Looks like there are a lot of folks out there driving around with less than optimal set ups. Suggest getting your combinations set up by a towing specialist.
Airstreams.... the best towing trailers on the planet!
I have a lot of years and miles experience towing with a '97 V6 Explorer. First TT was an 18' '85 Prowler weighing 3600# loaded. Hitch set-up was Reese WDH with friction sway control. The TT towed very nice, no sway or bouncing, or problems with stopping, even panic stops. It was OK when pulling grades in the Sierra's, and it got the job done.
Next TT was an '04 26' Surf Side Lite that weighed 5000# loaded. Hitch set-up was a Reese DualCam HP WDH. I put LT tires on the Explorer. I towed that TT 3 times with the Explorer and never had sway problems, but had occasional porpoising issues. It was underpowered for pulling grades in the Sierra's. Towing in windy conditions was not fun. I went out and purchased an '04 Silverado 1500 after the third tow. Big improvement in towing the TT.
To the OP: If you are going to tow any length TT with an Explorer, be sure to dial-in the hitch set-up, get LT tires, and be sure the hitch weight is in the recommended percentage range of the TT weight. If everthing is set-up correctly, and the load in the TT is distributed properly, you should not have sway issues. -Good Luck.
'07 Chevy 2500HD Silverado "Classic" CC D/A 4x4
'07 Komfort Trailblazer T252FS fifth wheel
Reese Signature 18K Slider and other stuff.....some useful.....some not
The 2003 Explorers with IRS is a much improved vehicle compared to the older Exploders. The correct tire to use on the older Explorers is a 215LT tire which works much better than the over sized stock 235's.
Road stability when towing is a function of weight and wheelbase. The Explorer has varied from 102" to 114" wheelbase so they are definitely not all the same tow vehicle. Across the board they are a poor choice for a tow vehicle but some are much worse than others. And I repeat, sway bars, cams, fancy tires and WD hitches don't solve any problem. They may temporarily mask the symptoms but they don't solve the problem.
bobofthenorth wrote: Road stability when towing is a function of weight and wheelbase.
Not really.... I tow with a light weight vehicle with a reasonably short wheelbase and it is probably one of the most stable TV's on the planet.
bobofthenorth wrote: And I repeat, sway bars, cams, fancy tires and WD hitches don't solve any problem. They may temporarily mask the symptoms but they don't solve the problem.
The above statement is so out of wack I won't even waste my time commenting on it.
bobofthenorth wrote: Road stability when towing is a function of weight and wheelbase. The Explorer has varied from 102" to 114" wheelbase so they are definitely not all the same tow vehicle. Across the board they are a poor choice for a tow vehicle but some are much worse than others. And I repeat, sway bars, cams, fancy tires and WD hitches don't solve any problem. They may temporarily mask the symptoms but they don't solve the problem.
I am looking for both trailer and tow vehicle. To help in my search can you explain why an explorer is not a good choice. I am looking for a v8 and understand the ford engine produces 292 HP snd only comes with AWD.
Having had an Explorer, it was a great around town SUV until you hooked up a trailer. The SUV's in the size are basically short wheel base and high center of gravity, both of which cause an inherent instability.
You need to weigh every thing and get the tongue weight between 12 ans 15% of the loaded trailer weight. Set the hitch up correctly with the trailer level and the truck squatting the same on both ends when hitched. This as good as it gets.
The net result is you are expecting a boy to do a mans job with that 26' trailer.
Now for this issue....bobofthenorth wrote:
""And I repeat, sway bars, cams, fancy tires and WD hitches don't solve any problem. They may temporarily mask the symptoms but they don't solve the problem.
The above statement is so out of wack I won't even waste my time commenting on it.""
You can put a $3000 Hensley Arrow on and it might work....A hitch can mask the underlying problem....THIS IS TRUE.
Ken.
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
You can put a $3000 Hensley Arrow on and it might work....A hitch can mask the underlying problem....THIS IS TRUE.
Ken.
Or.... You can add a Hensley Arrow to the Explorer and create a very stable and safe combination. You can call it anything you like but it is the end result that is important. This also it true.
1,000's of folks had poor results towing with the older Explorers. Out of the box with big sloppy tires and other negative traits they were not good. Combine that with the fact folks were not aware of how to set them up or what to do to make them more stable.
Folks in the know figured out the formula. Smaller LT215 tires, quality shocks, reinforced receiver, rounded off with some fine tuning and a Hensley made a huge difference. I have a pic of a pro set up Explorer with a 34' Airstream in tow. It traveled across the country with no complaints from the owner.
In contrast the new Explorers are so much better right out of the box.
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