Posted 2009-03-15 6:16 PM (#2434) Subject: 2008 Ford Explorer - can it safely tow a 2-horse
Posts: 1
Mr. Truck and whoever else wants to chime in,
I thought I saw a review you wrote on this site about the 07 or 08 Explorer, but can't find it now. Maybe I read it somewhere else. So, I thought I'd go ahead and ask, can the newer V8 Explorers ('07s or '08s -- with tow package) SAFELY tow a two-horse trailer? The trailers I've been looking at are slant loads and weigh up to 5,000 lbs. I have two Arabian horses, but will usually only haul one of them.
I can do the math and see that on paper, I'd be within the towing capacity, and I'd get a WD hitch.
But, I keep getting told, over and over, that despite its tow rating, the Ford Explorer is still unsafe, as it will be lighter than my loaded trailer, and that I will be really suffering during long climbs (such as the Grapevine on I-5, here in CA). Also, that I will probably have tranmission problems, etc.
I've also been looking at Yukons and Tahoes (which have about the same towing capacity as the Explorer but are larger and heavier vehicles), and I would go ahead and get one of these larger SUVs if that is really necessary. But as this needs to be my full-time car as well....I'd really love to drive someting a little more maneuverable.
Posted 2009-03-19 11:15 PM (#2436 - in reply to #2434) Subject: RE: 2008 Ford Explorer - can it safely tow a 2-horse
Sparky
Posts: 2800
Location: Kansas, America
Can a Ford Explorer safely STOP with a 2-horse trailer and 1 or 2 horses (which move also) in it? And, along with that, can it STOP without jackknifing with such a short wheel base?
I've seen them used before. I am not convinced they are safe. The motors and drive are also not made to haul moving objects so you'll find many more things going wrong way before they are "supposed" to. If you're only going a mile down the road each trip, then maybe you'll be ok. JMO!
2008 Ford Explorer - can it safely tow a 2-horse
