Towing My Boay With A Ford Explorer

[northern angler11]

hi guy i just recently got a 2003 ford explorer its has a class 2 trailer hitch on it. I was just wondering if that would be good enough to tow my 17 ft ranger boat or do i need to upgrade to a class 3? Thanks guys

[slonezp]

I believe class 2 is rated to 3500lbs.

[Procious]

Class 2 is rated for 3500lbs Gross Trailer Weight. Remember Gross Trailer Weight is the weight of the trailer, boat, and everything in your boat. Maximum Tongue Weight for a Class 2 is 350lbs. Never exceed the GTW or the TW.

Also check your owners manual for your vehicles Maximum Towing Rating.

[Zoff]

I have cause to drive a 2012 Explorer towing a trailer. I will tow it but I would do as everybody said above. Not knowing your trailer/boat weight I would just recommend this... "Will it move it?" is secondary. "Will it STOP it?" is primary. Years ago in my younger (read: stupid) days... I decided to tow my 20 foot run-about with a Jeep CJ-5. That big V8 and gearing moved it with ease. First hard stop... it pass me and tore up the boat and jeep.

[yoster]

When we purchased our 2006 explorer, the hitch situation was a huge pain. They're integrated on that vehicle (the 2006's anyway), so unless you want to mount a second hitch below the stock one (which looks stupid) you have to find the truck with the class IV/V already on it. Tow rating w/v8 and the larger hitch size is great though - I'm rated at 7,500 lbs. Ford says your mas w/the hitch you have is 3,000 lb's. I highly doubt a 17' ranger is even more than 2000lb's.. so you should be fine.

Unfortunately with the 2012 explorers, while they look great, they're now a 'crossover SUV' and no longer built on a true truck frame. As such, the 2006-2010 model Explorers have the best tow rating you can get for that vehicle. The explorer died with the 2012 model year.. they should have named it something else entirely. Love the 2012's, but too much changed to still call it an Explorer.