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BeBop · 06-12-2004, 08:38 PM

My current vehicle is a '94 Ford Explorer, automatic, w/tow package. The vehicle is in very good condition. Does anyone out there have any practical experience/feedback on towing a 19' Bambi with such a vehicle? Based on the information from Ford and Airstream for the Bambi, it seems as if it would work. However, I have reservations regarding long haul ability and power reserves for inclines, etc.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

dmac · 06-12-2004, 09:26 PM

I tow with a 2002 Explorer V8, which works okay towing our 25 Safari. Is yours a V8? What is the rear axle ratio, tow rating? My understanding is the previous generation Explorer with the solid rear axle was not as stable for towing. Do you already own the trailer... you could try it with short trips.

JOHN L · 06-13-2004, 04:42 AM

I found that when I towed with my 99 Blazer, which has a 4.3 L six banger, its not enough. I was towing an Argosy 6.0 Minuet which is 19 feet & change.The engine laboured quite frequently when it went up any significant grade. I have since replaced my trailer with with a 28 foot Argosy and working on a new tow vehicle.Ford F-150 Pick-up with a 5.4 L V8.

53flyingcloud · 06-13-2004, 05:22 AM

Your question, while a excellent one..is too vague. It actually begs re-phrasing.
Give us more facts~
What year Bambi are we talking about here? (from this we can get its weigh)
Size of engine(v4, v6 or v8), gearing, brakes, hitch rcvr,etc~
As you can see...without more info, any ans given is, at best, a guess.
ciao
53FC

BeBop · 06-13-2004, 11:53 AM

Here is the info:

'94 Ford Explorer 4 Door
Automatic Transmission
4.0L V-6
D4 Axle 3.73
GCWR 9,500 lbs
GVWR 5,280 lbs
Eaz-Lift V-5 Hitch "Weight Carrying 5,000/500"
Ford "Trailer Capacity 0-5,200 lbs"

'04 Safari Bambi
UBW 3,680 lbs
GVWR 4,400 lbs

I have not purchased the trailer yet. I would not have the vehicle nor the trailer loaded to the max, as it seems the situation is even more marginal at that point.

Sorry for my earlier post lacking the info.

Big Dee · 06-13-2004, 12:13 PM

Just eyeballing it, if both the trailer and TV were loaded to their max GVWR, you would bo over by 150#. But in reality, I have never been at max WR especially the trailer. First thing to do is weigh your Explorer at a CAT Scale with full tank and full cargo and passengers. I bet you will find that you are not close to the GVWR. You can't weigh the Bambi if you don't have it but you can estimate that it will come in way below GVWR. My trailer comes in way below the GVWR fully loaded.

The main number to keep in mind is the GCWR. I think if you weighed both together, fully loaded, you will be under the GCWR but you'd be in the ninety percent range. This would be too close to max GCVWR for many but is doable if you need to. Now, if you had the V8, it would be a moot point.

Now for shameless plug: If you get a trailer, test it out at the Nor Cal Rally at Laguna Seca in October. Would love to see a 19' Bambi there.

yukionna · 07-16-2004, 05:36 PM

We used to tow our 2002 19' Bambi with a 1999 V6 Chevy Blazer but weren't satisfied on hills. We had trouble even on small hills fully loaded down for a week of camping with full tanks.

smccollister · 07-30-2004, 02:10 PM

I have a 2004 16ft Bambi CCD and tow it with my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport (V6). I've only been out a few times, but it seems to tow well. (plus they look really nice together!). I've only been on short (< 2 hour) trips so far.

j54mark · 07-30-2004, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smccollister

I have a 2004 16ft Bambi CCD and tow it with my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport (V6). I've only been out a few times, but it seems to tow well. (plus they look really nice together!). I've only been on short (< 2 hour) trips so far.

I'm going from memory here, which is always dangerous in my case, but I believe the later model V6 is much improved over the horsepower and torque figures of a '94 V6.

Mark

overlander63 · 07-31-2004, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j54mark

I'm going from memory here, which is always dangerous in my case, but I believe the later model V6 is much improved over the horsepower and torque figures of a '94 V6.

Mark

There are/were two different 4.0 V6's starting about 1997 or so. The original one, like in the '94, and an updated version with SOHC, and a few more refinements. I am not sure if the original 4.0 is still produced, but the updated one is better, power-wise. If you don't know which one you have, pop the hood. The new engine will have a plastic shroud on top that says "SOHC4.0".
Terry