"Alan" wrote in message

I'm thinking of an Explorer (2002 or newer). The problem is that most
come with the V6, Finding one with the 4.6L V8 is pretty tough. The
Explorer with a V6 and 3.73 gears is rated at 5400# so it should do
the job, but I'm accustomed to the V8 and a bit leery of the smaller
engine.

What say you? Do you think the 4.0L will pull the boat OK?

Depends on whether you're hauling a cruiser or a canoe.

A friend of mine towed his 2,800lb 16.5' runabout really easily with a 2000
Exploder 4L on Sunday. The trick is to make sure it's 4WD in case the ramp
is slippery, 'cause we got rid of my wife's 4.3L Chevy PU because it was
2WD, slipped a lot at the ramp, and between that and the manual transmission
pulling out was somewhere between a pain in the ass and scary.

A transmission cooler is a good bet too.

-c

Alan,

I'm surprised that no one has suggested it, but have you
considered finding a place by that lake to store your boat?
Not to talk you out of buying that new truck you want... but
regardless of your decision to tow that distance on a regular
basis, I would think it would be much easier on you too! If
that lake is a popular recreation type area, I bet there are places
around there where folks probably already do that with boats and
RV's. My brother did this a few years back at the coast in SC.
Rather than tow his RV, he made arrangements with someone there
to leave it on their property when he left. Whenever he went
back, he only needed to hook up and tow a few miles to the
campground. If you feel comfortable with that area that no one
will help themselves to parts while you're gone, or can remove
any valuable equipment and take it with you when you leave, it
might be something to seriously consider. As far as a secured
storage area is concerned, that may or may not work as you may
not have access when you want it. Food for thought anyway...

-Jim


Alan wrote:
snipped I frequently tow my boat 400
miles to a lake in VA, often coming home on Sunday afternoons. A
breakdown along I81 would be a real mess so It's probably time to get
something newer. The truck has a 5.0L V8 and has done a great job
towing my rig (about 4000# incl. trailer)

I have towed a 2400lb trailer AND a 1800 boat and trailer behind my 95
exploer with no probs, same as my 1989 wagoneer with the 4.0 ltr
straight 6. It is more of a chore, but you dont need a v8

On Wed, 16 Jul 2003 06:26:15 GMT, Jim
wrote:

Alan,

I'm surprised that no one has suggested it, but have you
considered finding a place by that lake to store your boat?
Not to talk you out of buying that new truck you want... but
regardless of your decision to tow that distance on a regular
basis, I would think it would be much easier on you too! If
that lake is a popular recreation type area, I bet there are places
around there where folks probably already do that with boats and
RV's. My brother did this a few years back at the coast in SC.
Rather than tow his RV, he made arrangements with someone there
to leave it on their property when he left. Whenever he went
back, he only needed to hook up and tow a few miles to the
campground. If you feel comfortable with that area that no one
will help themselves to parts while you're gone, or can remove
any valuable equipment and take it with you when you leave, it
might be something to seriously consider. As far as a secured
storage area is concerned, that may or may not work as you may
not have access when you want it. Food for thought anyway...

-Jim


Alan wrote:
snipped I frequently tow my boat 400
miles to a lake in VA, often coming home on Sunday afternoons. A
breakdown along I81 would be a real mess so It's probably time to get
something newer. The truck has a 5.0L V8 and has done a great job
towing my rig (about 4000# incl. trailer)

On Mon, 14 Jul 2003 22:05:28 GMT, Alan
wrote:

Does anyone out there tow with a 4.0L Ford? I'd appreciate your
thoughts on this engine?
snip

ALCON,

Thanks for all the helpful responses; I appreciate your taking the
time. I've been reading up on this and have decided to find a V8. I
believe the 4.0L V6 has the guts to do the job but I've become
accostomed to the extra power and the mpg difference is minor.

I'll stick with the Ford. When the new GM Trailblazer/Envoy came out
I got really excited about them but on closer examination I lost
interest. They seem to be getting panned in much of the literature.
I've had two experiences with Chrysler Corp, in the 1970's, both of
them proved painful. True, that was a long time ago but my opinion
has never changed - Chrysler leads the industry in innovation but
trails the others in QA.

I went to the local Ford dealer yeterday. Of the 10 explorers on the
lot only one had the V8 but the salesman said thee are plenty of them
around and he can quickly find me one on a dealer trade. Perhaps I'll
just wait until October and look for a clean 02 train-in or off-lease.

Jim's suggestion to store the boat at the lake is a good one, but I
already have a place on the lake with a dock and a lift. The problem
is that I want to use the boat at home too and couldnt stand the
seperation anxiety.

Alan Hannas

I'd say you should go with the V8. In any case make sure it has the factory
tow package. Also, limited slip rear for recovery at the ramps.

Ron

"Alan" wrote in message
...
Does anyone out there tow with a 4.0L Ford? I'd appreciate your
thoughts on this engine?

My 1997 Merc. Mountaineer (Ford Explorer twin) is approaching 150K
miles and it's starting to cost me money. Nothing big but it's an
excuse to consider replacing the truck. I frequently tow my boat 400
miles to a lake in VA, often coming home on Sunday afternoons. A
breakdown along I81 would be a real mess so It's probably time to get
something newer. The truck has a 5.0L V8 and has done a great job
towing my rig (about 4000# incl. trailer)

I'm thinking of an Explorer (2002 or newer). The problem is that most
come with the V6, Finding one with the 4.6L V8 is pretty tough. The
Explorer with a V6 and 3.73 gears is rated at 5400# so it should do
the job, but I'm accustomed to the V8 and a bit leery of the smaller
engine.

What say you? Do you think the 4.0L will pull the boat OK?

Thanks

Alan Hannas