Posted 2005-10-25 10:22 AM (#32280) Subject: 2000 Ford Explorer as a tow vehicle?
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Indiana
Hi all - new member here. I saw your forum linked on another horse site and thought I'd check it out. Lots of great info here! My question is this:
I didn't purchase this SUV with the intention of using it to haul anything, but have been told by several people that it's more than strong enough to tow a 2 horse straight load, minus a dressing room.
I don't have an owners manual and when trying to run searches online, I'm coming up with varied info.
The specs are: V8 5.0L engine Factory installed tow package All wheel drive
What is the max weight I can safely tow (and of course brake). I have been told I will need to get a different hitch package (class III/IV). What, if anything else do I need to do to make it tow worthy? It would mostly be for one horse on fairly flat land - no long distance hauling or steep hills.
It looks like you can tow 6620 lbs safetly. By safetly you will need a weight distribution hitch and a brake controller for the horse trailer. A fellow named chadsalt on here uses a trailblazer to tow a two horse and could probably give you some more advice.
Posted 2005-10-25 1:48 PM (#32289 - in reply to #32280) Subject: RE: 2000 Ford Explorer as a tow vehicle?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 366 Location: Albany, Oregon
My wife has a 2002 Durango = same class of vehicle...same tow rating pulls a 2h B/P no dressing room 2500#'s empty. We use no WDH it tows very well. She uses it the same as you described... sometimes even over the pass. It will tow 2 horses on local hauls (near its limit). I would wait to see if you really need the WDH you will be able to tell. A lot depends on the trailer and how much tounge weight it has. They work great when you need them but are pricey! Don't forget the brake controller...tire pressure and condition...They are a must! Good Luck....
Posted 2005-10-25 2:33 PM (#32292 - in reply to #32280) Subject: RE: 2000 Ford Explorer as a tow vehicle?
Regular
Posts: 60
Sure you can pull the trailer w/ two horses just fine but I don't want to be anywhere near you when you need to stop abrubtly. Alot of people do this and I've even pulled a boat with my explorer in the past but in horse trailer you are pulling live shifting weight and I certainly wouldn't reccomend it except in emergencies. Other than the fact that the explorer uses a small frame and is not made for a primary tow vehicle it also has a SHORT WHEEL BASE which is not a good thing when pulling horses who at times will shift their weight. I am also a little more leary than most due to having seen how a short wheel base SUV just can't handle sway from a trailer very wheel should you find yourself in a bad position. If you must tow w/ a an SUV I would at least look at an expedition or similiar larger vehicle. Good Luck.
Posted 2005-10-25 5:42 PM (#32303 - in reply to #32280) Subject: RE: 2000 Ford Explorer as a tow vehicle?
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
welcome.
most people dont buy an suv with towing in mind. so sometimes you just have to "run what you brung".
as for the towing cap. id say call the dealer, i havent found anything marked "Ford" for 2000 specs. this site is usually pretty good but nothing is perfect.
looks like 6000 would be a safe bet, if you the betting type. at any rate my trailer comes in at 6000, (steel 2h slant bp w/dress with the 2 horses and my tack), which is about as heavy as a 2h bp can get. and as already mentioned im towing with a 2002 trailblazer, see my sig. so with one horse i would say your trailer choices are not even limited.
TYPICALLY with a factory tow package the hitch is rated for the max the vehicle can tow. dont get hung up on the class iii/iv, just make sure the weight rating is correct. but be aware any time you approach the max BP limit on any vehicle, yes even the mighty duallys, it generally requires the use of a WDH. you will need a brake controller and an external tranny cooler never hurts.
contrary to another popular misconception, you will be able to stop. all these people that are concerned with the "top heavy moving horse weight is not the same as a pile of bricks" are either inexperienced themselves or driving to fast, or both. any vehicle, camry with a lawnmower or dually with 16000# gn, WILL NOT stop or turn as fast with a trailer.......dont know why so many people think it will.
good luck, take it slow and be safe. feel free to pm with any question, id be glad to help.
Posted 2005-10-25 5:48 PM (#32305 - in reply to #32280) Subject: RE: 2000 Ford Explorer as a tow vehicle?
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Indiana
Thanks for all the advice guys - keep it coming!
Something I forgot to mention - the truck doesn't appear to have ever been used to haul anything, so there is no special rigging back there yet. On the bumper it says "max trailer weight" or something to that effect. The number given is 3,500 lbs. I was told this was the max weight to pull from the bumper, but if I get a different hitch it can pull more. Is that correct?
I am so new to all this.
It would mostly be used for local hauling to trails, small shows, and the vet.
On average, what does a 2 horse bumper pull weigh (minus a tackroom) and what brands would be best to get that are lightweight and reliable? The horse is question is a 16+hh Thoroughbred that weighs in at 1175#'s right now as a 3 yr old (digital scale at the vet). Vet thinks he'll gain another 100 or so before all is said and done with.
Posted 2005-10-25 6:02 PM (#32306 - in reply to #32280) Subject: RE: 2000 Ford Explorer as a tow vehicle?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1160 Location: Denver Colorado
In the lastest edition of The Equine Edition magaizne, I have an article on the 06 Explorer and others including the Honda Ridgeline. There are free copies about everywhere at Congress.
Posted 2005-10-25 6:31 PM (#32309 - in reply to #32305) Subject: RE: 2000 Ford Explorer as a tow vehicle?
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
Originally written by GSDLeaderPup on 2005-10-25 6:48 PM
Thanks for all the advice guys - keep it coming!
Something I forgot to mention - the truck doesn't appear to have ever been used to haul anything, so there is no special rigging back there yet. On the bumper it says "max trailer weight" or something to that effect. The number given is 3,500 lbs. I was told this was the max weight to pull from the bumper, but if I get a different hitch it can pull more. Is that correct?
I am so new to all this.
It would mostly be used for local hauling to trails, small shows, and the vet.
On average, what does a 2 horse bumper pull weigh (minus a tackroom) and what brands would be best to get that are lightweight and reliable? The horse is question is a 16+hh Thoroughbred that weighs in at 1175#'s right now as a 3 yr old (digital scale at the vet). Vet thinks he'll gain another 100 or so before all is said and done with.
um.....are you sure about the towing package? so youre saying there is no 2" reciever on the back of the exp?
a typical steel 2h would come in around 2500#, featherlite makes a nice 2h With a dress that is about 2500#. they also have a new model you may be inerested in
Posted 2005-10-26 10:53 AM (#32341 - in reply to #32312) Subject: RE: 2000 Ford Explorer as a tow vehicle?
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Indiana
I just went out and checked - definitely no receiver on the back of it. The paperwork I have definitely says a towing package is in the vehicle, and my uncle (experienced with vehicles) checked to verify the stuff was actually there..says it is. He was looking at things around the hood though, not the back. He looked at the back only briefly and showed me where to see the weight readings and whatnot.
Would a picture of the back help? Thanks again for all your help - I really appreciate it. Is there a "trailers for dummies" site? hehehe
Posted 2005-10-26 1:13 PM (#32352 - in reply to #32341) Subject: RE: 2000 Ford Explorer as a tow vehicle?
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
Originally written by GSDLeaderPup on 2005-10-26 11:53 AM
Would a picture of the back help? Thanks again for all your help - I really appreciate it. Is there a "trailers for dummies" site? hehehe
well no, a pic doesnt really help me. if there is no reciever youll need to check around at you local shops and have one installed. and if i remember correctly that "etrailer" site has some good reading on the faqs.
2000 Ford Explorer as a tow vehicle?
