I pull my Four Winns with a Chevy Astro Van. V6 4.3L.
The boat is max 4000# with trailer and I find it marginal
as a tow vehicle. Went through a transmission at 4000 mi.

I am going back to a small V8 probably the new 4 Runner V8.
There is not enough torque in the V6s unless you like 30 mph
hill climbs and 1st gear in mountain roads when there is a small
steep part (about like a launch ramp) and speed is low,
15 to 20 mph.

I could not recommend a V6 for towing that weight. It is a great
engine format when the vehicle is not towing though.

Elliott

Alan wrote:

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