towing a 19' with an explorer

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garrett61

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 13, 2005
Messages
159
Hi i was wondering if a 00 explorer 2 door would tow a 76 glassmaster 19' with a 125 on it without any killing of the truck or major issues. i got the boat home fine with the original 72 140 hp engine on it. since then ive redone the entire boat deck stringers foam etc.<br />thanks in advance <br />Garrett
 
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baylinerbuddy

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Sep 27, 2004
Messages
20
Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

I've got a '98 Explorer and am towing a 19.5 bayliner w/a 3.0 litre in it.<br /><br />no troubles at all.<br /><br />in fact i would recommend this truck to anyone looking to pull these small boats.<br /><br />good luck.
 
JB

JB

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45,907
Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

You missed the first two questions that you should ALWAYS ask, Garrett.<br /><br />1. What does the boat/trailer/gear/gas/etc. weigh ready to launch? A 19' rig could weigh as much as 3,000lb. Weigh it.<br /><br />2. What is the tow rating of the vehicle AS EQUIPPED? Depending on transmission, gearing and whether it has an installed towing package your Xplorer Sport could be rated as low as 2,000lb or as high as 5,000lb. It is a different vehicle than the 4 door Xplorer, so others' experience with the 4 door is irrelevant. You can find out from your local Ford Dealer.<br /><br />Only after you know the answers to those questions should you be interested in how it handles, fuel mileage, etc.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

The Explorer "Sport" (2-door) has a very short wheelbase. That fact must be kept in mind while towing. A functioning trailer brake system is a requirement.<br /><br />Other than that, do not exceed the GCWR.
 
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garrett61

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Aug 13, 2005
Messages
159
Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

Thanks for all the great information guys.<br />My truck did come with a towing package i also added alot of modifications when i got it.<br />it has B grade torsion bars, custom exhuast, reese tow hitch right to the frame, intake and apten performance chip. JB as far as fuel and all the gear <br />i will have to wait on that seen as im in the middle of gelcoating the new transom/bilge. This boat has yet to be painted and no fuel tanks engine or electronics are in it. The trailer it came with was a Fulton i will be replacing both axels and adding a brake system i guess. DJ after looking into it the truck can pull about 5000 max.<br />I guess i was more looking to an average weight on a boat this size, problem is i cant find anything about glassmaster on the net.<br />Thanks again for all the great info once its complete ill post some pics.<br />Garrett
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

Garrett,<br /><br />DO NOT FORGET THE BASICS.<br /><br />Supspension mod's, etc. That's all great, But, you have what you have. A VERY short wheelbase vehicle towing a load twice its length-maybe.<br /><br />If your trailer brakes are not working, you are headed (hopefully not) for a disaster.
 
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garrett61

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 13, 2005
Messages
159
Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

The Trailer did not come with brakes its just a simple dual axle. Can i add brakes to it ? The trailer itself is galvinized and in ok shape other than the rollers and jack.<br />Also i will only be taking this boat about 2 miles from home to launch so it wont beat the truck too bad hopefully.<br />I'll look around for brakes or axels with them<br />Thanks again DJ <br />Garrett
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

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Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

Look on the backside of the wheel. If you see a square plate with four holes welded to the end of the axle, brakes can be added. They will typically be installed on only one axle on a tandem trailer unless it is an extremely heavy duty version in which case they would already be installed.
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

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Sep 22, 2003
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28,771
Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

Just one more thought -- most accidents happen within two miles from home. Fact is, regardless where you are, you still have to stop. Sometimes a lot quicker than you'd like.
 
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garrett61

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 13, 2005
Messages
159
Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

Thanks for the replies. The trailer axels are pretty well beat up im thinking of putting 2 new ones on with brakes. Good point smoke my only accident was about 1 mile from home heh.<br />thanks for the links ill check it all out.
 
JB

JB

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Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

Rhode Island law requires brakes on all trailers, Garrett, regardless of weight. If over 3,000lb "breakaway" brakes are required; they lock the brakes if the trailer breaks away from the tow vehicle.<br /><br />It appears that the law is not strictly enforced, but in the event of an accident you would be toast in court. Towing that much weight with the short Xplorer increases the risk of accident, as DJ points out.
 
M

meat76head

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Aug 8, 2005
Messages
17
Re: towing a 19' with an explorer

I've towed at the 5,000lbs limit a 22.5 Carver in my girlfriends 2001 Explorer Sport.<br /><br />It works, but make sure those trailer brakes are working. Mine weren't. Pucker factor was a 10.
 
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