Ford Explorer/2009

[woodedareas]

I am considering a Ford Explorer. With a proper towingpackage it is able to pull a GVWR of 7,300 pounds. I have a 25 ft. Safari that is listed at 7,285 pounds. Does anyone have experience as to the safety and desireability of this combination. I do not want to purchase a vehicle only for towing and want something that I can be comfortable in everyday. Would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. I am currently using a Ford 150 truck but no longer need the truck cargo area.

[moosetags]

We have a 2005 Safari 25FB. We recently weighed it on Cat Scales, and it came in at 7,400# ready for travel.

We currently tow with a 2004 Suburban 2500. We used to tow it with a 2004 Tahoe. We found the Tahoe only marginally capable of doing the job.

I don't really think that an Explorer would be a sufficient TV for any 7000#+ trailer on any rind of road trip.

Brian

[wayner61]

From an "opinion" standpoint --

I think the Explorer probably will have too short of a wheelbase to make a comfortable towing platform. It is significantly smaller, ligther and shorter than your F-150. The Expidition may be a better choice if you are looking at a Ford SUV.

From a "specifications" standpoint -

Is the trailer weight you listed an actual weight from a scale or a listed weight in a brochure? If it is the actual weight, you will always be on the bleeding edge of exceeding the Explorer's maximum towing capacity.

Ford's website isn't terribly helpful in figuring out what the vehicles can really tow. They don't list the max payload for the Explorer but they do have the GCVW rating at 12000 lbs. They do say that the tow rating is based on a 150 pound driver. Passengers and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the towing capacity. So... If you have to subtract the wieght of any passengers or cargo in the SUV from the towing capacity. You are likely over the maximum towing capacity even before you consider anything else if you travel with anyone or anything in the truck.

What is the tounge weight of your safari? I would bet that it is somewhere around 800 lbs with propane and a little gear in the trailer. A significant portion of that will need to be included in your calculation for the payload of the Explorer.

To really understand if it is advisable, doable or safe, you need all of the capacities for the Explorer that are related to towing.

The maximum weight for each axle
The payload capacity of the SUV
The capacity of the installed receiver
The rated towing capacity
The GCWR

I could only find the last two, but maybe a dealer or a different web-site would have the others. If you are absolutely convinced you can be under the maximum limits on all of these, then it might work for you. I personally would be concerned about the wheelbase, but that is based on the type of driving that I do. Your situation may be different.

If you want a Ford and want an SUV instead of a truck, an Expedition might be a better fit. Before you plunk down your hard earned cash on one of those though, you need to check the numbers. Payload may be a limiting factor there as well. I tow a 27' Safari with a Chevy Tahoe. The max payload is what limits me. Not the rated trailer towing capacity.

Wayne

[Whizzo]

We had four good years towing with a 2003 V8 Explorer. We're of the opinion that a well matched, medium-sized truck-based SUV can be a fine tow vehicle.

Ours served us well towing lighter weight (3500-4500lb) 22-26 foot trailers. But with a 25er already at 7000+ lbs, I think you'll better served with more truck. You're essentially at capacity before loading anything in the trailer.

An Expedition would be a better match. Have you thought about the Dodge Durango? More capacity (8900 lbs?) and V8 power, while still in a medium SUV.

John W

[Airtandem]

Have been trying to contact you regarding the 25'Safari that you have posted as being for sale. Please call on cell phone as we are camping and email is not available.. Would like to schedule a time when we can come look at trailer. Anxiously waiting for your reply. Thanks Mike Johnson "Airtandem"
Cell # 563-340-1410

[AZ-JH]

We initially towed our 25FB with a Ford Explorer V8 with tow package and adjusted gearing and do not recommend it for this weight trailer. It was marginal at best, was not within the 80/20 towing rule, and we did not feel safe. We've since bought a proper, efficient tow vehicle with plenty of power, brakes, and a longer wheel base. The difference is like night and day. Our white-knuckle days are over. Attached is a pic of the old rig on the day we picked up the Safari.

[purman]

There you have it. I would consider some other tow Vehicle. Expedition, Suburban, Newer F-150, Tundra or the Sequoia, thats what I tow with. 9800 lbs I have no problem towing mine or my friends 28' 2004 Safari...

[Silvertwinkie]

As most have mentioned...consider another vehicle. Your Safari will weigh in at 7300lbs GVWR depending if you overload, load or underload it. Either way, with a 7300 tow capacity, you will have to deduct fuel, passengers and cargo. That done, you will exceed the tow rating of an Explorer. In addition, the wheelbase is too short.