Anyone tow with Ford Explorer?

Looking at a 2012-2013 Ford Explorer, has a tow trackage and says capacity is 5000 lbs. I don't have a boat yet but my target buy is a pre-2006 SAN or pre-2007 Wakesetter hull or something in the mastercraft 205V hull (plan to store it in the garage.) Guessing these boats weigh between 3500-4000 lbs without trailer and another 800 or so for trailer and then gear you'd be getting close to capacity.

Anyone have any experience? Do they tow OK?
Thanks,
-dy

We do. I have a 2012 Malibu VTX. It tows great. We don't tow long distances but its about 10 miles back and forth to our launch. I did go with the sport to get the Eco boost. There is no lack of power! I believe they have better brakes and the sport suspension is stiffer.

You will get a lot of grief from guys telling you you need a one ton diesel or you are risking everyone's life!

I wouldn't risk that close of a margin. 3500 + 1k trailer + gas + gear + passengers (yes, they do count) and you are exceeding your towing capacity. I'm sure the Eco Boost could probably do it, but you would certainly be exceeding the rated capacity and your lack of wheel base isn't optimal. IMHO, unless you are towing a d-drive, a v drive is most likely going to command a half ton truck/SUV or a Turbo-Diesel/Diesel SUV (Touareg TDI, Jeep GC V8 or EcoDiesel). I would look at 6500lb towing capacity minimum to allow you and your family to feel safe traveling. The only exception would be incredibly flat terrain with little wind issues and distances of 50mi or less.

I tow an 03 Avy with a 2012 4Runner. It's about 8 miles to the ramp on hilly back roads. I've had the boat full of gas, coolers, gear, and 5 people in the vehicle and all was fine. I just take it easy on the hills and use 4 low to pull it out of the water.

That being said I would not pull it long distances or on a windy 4 lane highway. I've been towing all my life so feel comfortable with our journey. I use a friends truck if we take longer trips.

lol!! so a Vdrive need a turbo diesel, but a d-drive doesn't??? thats some funny **** right there!!

Originally Posted by denverd1

lol!! so a Vdrive need a turbo diesel, but a d-drive doesn't??? thats some funny **** right there!!

Sigh. Where did I once say need? I said turbo diesel SUV, which tows 7-8k just fine. I was simply listing some alternatives, not requirements. Minimum I would want is 6500 to tow these boats and there aren't many with that tow capacity without moving to a half ton or TDI/GC at 7400lbs. Check the weight of the d-drive boats, most of which usually weigh in or around 3k. 500-600 extra pounds on a v drive + the larger gas tanks and you are in a different tow capacity range. 5k tow capacity with a short wheel base is really pushing things on even the lighter v-drives. My v215 + trailer weighs 4600 before fuel, gear and passengers. I dont think any of us want to be that guy who can't pull his new toy around with a peace of mind.

It's cool bro, don't get all worked up over 200 lbs of v drive action. Is it possible that v drives are heavy in the ass?

Prolly not....