Possible tow worthy vehicle?

I'm lost with all these numbers when it comes to towing.

There's a 2002 Ford Exploder that has been in the family since it was new. My brother is looking to get rid of it but I was hoping I could potentially use it as a tow vehicle once my SAS is finished.

We lucked out as it has been surprisingly reliable and seems to have some decent power in the 4.0L. That being said, I assume it would need a tranny cooler for hauling and upgraded hitch.

Any ideas if it could haul a taco (~5-6k lbs) trailered? I don't know how the hell to figure out the numbers.

 

Edmunds listed tow capacity for the 4.0 at 5140. Might not be the ideal tow rig.

 

My brother had one for awhile, it was a manual. Wouldn't want to tow with it if it were me

 

Well damn. Thanks anyway

 

So what is towing capacity primarily based on? Engine performance? Axle strength?

 

What you said as well as the frame strength hitch strength etc.

 

Add in suspension strength and handling Characteristics. A lambo has plenty of power to tow. Doesn't mean it can

 

U-Haul will not rent you a trailer if you have an Explorer.

 

If I were towing with a ford SUV, the rare-ish 7.3 Powerstroke Excursion would be a sexy beast.

but a 4.0 explorer is a no, maybe if it were a V8. Depending on the gearing and other things of that Explorer, the max it is rated for is 5800 pounds, but without knowing it could be as little as 3280 pounds for a 4x2 with 3.50 gearing.

The table for towing capacities on that explorer is on page 22:
http://www.meadowlandford.com/2003 towing guide.pdf

 

Damn, the Exploder really IS good for nothing!

 

Target practice.


You can pack a LOT of Tannerite into one.

 

One use for them..
OP-Search your local craigslist.
Tons of trucks that would work, priced cheaply that would work

 

I just might. Seriously considering it, as the honda I bought to DD while I work on the taco has been a huge PITA. Been having lots of problems, terribly difficult to work on, and has currently immobilized itself in Colorado.