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Old 11-14-2020, 04:58 AM   #1
Frank G
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2020 Ford Explorer

Does anyone have any experience towing a 7ft wide 4000lb GVW TT with the 2020 or 21 Explorer with the 2.3L I-4?
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Old 11-14-2020, 05:12 AM   #2
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Frank, the truck can tow a total of 5300 lbs. and has a payload capacity of 1146 lbs. You can do the math. 100# for the WDH, 650# for four passengers, (No, not Danny, Marshall or me), every lick of gear in the rear of the RV and you will just barely slide in the envelope. Plus, it is a short wheelbase. Iffy at best.
If this is a single axle trailer I'd run, not walk, away.
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Old 11-14-2020, 06:31 AM   #3
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"650# for four passengers, (No, not Danny, Marshall or me"

Hey now, I could have gone, at least before my 12th birthday. I'm afraid that little SUV is more suited for pop ups. The frontal wind resistance alone would work that 4 cyl to death, then there's the handling issues with a light short wheelbase SUV being pushed around by a trailer.
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Old 11-14-2020, 07:51 AM   #4
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They actually put a 4 banger in a vehicle that size??!! Geez...
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Old 11-14-2020, 08:07 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by Bill-2020 View Post
They actually put a 4 banger in a vehicle that size??!! Geez...
I have a 4 banger turbo charged in my Jeep Wrangler & it'll haul a##, but no way would I tow the above mentioned rv behind it or behind that Ford Explorer.
I'd guess the tongue weight alone would eat up most of the payload with no one in it + I'm guessing the hitch may only be rated for 500lbs.
The simple answer is "NO WAY"!
Does that mean people won't, NOPE! But "the dealer said it won't be an issue!".
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Old 11-14-2020, 08:44 AM   #6
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There are two engine options, two drive system options, only three of those four have a towing package option. So, 2x2x3=12 different "Explorer models"... Some do, some don't, Ford says, "Some can/Some can't"...

Despite the "brochure weight rating "max available tow capacity" just which Explorer are we talking about ?????

It's like saying, McD's has a burger. Really??? Which one ?????
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Old 11-14-2020, 09:21 AM   #7
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IMO I wouldn't haul a golf cart behind an Explorer. I don't own a 2020 but I don't think they've changed much at all from the 2018? I owned. Got rid of it because they are just squirrelly to drive....without a trailer. I can't imagine putting a regular TT behind one. And, they are limited to 560 lbs. MAX for tongue weight - that pretty much tells you they were/are meant for a couple of sacks of groceries.

"650# for four passengers, (No, not Danny, Marshall or me)". Jim got this right. If you're going to count me as one of the passengers might want to lower that total number to 2 or 3. I've been here long enough on my ribeye, shrimp, grouper finger, oyster and seafood platter diet that there may soon only be enough weight (650lbs.) for just me...
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Old 11-14-2020, 09:36 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by sourdough View Post
I've been here long enough on my ribeye, shrimp, grouper finger, oyster and seafood platter diet that there may soon only be enough weight (650lbs.) for just me...
Yeah, I can relate Danny! Are you still down there in Panacea? If not, just know that my friends at Oyster Boss DO ship!
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Old 11-14-2020, 09:11 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by Frank G View Post
Does anyone have any experience towing a 7ft wide 4000lb GVW TT with the 2020 or 21 Explorer with the 2.3L I-4?
The DW has a 2018 Ford Exploder AWD V6 which we really like as a car...no way would I try to tow anything. I think you would melt the engine in short order...just not made for this type of work IMO.
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Old 11-14-2020, 10:00 AM   #10
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That little I-4 engine puts out 310 ft/lbs of torque. My old 460 cid guzzler in my 96 F250 was rated at 390 ft/lbs. My F250 could easily drag my fifth wheel up and down hills but the rear drums complained (a bunch). The Explorer very likely has much better brakes but the tires are not likely up to the task and the payload just won't be there as has been noted. There is a V6 eco-boost with 380 ft/lbs torque. Here is what Ford says when equipped with the tow package (class 3 hitch);perhaps you can see why folks get confused regarding the ability to tow campers:


With that kind of towing capability you should be able to tow just about any camper, small boat, motorcycle, or ATV without any issues.




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Old 11-14-2020, 02:34 PM   #11
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FYI, the 2020 Explorer (6th generation) is a completely new platform, 6+ inch longer wheel base and rear wheel drive or AWD. Have any of you really looked at or pulled a (7) seven foot wide x 10ft tall TT. Many come in at 3000 lbs or under shipping weight. Do you really think that after 74 years of prosperity on this earth I do not know how to lightly load a TT and or select a TV. Half a sea bag of gear and clothing and I'm set to go. All were looking for is a place to sleep, potty, and make a fried bologna sandwich along the way.

I was looking for was someone with first hand information, you are out there , I see the suv/van/small TT combo on I-75 all the time doing just fine.

Have a good day.

Just the 2 of us and the 15lb dog, NO generator, fuel, firewood, marshmallow sticks, bicycles, Kids, goats or cats.
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Old 11-14-2020, 03:14 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by Frank G View Post
FYI, the 2020 Explorer (6th generation) is a completely new platform, 6+ inch longer wheel base and rear wheel drive or AWD. Have any of you really looked at or pulled a (7) seven foot wide x 10ft tall TT. Many come in at 3000 lbs or under shipping weight. Do you really think that after 74 years of prosperity on this earth I do not know how to lightly load a TT and or select a TV. Half a sea bag of gear and clothing and I'm set to go. All were looking for is a place to sleep, potty, and make a fried bologna sandwich along the way.

I was looking for was someone with first hand information, you are out there , I see the suv/van/small TT combo on I-75 all the time doing just fine.

Have a good day.

Just the 2 of us and the 15lb dog, NO generator, fuel, firewood, marshmallow sticks, bicycles, Kids, goats or cats.
You still didn't answer the question: "Which of the 12 Explorer models are you asking about? Yes, there's a difference "under that new, pretty skin"...
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Old 11-14-2020, 04:32 PM   #13
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John asked a good question above and I would just add - why a trailer behind an Explorer? They've missed the mark on that "SUV" since the 80s. Have you driven one or do you now own it? If they are now actually RWD that is a HUGE upgrade from the previous "junk" (my opinion). Having owned dozens of new fords over the years (cars/suvs/trucks - non HD) I can say that they just don't have a firm suspension which is required for towing a trailer - hard riding yes, firm (as in weight management/sway/twist) - not that I've seen. Have you driven one and put it through its paces?
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Old 11-14-2020, 04:52 PM   #14
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You still didn't answer the question: "Which of the 12 Explorer models are you asking about? Yes, there's a difference "under that new, pretty skin"...
I am looking at a Limited with the 2.3L I-4, 4x2. The door sticker provides slightly over 1200Lb Payload, Me, wife, dog and a little Stuff =500Lbs cargo Fully loaded 4000LB GVW TT tong weight (10%) =400 Lbs. 1200- (400+500) = a positive 300, Not over payload, so... what's your issue? I never started this thread to debate the numbers, there was never anything to debate. I always intended to stay under a 4000 lb maximum TT, Our actual target is around 3000lbs, we are actually considering pulling the microwave and air conditioner. As previously stated 7ft wide 10ft tall maybe 18/19 ft long. Yes Ford Engineering says it can tow 5300 Lbs, I am not even close to that number.

This will be our 3rd Explorer, first a 1999, we ran the wheels off that one. Second a 2015, Pulled a 3000 lb cargo trailer with that one, no issues.

It's hard to believe that the 2.3L can develop 300HP and 310lb-ft of torque.

Still looking for that one person who has a comparable combination.
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Old 11-14-2020, 05:31 PM   #15
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https://www.curtmfg.com/towing-capacity

http://www.trucktrend.com/news/163-0...owing-capacity

Interesting read from how the manufacturers ascertain towing capabilities. But the one thing that I don't see addressed is the effects of wind resistance on any particular vehicle.
Obviously not all loads punch the same "hole in the atmosphere", but even if they did the effects on different tow vehicles would create an incredible number of variables. As an example, the OP's 7x10 figure would have totally different effects on the Ford Explorer that he mentions in comparison to my F350 dually.
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Old 11-14-2020, 05:42 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by Frank G View Post
I am looking at a Limited with the 2.3L I-4, 4x2. The door sticker provides slightly over 1200Lb Payload, Me, wife, dog and a little Stuff =500Lbs cargo Fully loaded 4000LB GVW TT tong weight (10%) =400 Lbs. 1200- (400+500) = a positive 300, Not over payload, so... what's your issue? I never started this thread to debate the numbers, there was never anything to debate. I always intended to stay under a 4000 lb maximum TT, Our actual target is around 3000lbs, we are actually considering pulling the microwave and air conditioner. As previously stated 7ft wide 10ft tall maybe 18/19 ft long. Yes Ford Engineering says it can tow 5300 Lbs, I am not even close to that number.

This will be our 3rd Explorer, first a 1999, we ran the wheels off that one. Second a 2015, Pulled a 3000 lb cargo trailer with that one, no issues.

It's hard to believe that the 2.3L can develop 300HP and 310lb-ft of torque.

Still looking for that one person who has a comparable combination.
Then obviously, you're convinced that you're good to go. Enjoy your new Explorer and the small 7' wide trailer that it will "assuredly tow with power and agility to spare" !!!!!
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Old 11-15-2020, 06:15 AM   #17
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FYI, the 2020 Explorer (6th generation) is a completely new platform, 6+ inch longer wheel base and rear wheel drive or AWD. Have any of you really looked at or pulled a (7) seven foot wide x 10ft tall TT. Many come in at 3000 lbs or under shipping weight. Do you really think that after 74 years of prosperity on this earth I do not know how to lightly load a TT and or select a TV. Half a sea bag of gear and clothing and I'm set to go. All were looking for is a place to sleep, potty, and make a fried bologna sandwich along the way.

I was looking for was someone with first hand information, you are out there , I see the suv/van/small TT combo on I-75 all the time doing just fine.

Have a good day.

Just the 2 of us and the 15lb dog, NO generator, fuel, firewood, marshmallow sticks, bicycles, Kids, goats or cats.
In the OP you asked such a specific question that responses were naturally going to be generic, i.e. people read it "as I want to tow this set up". The only way you could have gotten more specific would have been to say "has anyone with metallic blue with black interior 2020 or 2021 Ford explorer...."

So good look with finding the answer you seek and enjoy.
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Old 11-15-2020, 06:28 AM   #18
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This may answer some of your questions but it also begs to wonder, why not just get an F150? Especially considering the price difference and power options.

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Old 11-15-2020, 07:40 AM   #19
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reminds me...

Has anyone seen the TV ad from Ford using a F150 and towing (backing up) the large blacked-out toy hauler?
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Old 11-15-2020, 09:47 AM   #20
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This may answer some of your questions but it also begs to wonder, why not just get an F150? Especially considering the price difference and power options.

Didn't bother to listen to the hype in the video, but did watch it! They hooked it up to a boat trailer which puts minimal weight on the hitch compared to a rv of the same weight, the boat is the same height as the SUV & has a V front end unlike a rv, so to me it has absolutely no useful information if wanting to haul a rv behind it, other than confirming the fact it shouldn't be done.
And showing the guy with no hands backing is only giving some the idea that now they can be using the phone while the vehicle drives itself.
Not picking on Ford or any other brand, but the manufacturers are doing their very best to muddy the waters further for folks trying to mate a tow vehicle to a rv. Boats & utility type trailers are NOT the same towing experience as a rv.
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