2013 Ford Explorer Towing a 1968 Safari 22'

[DocSpark]

We just purchased a nice 1968 Safari in good condition. New tires and brakes. Well-maintained bearings. Original axle.

Previous owner towed with an Explorer SportsTrack for 10 years. He never saw the need for a WD hitch or anti-sway capability. Never an issue for him.

We are purchasing a 2013 Ford Explorer with Class III trailer tow package good for 500# tongue weight and 5,000 # weight-distributing max trailer capacity. Specs for the Safari are 377# hitch and 3360# weight. Presumably unloaded. I will add a brake-controller to the vehicle.

The Explorer has an automatic anti-sway capability built into the brake system as part of the tow package.

So, do I need a WD hitch and anti-sway bar? is it essential? Good practice?

I have read lots of discussion here, but not in the context of the 2013 Explorer and a trailer mod this vintage, weight, and dimensions?

Thanks, David

[Road Ruler]

Yes, a good quality WDH, set up correctly is what you want. Note many WDH's have built in sway control.

Originally Posted by DocSpark

Previous owner towed with an Explorer SportsTrack for 10 years. He never saw the need for a WD hitch or anti-sway capability. Never an issue for him.

Thanks, David

He was one of the lucky ones.

[AWCHIEF]

David, Personal opinion here and nothing else. Do you need a WD system, probably not. Would it make your towing experience safer and more comfortable it you did? I think it would. You will be getting lots of so-called-experts telling you their opinions, take them all including mine with a grain of salt. I am not going to waste my time recommending a specific WD system as all it will do it give a couple of folks the opportunity to argue.
As to the brake controller if it is available for your model check out the Ford brake control. You can easily install it yourself in the dash or you can have the dealership do it. The dealership will have to flash the computer to activate it. It integrates with the Ford systems very well for easy and seamless operation.

[Ahab]

So do a trial run without it. You can always add it later. I've been towing a similar weight rig without it for six years and more than 20,000 mi without a problem. Honda does not recommend it for the Ridgeline and I have more faith in their engineers than the backyard mechanics. I think the Sport Trac may have a longer wheel base which could be a problem for your Explorer or not.