Re: [a/s] newbie

[John Hilty <hilty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Don,

First, Congratulations. Second, about the Explorer, I am looking at
Ford's trailer towing guide. Your engine and drivetrain components will
determine what you can tow. Assuming you have a 4X2 4 door Explorer w/
auto trans, here is what Ford says:

4.0L SOHC V6 3.55 axle - 4,500 lb. GCWR -  9,000
             3.73 axle - 5,900 lb. GCWR - 10,000
             4.10 axle - 5,900 lb. GCWR - 10,000
4.0L OHV V6  3.73 axle - 4,920 lb. GCWR -  9,000

The 4X2 4 door has a GVWR of 5,360 lb. So, say if you have the SOHC V6
with 3.73 rear end, then you could fully load the vehicle to 5,360# and
pull a 4,640# trailer
before exceeding the gross combined weight rating for the vehicle. Most
would agree that this might be stretching the capability of the V6
Explorer, especially if you are going to do any hill pulling. Keep in
mind that gas engines also lose power at about 3% for every 1,000 ft. of
elevation, and this would reduce the trailer weight you can deal with.
My opinion is that the '68 trailer is sufficiently light to allow you to
tow it with the Explorer. The caveats are to make sure it is truly
within specs according to the ratings, make sure you have adequate sway
control measures and take it easy.

Good luck,
John H.