New User
Posts: 1
Location: Los Angeles, CA | I have a 1998 Ford Explorer, all wheel drive, 5.0L V8, with a towing package. The wheelbase is 111 inches. The listed maximum trailer weight is 6600 lbs., but I want the trailer plus horses to be ~5000 lbs. for safety in pulling. I have two Arabians, and ride endurance and dressage- so the trailer has to be good for both. My horses are fine with step ups and ramps. The trailer would have to be one that the horses could be tied to overnight with a Hi-Tie system. I would appreciate suggestions for a trailer that I could safely pull with this truck. |
Expert
Posts: 1416
 
Location: sc | welcome. im guessing the 5000# is because youve read 80% of towing capacity for saftey with horses? 5000# is no safer than 6600#, might cause a little less wear on the drivetrain but i doubt it. if you stay within the limits set by the manufturer you will be safe and get reasonable performance. the wheelbase is really not that much of an issue, the shorter wheelbase will require the use of a weight distrubting hitch at a lower tongue weight than that of a larger heavy truck. its all about the leverage pulling the front wheels off the ground. that being said, i believe Hi Tie is compatable with most trailers, and i only trail ride, so i am unaware of any additional requirments for endurance/ dressage beyond tack and a dressing room. so addressing the original question of trailer suggestions i would say.............most any 2h with a dressing room should serve you well. i pull a steel (3500# empty)2h slant w/dressing room (6000# with my 2 horses and tack) with a 2002 chevy trailblazer, equal-i-zer hitch, and prodigy brake controller. it does not sway, and before someone tells you small trucks/trailers cant stop, yes they can. in my observation an aluminum trailer similar to mine would save about 600# if youre willing to pay the $$$$$. good luck. |
Advice on trailers that can be pulled with a Ford Explorer
