance to tow a friends 20' fishing boat plus lots of gear on the bed and i was very but very happy with the trucks performance while towing the boat , my friends towing truck its a 04 EXP and even him was hook to the point that a week ago we went to check out a 04 and 06 F250s and he left the lot with the 06 truck . he also plans on getting a biger boat this year so once again this truck its it .

 

[dorelse]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

Well, I ended up purchasing a Sport Trac 2 weeks ago. With my boat weighing less than 2500lbs, and it having a 5250lbs tow rating, I was comfortable with the margin of safety.

Just got back towing the boat 150 miles, and it did great, so far, I'm enjoying the smaller size yet still having the versatility of the small pickup.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

good to hear.

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: Looking for feedback on Explorer Sport Trac for towing

I have a 1978 Glastron 18ft boat, single axle trailer, weighs, fully packed with gear & family for a week long vacation maybe 3500lbs...at most.

Unless your filling that boat up with water, I doubt your even close to 3500#.
If it was that heavy, I would bet the trailer is way over loaded. My guess, is your not much over 2000#.