When Towing a Travel Trailer With an SUV Goes Wrong
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- Опубликовано: 5 авг 2024
- We're used to being stranded. In fact, we've done more than a few videos about being stuck. But y'all, we've never been STUCK like this. Stuck at our campsite. Stuck with a repair bill. Stuck with a car we're not quite thrilled with at the moment. But here we are, and we're making the best of it. We're thankful we were able to be stuck at a campground instead of the middle of the mountains.
After we finally got up and running, we're taking you through I-70 eastbound through Colorado - hitting Vail Pass and the Eisenhower Tunnel along the way. So, what's it like towing a travel trailer with an SUV? We'll talk about that a bit, plus show you what it's like and how we do it.
And to Ford: fix your damn design flaw. You could have gotten us killed. You know there's an issue and your agent as much as told us that before saying there's nothing they could do to help.
To Scotty's Complete Car Care Center in Grand Junction, Colorado: y'all are lifesavers. You'll never know how much you bailed us out. If you're in the Grand Junction area, check them out (scottyscompleteautorepair.com/) - they did great work for us.
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I know this is an old video I'm just wondering if this explorer had the tow package with the tranmission cooler.
Glad it all worked out for you. At least you broke down at the campgrounds entrance. Our first big trip with our new to us 2014 Dutchman 24’ being towed with our 2011 Ford F-150 with eco boost last October, we broke down on our way home 5 miles away from the campgrounds and 60 miles away from the nearest town being Eureka CA. We had very limited cell service but was able to get a call out. After 3 hours we got a tow truck to us, who loaded the truck on the deck and hooked the trailer up to the wrecker. After a long overweight drive into Eureka and making calls when we had service, we were able to find a mechanic that could take the truck (It was Friday afternoon) and found a room at a Motel 6 who let us park the trailer in their parking lot at no charge. Due to the wildfires we couldn’t find an opening in a campgrounds around Eureka. The mechanic had to order the parts for the truck and they wouldn’t be delivered until that Monday. We rented a car in Eureka and made the most of our extended stay. The truck was repaired late Monday afternoon and we were on the road at 5:30 am for the 7 hour trip to home. That was one expensive camping trip. Lol! But that sort of stuff happens, just gotta roll with it.
That sounds crazy! You’ll have a story forever. We were definitly lucky, to be sure.
What happen to the truck?
@@ramblerover3263 Coils needed to be replaced. 150k on them, they recommend to be replaced at 100k.
Just going to say that with a dozen or more tow vehicles sitting around the campground, you can't ask someone to drag it less than 500 feet?
I was thinking the same thing. I’m sure everyone there would be willing to help a stranded family, especially just a couple hundred feet 👍
Do you have an external add on device that monitors your engine or how hard the vehicle is working?
Hi! Wondering if you have any info for me … we have a 2015 explorer and are thinking of towing a wolf pup 16bhs. (Almost identical to your model) did you need a sway bar for towing? Having a hard time finding that info. Thanks for your help!
Yes - you need a sway bar and weight distribution hitch. I think the manual says something along the lines of trailers greater than 2000# need one.
Glad you got it fixed. Mountain driving in CO can be tough on cars, be sure to keep an eye on those engine / transmission temps.
Ya, definitely. Low and slow. But we made it through otherwise unscathed!
@@FamilyonStandby add a bigger transmission cooler
Trade in that SUV for a 2500. Tran's temps shouldn't go over 200. My ram 2500 Tran's temps never goes over 180 in the mountains when toeing.
@@joshsapp77trans fluid has to get above 200 to cook off condensation. Trans fluid breaks down at 275.
What is the towing capacity of your vehicle?
Man that engine is screaming. I dont know if I would have attempted a vacation like that in a midsized suv.
Is it just fwd or awd I have had both a 2011 and 2017 I just have the 2017 both came with oil cooler vents comes oem
I have some history. Back in 75, had a 72 Explorer F150. If you bumped a curb - it would split the ball bearings in the recurrent track that they ran. Then when you made a turn It would jam and you drove off the road or into a vehicle on the road. 2004 Ford F250, Trailer Tow Spec. All the ball joints on a 3 yr old truck. And - you had to buy the complete Control arms , because there was NO ball joints alone. And the same Steering Box issue. This truck had 3 by the time it got traded for a 2010 - and no dumb stuff has broken yet. Also - 5 liter engines ++ - dont get one with turbo. Turbo just cooks a gas engine.
If the explorer was new then it is covered with bumper to bumper warranty. No charge for fixing it. And since you called the dealership you bought it from I am assuming it is a new vehicle. Also an explorer is for light recreational towing and not built to tow a medium size camper across country.
Has nothing to do with ford's shitty steering rack
I don’t think the problem is the camper size
When towing, a vehicle can have issues.
If you are towing frequently it is always best to have more "Truck" than you need. So for your RV, an F-150/1500 would be great.
Glad y'all got back on the road. Don't let it stress you too much, crap happens.
Well said! We've since purchased a Silverado and can't wait to take her out on the road.
@@FamilyonStandby nice. The 5.3 or 6.2 are amazing. Both engines will do you a fine job. If you got the 8 speed tyranny do some googling and read how to prevent t the "shimmy" the 10 speed is bullet proof.
Great to know! We got the 5.3 Trail Boss Z71. 8-speed, so we’ll have to check out the shimmy. 😂
@@FamilyonStandby good on ya. The trail boss has the "Gov bomb" locker (G80, we called it the bomb back in the 80s)
Some reported the 8 speed has a shimmy or shudder...shutter? Lol
@@stout_tossme7541 Sounds interesting. Hopefully we’re all good and will know how to deal if it happens.
Did u guys have a transmission cooler installed? I am planning to buy a similar trailer for my Infiniti Qx60 and people at forums suggest installing a transmission cooler which any dealers don't suggest
We do not. That's part of the reason for overheating. We did look into it, but decided to buy a truck instead.
Did you ever check to see if you were exceeding the limits on your Explorer? It's the most important thing to do before any long voyage. Visit a CAT scale and make sure the total trailer weight is under your vehicles tow capacity. Also check to make sure you are not exceeding the front and rear axle ratings (GAWRs) or the vehicle GVWR. If you had 5 people in that SUV and towing a trailer then I'm pretty sure you were exceeding it's GVWR.
We def checked on the scales and we were within limits. Barely, but still good. Just was a bad string of luck.
We had a '16 explorer platinum with tow. However we got rid of it because the tow experience was scary. Our camper was 2800lbs but was pulling and pushing the explorer on every bump in the road. 2019 we bought a motorhome and man that was a nightmare. Sooo yeah cant wait to go back to airplanes.
OMG air travel cannot return fast enough...
Sounds like you didn't have the proper hitch setup or break setup for towing.
I have been towing a 3000lb camp trailer for years with my 09 jeep jku and the only time I know it's back there is on really steep uphill grades.
I have an Equalizer 4point sway control hitch and a quality break controller 👌
The problem was not knowing how to drive with a trailer.
How much of an angle, both uphill and downhill can you go when pulling a trailer with an SUV or minivan? And how do you work that out on not overtressing the engine going uphill? thanks.
Not great, let me tell you. We did 6% grade max at high gear and slow. Not fun, but only spiked the transmission temp a couple times. Would not do it again. Down was easy, though!
@@FamilyonStandby Oh! thank u for the reply I was worrying about getting information on this. Thanks sooo much. There's things in life you know that you want to study it out before you do. Like making sure the pool has water before you jump... this topic I see as one of them because nobody wants to burn out an engine, etc.
What do you guys use to monitor temps?
We use ScanGauge II amzn.to/2TdC1CS|
It works really well and is just plug and play into the car's OBD port.
I would’ve thrown my scanner on the truck before I did anything, steering rack? Why would that cause it not to start or throw a code? I guess many people don’t know about these simple items, but I am used to working mechanical
Oh no, your car broke down. So close to the camp site. Free spirit Olivia is having fun. The frustration smile is real - I don't blame you. Things always seem better the next day - usually. 2 Weeks appointment - that's never good. At least they are able to get you in. Glad you were able to drive there.
My 2016 Explorer had the same issue with replacing the steering rack. In Maryland, it ran about 3.2k. I am thinking about the same RV. I'll mostly have it at a specific seasonal/annual site but take it for occasional road trips.
Did you weigh your trailer and setup at the scales? Did you have a weight equalizing hitch and did you "do the math" yourself to make sure it was properly set up?
Yes to all! Who knew there was so much math involved?!
Whats that have to do with their car problems
@@gardnetbush9768 SUVS can only tow so much.
@@moss_szuz what????
@@moss_szuz oh never mind I see you responding to a 6 months old post
The newer (2020 and newer)mid size SUVs with factory towing packages can easily handle that camper. I’m using a 2021 Explorer with a forest river 178bhsk. Pulls like butter.
That's great to hear! Glad you're having a good experience :)
And a 2021 Highlander. No problem
No issues pulling it with the Explorer? I just bought a 178Bhs and will be pulling with an equipped explorer. Been trying to find someone who has that trailer and an explorer.
@@jeremytubbs1056 none whatsoever. Stay at 65 or under helps fuel consumption. Haven’t taken long trips yet just 100-150 miles but this summer we are taking it further.
I got 2018 explorer platinum pulls 178bhsk also went thru canada cascadia mountains feels like the trailer is not even there
What’s the towing capacity, I recently purchased a 2017 explorer xlt v6.
I will like to purchase a camper or camping trailer
Ours is 5,000#, but it depends on if you have the factory tow package. Good luck!
@@FamilyonStandby why does it depend on a factory tow package?
How many miles is on the car?
What gage did y’all have for monitoring the trans temp? 13:10
ScanGauge: SG2 amzn.to/3JfYIgO
Where did you learn that 93 octane would perform better than 87 octane? My understanding is that the engine and transmission will perform best using the octane they were tuned for.
That’s what our shop said, and it did seem to help. Probably not a tremendous amount, but it was certainly noticeable.
Ford states for best performance in our 2021 explorer to use 91 octane or higher. Page 186 owners manual.
At high altitudes The fuel is only 85 octane for regular so most cars on the road should be using mid grade at high altitude at the very minimum
True story Beaux 👍
Higher octane creates Higher heat in the Combustion Chamber.
So not always a good idea if the Ambient temperature is high to begin with 🤔
That looks to me like the last gen Explorer, which is front wheel drive. The max tow rating on that is like 3500lbs correct?
It was 5000# actually.
@@FamilyonStandbyah gotcha. I have the same generation but mine only tows 3500lbs (AWD with the V-6). I was really bummed when I realized my low tow rating.
Actually max towing is 5k with stage three hitch no matter if its fwd or 4wd I had 2 just sold older one. These SUV's are reliable I've had them in muddy conditions no problems the only issue I had was flashing the system on the 4wd system
@@billymiller8891 the v6 is listed for 5k
It all comes down to the transmission, engine will be fine, hitch will be fine, suspension will be fine, but if the transmission begins to get hot and brake down clutches it's over. Yes, poor suspension can make it drive strange, dangerous even, and particular receivers have their ratings, but if you keep your tranny cool, you'll be fine. I hear the revs, you're probably OD off/tow haul, whatever Ford calls it, that's fine at lower speeds and saves the torque converter, but I would make sure you at least have a modest to large tranny cooler.
I remember hauling 6000lb trailers with my explorer sport, it only had a 5 speed 3litre V6. Smaller and less powerful than yours by far
Family of 4 looking to buy first camper! Looking at this exact trailer. We also have a Ford Explorer soooo I will be following your journey for sure! Love all your helpful info
Well, it seems we have some things in common lol! You're going to have a WONDERFUL time :)
Thanks for joining us!
We have almost the same size camper and we bought a Expedition EL and after about 6000 miles towing so far, it’s been great.
Get a Ram or Chevy Silverado, if 1500 go with the heavy duty tow package at the very least otherwise get a 2500 crew cab or extended cab. Your family will be alive to thank you.
What engine is in that explorer and how many miles on it it shouldn’t be struggling that much with a smaller trailer like that. And if it’s got a tow package it should have the bigger trans cooler.
It’s a 2016 3.5L V6 with the two package, capable of towing 5,000lbs. It was a combo, I think, of weight, wind resistance, and altitude that created all that heat. She does great around home, but when we start getting longer trips at altitude? Not as fun.
Amsoil makes a severe service transmission that is 100 percent synthetic fluid built to lower the temperature in the trans especially when towing max loads. It’s Kinda hard to get a hold of their website is the best place to find it. I’m not a dealer yet I just have been blown away by their products and it’s now in everything that I own.
Frustration starts with following the manufacturer towing brochure and/or listening to the car and/or RV salesman and trying to pull even a modest sized single axle TT with a mid-size SUV, especially in the mountains.
You're not wrong. These trailers are certainly marketed as "mid-size towable" which, they definitely are. However, in our case, we were taking that to the max. No regrets, but we definitely upgraded tow vehicles after this. The Explorer will do great for nearby trips. But we'll take the truck on our next long journey.
So we have a 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum. We purchased the extended warranty. Lucky our truck still has warranty. So I am going to call them to see if this part is covered since we have the warranty. We are looking to purchase a trailer soon. Something to think about.
Good luck!!
Please don’t pull anything with an explorer. Use an expedition.
@@ramblerover3263 we towed it. It handled it fine. The new 2016 have better stability then the older 2002 explorer. But I have to agree. Use what you got.
Got to tow in the morning or at night when it's cool!
My advice, sell the SUV and buy a truck. You will be happier in the long run and you'll be able to be more confident towing and better resale. I was in the same position as you with a Ford SUV. After two road trips gave up and got the truck. Good luck you guys, and good video.👍
Ha! We're def looking into a truck. Thanks for the advice!
The only problem with having a Truck is the space it takes up. My wife and I had to vacate our underground spot in the building we're in, as the front end was sticking out further than allowed. People parking next to us complained they had to drive further out to get around us. So there are pros and cons in everything.
@@MatthewFordVictoria If you have to park your truck Underground Where in the world do you park your camp trailer?😳
@@jamesglenn520 We use a storage yard with a heated garage. Much like the owners of Sailboats keep them at a Marina, rather than taking them home.
What’s the weight on the travel trailer?
This one is 3800# when it’s all loaded up.
Our 07 Jeep commander 4.7 v8 tows our 26 ft trailer easily with over 160,000 miles on it.
You need to have the correct equipment and keep up on maintenance too!
Also I carry good sam towing ( just in case)!
Maybe I missed it, but what year Explorer and what engine do you have and do you have the factory installed Tow package? We just bought a Coachmen Clipper 17FQS last summer weighing about 4000 fully loaded. I had a 15 Explorer with basic 3.5L engine, but just upgraded to an 18 Explorer with Ecoboost. I think that will pull easier as I noticed some drag with the 15 Explorer.
We have a 2016 Explorer XLT with 4WD, 3.5L EcoBoost. It's rated at 5000lb capacity, but when you start talking altitude, boy it started hurting. With a trailer loaded at ~3800lbs and factoring in the 3-4% drop in capacity per 1000ft, we were RIGHT at capacity.
@@FamilyonStandby the XLT does not have a 3.5l EcoBoost, it has a 3.5l non turbo duratec engine
Stand corrected! Thanks for pointing out.
@@FamilyonStandby what rpm were u running on the flat/mountains?
@@FamilyonStandby That was why I upgraded to the 2018 . The engine options with a 2018 include the following statement. "Explorer Sport and Platinum edition models pack a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that generates 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The base model Explorer, XLT and Limited trim levels come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque." This is quite an upgrade of horsepower and torque. I ended up getting a good deal on a used Platinum model. I don't usually go for the luxury end, but now I am getting used to all of the bells and whistles.
What's your average MPG's pulling that trailer?
The Explorer gets around 11mpg when we keep her at 55mph.
@@FamilyonStandby Man that is some terrible mpg.
What does your trailer weigh 🤔
My 09 jku Rubicon running 33" tires gets 18 in town average and 14 towing our 3000lb camp trailer all over the mountains of Idaho.
Had a similar issue in the past when I was leasing a 2015 Focus. Power Steering failed by Yellowstone and drove back home in the mid-west over the Rockies with no power steering. Going at speed wasn't too bad, but parking lots were a decent workout. lol! I can imagine that it would be even more difficult with a heavier vehicle.
Holy crap! That must have been intense. Towing with it happening was less than pleasant haha!
Next time go to auto zone and replace your power steering fluid! Works like a charm! You won’t have to hulk the wheel!
Can't be a steering rack. Steering rack issue won't prevent you starting you car. It might some simple issue but the shop want to charge you more and made up the steering rack issue. Also, follow the manual. If manual says regula gas then buy 87.
You’re probably going to get a ton of folks on here saying you need a bigger truck like a f550 or some garbage like that. They don’t understand anti sway and weight distribution. Forget the haters, I haven’t seen a single truck tow through the mountains without higher rpm and that includes semis. The more important advice is being able to stop, load distribution, anti sway, weight distribution, and tires. I’ve seen sedans pulling larger trailers so 99% of the time it’s not about all this power people think you need. It’s all the safety equipment.
They would be shocked seeing what I tow with my 2008 Ram 1500 Hemi
In all the Ford's I've had F150s, F250, Expeditions, Mustangs, Fusion & Taurus, never, I mean never had to replace a steering column...crazy. I would never pull any camper with a "light duty" SUV through any mountains...mainly because there is NO headroom on power or weight capacity. Other than that, your video was informative and done well.
They are well over the needed tow capacity with the vehicle being used and that small trailer. The steering rack needing to be replaced has nothing to do with the fact that a trailer was being towed.
What size trailer do you have ?
It’s a 21’ single-axel that weighs 3800# when fully loaded. Coleman Lantern 17B.
@@FamilyonStandby we just got a Keystone Hideout 174 RK 2021 a couple of days ago , we will be pulling it with a 2019 Explorer . Have you had any issues with towing ? Other than that latest issue .
Pulled our 8000lb travel trailer literally around the entire country, pulled by our Ford Expedition. It was flawless. Then again, our Expedition has the max tow package. It's designed to pull this much weight. Is that an Explorer you are using? Not sure if that's enough truck. All I know is, I used to pull with a GMC. It had a massive 6.2L V8. The 3.5L ecoboost in my Ford blows that old GMC out of the water. SO MUCH more power and not a single problem.... so far :)
We've heard good things about the Expedition. That's one big SUV!
If my Google search is correct, it shows Explorer having a 5,000 to 5,600 pound towing capacity and cargo capacity is between 1200 and 1750 depending on options on your Explorer. If you want to stick with a SUV, look into a Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 which can tow 7,200 pounds. 2015 Nissan Armada which is a full frame truck with a 9,000 pound towing capacity...Just as important as towing capacity, learn about how the trailer tongue weight and the weight of your passengers and cargo eat into your SUV/trucks cargo capacity limits (which you do not want to go over). And use the sticker inside the door jam of the drivers door to see these numbers for that truck/suv. Having leather seats and a sunroof (and other heavy options) are heavy and they lower how much more cargo capacity the vehicle has available for you. Best of luck.
Great advice. We were within the limits of everything and it still towed like crap. To make matters worse, we had other engine issues crop up without towing, so needless to say… that lemon is gone. Silverado 1500 is our only vehicle now.
@@FamilyonStandby Really sorry your family went through all that. After Ford moved Explorer to a unibody construction, it really went to crap for towing. Rear suspension too soft to give that car like ride that crossover buyers want. Ford engines seem to be a total crap shoot. Transmissions too. Anyway, congrats and I hope your Silverado does well for your family! Safe travels.
Tow capacity is one thing but your payload capacity is too much on the suv. I love our Sundowner. We got the goose neck toy hauler. It's got 12" ground clearence, not top heavy, has great leaf spring and shocks, hauls real weight, and tows better than a camper. The local farmers swear by goose neck over fifth wheels. It's easier to get them over rough terrain. Really look at the camper leaf springs. You can go look at a car hauler trailer of same weight capacity to know how they should look. Keep in mind leaf springs fatigue. Which means blown tires than will start swaying more and more. It don't take much food, cloths, and gear to start too over load camper suspension. I wonder why they don't have shocks on campers to prevent leaf spring fatigue. Be safe out there. Take notes of what you see that don't bounce or sway on the roads. Ask people about them at gas pumps. The toy haulers and livestock trailers seem to tow better for me. Being able to haul gear and toys is great. Dropping the back door is so much easier to load and unload stuff. We even fit a couple of long canoes inside plus side by side. We can sleep 12 because of flip up bunks. The leather cleans easy and gives it that wow factor. My youngest has swung on the cabinet doors. I bought it and knew I wasn't ever selling it.
So we have a 2017 explorer and we know two other people that have the same year ours is. All of them have had the Steering box replaced. I think they should recall them
Right? So frustrating.
Hello, we just purchased the same trailer from camping world. They assured us our Honda Odyssey could pull it (max is 3500), according to the 80% rule this doesn’t sound right. Would love to hear your thoughts. We are newbies to whole trailer world.
We would absolutely recommend against towing with your Odyssey. You'll be way over tow capacity AND payload with minimal stuff in the trailer. We'd say 5000# capacity at a bare minimum.
@@FamilyonStandby thank you! Super helpful bc camping world told us no issues- then we saw ur video 🙏🏼 will prob back out until we find an appropriate towing vehicle.
@@muslimfamilyadventurers5055 Hope you backed out Completely with Camping World!!!
They are the absolute worst STEALERSHIP in the 🇺🇸. 🤮
Check out all the Camping World stories even on RUclips they are a 💩 Show to deal with after the sale is finalized!!!
You have to be a newbie to even consider CW, unless they are giving them away.
Highlander. 5000. No problem
Overheated?
I am researching to buy an SUV which can tow and Ford seems to be the gold standard everywhere I look on the internet. My Acura MDX can tow only 3500 lbs without towing package and 5000 lbs with towing package. Ford expedition can tow upto 9000 lbs.
Your video is helpful but it is missing so much information which makes you look as if you don't know what you were doing. E.g. What model of is your suv, towing capacity, did you have all the add-ons for towing. What is weight of trailer you are towing.
Fair assessment! That Explorer had the tow package and was able to tow 5000#. We were fully within our limits and confirmed it with a visit to the CAT scale. Just was a crappy time.
Lol 😂 I live in rifle co. Like 1 hr away . And was looking for videos of trailers and such .
Is your explorers engine a 4 cylinder or a 6?
It’s a 6’er.
@@FamilyonStandby ok that makes sense but i think you were over your capacity because i looked up your towing capacity and your explorers capacity is 2000lbs
Ours was 5000#. We even confirmed on CAT Scales that we were within spec on tongue weight, payload, trailer weight, and axel weights! Wild.
@@FamilyonStandby ok...
Thanks for the video did they say why the steering went bad
The steering rack failed, most likely to a design defect that allows it to overheat with the engine temps and it is under-insulated.
Looks like a new car. No warranty?
Why did you fix at scotty repair shop, why didnt ford fix it under warranty?
I tow a 9k trailer with a suburban it can be done but u need to make some upgrades to your car. u need to get an aftermarket trans cooler with built in fan and bags on rear suspension and I would suggest drilled rotors and 6 piston calipers and a weight distribution hitch. running your trans over 200 its not going to last past 100k miles
I have an explorer and wouldn’t want to push it by towing something like that so I use my avalanche when towing my utv and trailers
What is the towing capacity on your vehicle? We are looking at getting the same camper and pull it with are 2017 ford edge, that has a towing capacity 3500.
We would not recommend that. Explorer has 5000 lb capacity. This trailer weighs 3800 lb when loaded up. It’s 3000 empty even, and that’s before water, propane, and anything else. You’ll have a bad time in that. If you did short trips and took your gear in a separate vehicle, it’s totally doable, but not enjoyable. It’s be worth looking into an upgraded tow vehicle or getting a pop-up. Good luck on your search!!
3000 empty
Add water, batteries and Propane your easily over 3800. Most people are much heavier than they think. Even the lighter Taxa Mantis is typically 4000lbs loaded. Which is the trailer I’m eyeing for our HD Expedition rated at 9200lbs max
In reality that 9200lb rating is about a 5000-6000lb dry/empty travel trailer once you add up everything.
You should've stop at the first warning. Why would you keep going?
it was probably the normal electric steering when it comes with the newerish fords. nothing to do with your towing, just a high fail part.
That's what we've come to find out!
Toyota highlander running like butter without any major issue even after 211,000 KM
'Stare at the town from the side of the road'. I wish I could that. The Mrs makes our family stop at every small town to have a look around and potentially buy stuff that we don't need lol.
I guess it is good for their economy there, but not good for my wallet 😭 lol.
Also that 100ft travel going up at 7 feet, never knew that. Learnt something new, thanks.
Those roadside towns can be a wallet killer! Also, glad you learned something new :)
Don't try to race everyone when towing up the mountain. I usually stay on the slow lane and take it slowly.
Dude trade that SUV in, and get a full size truck.
I always pulled with SUV.
Had Mercedes ML 350. 10 years and 145k miles. It never let us down. The trailer is 27 feet Passport. Not exactly small
Now we got 21 Durango RT with TNG package. 8700 lb of tow capacity. Hardly feel anything.
My 07 Explorer Sport Trac V6 pulls my Coleman 17B just fine. But it does struggle to go up steep hills and mountains, so I advice to stay away from high terrain with this vehicle.
I have a sport trac too. Been scrolling through the comments waiting for someone to say it’ll work 😂
@@michaelbdunbar8906 The transmission in my Sport Trac laid out at 250K miles. I had it replaced, just to later find out there's pieces of timing chain tensioner in my oil pan. I just got rid of the truck and bought a new Frontier, since it's basically an old school truck with newer technology. It's a truck that I wouldn't mind beating on. The newer Fords, Chevys, and Toyotas are just too nice to beat on.
@@cindyr7407 great to know. Thanks for the update.
@@michaelbdunbar8906 Sure thing! Don't be like me, and go without transmission fluid changes. Even though it's a "lifetime fluid", it has to be changed. I believe it was changed only once by the previous owner, or else it wouldn't of lasted that long.
@@cindyr7407 we’re in the process of doing a complete tune up. All fluids, some hoses. Other odds and ins. I think I had the trans fluid changed back in 2010 when I got the truck 100 something thousand miles ago lol.
Which explorer is this? Regular 3.5 or eco boost?
No EcoBoost, unfortunately. Womp womp.
A Ford Explorer is just not enough to pull a trailer. You get an older Expedition 4x4 and you are set for life. Your very best option though is an older Q7 Audi. I would like to see what happened next. Good luck.
Try the Durango. Way better towing capacity than the Explorer
Yeah that would work great 👍
Sit at the campground eating Ramone noodles because you spent all your money on gas ⛽ 😒
Those things literally drink Twice as much fuel sitting still as my jeep towing 3000lbs down the highway 🤭
My neighbors bought a Ford truck to pull his new fifth wheel trailer, at 9000 miles the rear end went out, it took Ford two weeks to get parts. Then the transmission failed going up a long hill. This truck cost home well over sixty grand, and has less then 12000 miles on it. He now has no confidence in it pulling his trailer. It did come with a trailer package, and is rated to more then pull his trailer. I don’t think these new cars and trucks are build all that well. Good luck on your adventures.
what do you mean the rear end went out? Did the hitch itself pull apart from the vehicle?
Ah I see you didn't have a transmission cooler. Some people add a power steering cooler, bigger alternator. . It's also good to have a Bluetooth OBDII reader to keep an eye on your temps. Learning experience. Wasn't too expensive.
Ya, we had the reader, was very helpful! The steering rack likely would have gone regardless, just thankful it happened when it did.
Or can look up and see if your explorer had a recall... It is listed with the vin number and year ... You can get your money back for repair if it fell under the recall... I tow with a 2012 explorer and has been good after all the repairs... You can contact me on FB Brett D Taillon
That's some great advice. Thanks!
I just subscribed to your channel. Enjoy your videos, hope all is well with your vehicle God bless you and your family
Thanks and welcome aboard! We're def all good now :)
Buy a 3/4 ton diesel with an exhaust break and be done with it. This way you can upgrade your trailer if so desired. I would never tow a travel trailer with a small SUV because they are simply not built for that.
My 2006 F250 tows the hell out of just about any big travel trailer. Only selling it now because I need more payload to upgrade to a 5th wheel. So looking at a 2005-2007 F350 6.0. I’m going to be bulletproofing this next one.
Thank you for saying this! Otherwise you’ll slowly be killing your SUV.
Might be overkill for that small trailer. Normal gas 1/2 ton will work perfect for less money.
Our neighbor has been towing his 6k lbs RV for 4 years now in his 2014 Ford Explorer Base model. Never a single issue.
@@DjElpaso I hope you mean expedition right?
Using premium gas does absolutely nothing if your vehicle does not require it. It does not give you more power, although this is a common belief. In fact, there are sometimes it could damage your engine is used regularly.
Perhaps not on this model. But the newer turbo motors are all rated using premium fuel. So yes, you get more power. Also, the owners manual clearly states to use premium fuel when towing or severe duty.
Nice!
Wow that’s a shocker 😂
The engines are built for towing if the vehicle is equipped with a towing package which also includes transmission cooler. But sadly it’s a Ford. Fords use to be rockstars but now you hear nothing but negativity with them. I test drove a new Escape and the transmission went out on the test drive with 5 miles on it. It’s bad when the CEO came out and said our reliability is bad but we will work on it. I’m gonna stick with my Toyotas. I have an 05 Sequoia with 240k miles runs and tows like it’s new.
I agree. I use to have a Ford, 1986 brand new Ford Taurus station wagon. The transmission went out before it was five years old. No heavy hauling, nothing. After many years of "research", Ford has a problem with their transmissions. I'm a Toyota man now, 2000 Toyota Tundra lasted 22 years with NO problems. I sold it with 138,000 miles on it and it's still running strong the last I heard.
Between Grand Junction and Denver on i70 is the best part of Colorado
My sister just had that same issue with her Honda accord..
That explorer unfortunately doesn’t have any business towing that camper. I have the same camper. You need a real tow vehicle. Trade that ford in on a Ram Hemi 5.7 with some 3.92 gears and forget about towing issues 👍🏼
Already done haha - Silverado 5.3 and she tows beautifully.
Driving on hilly and mountainous terrain too much with a V6 pulling a trailer that size will eventually ruin your tranny and it makes that V6 work hard. If you guys like camping a lot and drive around to different places you may want something more robust so a V8 is a must to pull heavy loads.
It’s a Ford… enough said. I’ve owned a ranger, f150, f350, expedition and a explorer and have had problems out of all of them. Had to replace the transmission in our explorer at only 62k miles… and had a 60k mile warranty.. 7500 fix. I’ll never own another. Put almost 180k on my old 2500 Silverado and only problem I ever had besides rust was had to replace oxygen sensor. We currently have a 2020 4runner and couldn’t be happier, will drive it until it dies. That said we just bought a 3600 lb travel trailer which will be the most we’ve towed with it so hopefully it holds up to its reputation
Your husband is one cool cat I would be livid with Ford
Thanks! And don't worry - we were definitely very upset haha
Their is a recall on the steering rack. Not sure what year your is worth looking into to get refund.
Earlier models! We ditched the crappy car, though. Good riddance lol
You should not let your transmission temp go over 220 degrees. Add a transmission oil cooler
We have an appointment to have one installed after Christmas!
Is there a gauge that I can purchase that will monitor transmission temperature?
This is the one we use: amzn.to/33sMiNT
@@FamilyonStandby so helpful!!! Thank you :)
You’re most welcome!
Definitely just a bad battery or some kind of slow electrical draw. I had the same issue.
Sounds more like the Recall issue with the steering rack 🤔
As someone who owns a actual explorer (body on frame) y’all messed up by buying a front wheel drive crossover that technically has no actual frame to tow with
Ah, I see the problem. It's a Ford! Jokes aside, I'm starting a small family myself and want to adventure with them as you do. Any tips for my Traveling Troupe to be?
That would be wonderful! Our biggest tip is undoubtedly to be flexible. Things happen (as shown here) and you gotta be able to roll with it. That's been the game changer for us.
@@FamilyonStandby Noted. Thank ya kindly.
Fix Or Repair Daily
Dragging that camper around the mountains with that vehicle isn’t the best idea. GCVWR? Did you weigh the whole rig? Cat scale
We were within spec. Totally careful on all our weights and loading. Road safety is nothing to mess with.
And you wounder how the FRONTIER People made it with Covered Wagons a crossed this Nation. Its just a thought... Before I do a long trip with a Camper in tow, I get the truck checked out have the computer cleaned out if there or any errors or codes that need to be addressed, that could sneak up on you. Yet in your case it was the Steering rack, it is what it is! Its not like changing the points in the distributor cap these days. That's if anyone knows what I'm taking about LOL! Good LUCK!
I will always wonder that. Crazy to think about.
That's exactly what we did - had the Explorer inspected and serviced. And even stopped at a Ford dealership in KS before we got to mountains to make sure we were still good. Wild.
But it happens. We've since sold the Explorer and bought a Silverado. Much, much nicer.
I'm sure someone asked....did your Explorer have a factory Tow Package ??
Yup! 5000# capacity for towing.
@@FamilyonStandby Ahhh...good. Sounds like the failure may have been completely unrelated to the tow as well. Good vid.
Thanks! Ya, that's our assumption. Though, internet rumblings suggest this steering rack issue is brought about by excess heat. So I guess we'll never know!
@@FamilyonStandby yup, and that platform (explorer) is terrible for heat dissipation. might wanna google what will happen if that water pump ever lets go.....if that doesn't make you wanna trade it nothing will...lol
Note, the new explorer (2020 plus) is a different ballgame. more actual truck like.....but PRICEY
@@FamilyonStandby so your potential disaster list is PTU, Water pump, the transmission itself if you have the normally aspirated v6 and not the turbo. And this is coming from someone that had that platform (taurus) and absolutely loved everything about it..........but to tow? ah HELLZ nah!!!!! lol
Good news that you'll have car back. Oh man $2,200 - but it can be worse. That stinks your steering rack broke. No warning labels is always good. Good news - this made good content (at your expense). So sorry to hear about this horrible experience. Towing in mountains is something new to me so its good to hear your experience. Who would have thought MATH, would come in handy later in life.
Math is key! We're constantly doing math when driving. How much longer to drive, pace, remaining gas, mpg. It's all one big math class lol
This is why despite costs I bought a ram 2500 Cummins pulls like a dream ! Loves the high way does amazing up hills and got the mega cab so inside space is great with the family
A tent trailer is all I would pull with that vehicle.
Buy a 3/4 ton and you would never have to worry and you could pull with confidence with no stress.
If you have the proper match between truck and trailer you would never have those stressful drives.
Even a 1/2 ton with some good load capacity 1600 lbs plus would work for that trail.
Clearly the front axel is carring to much weight in the Explorer.
Your transmission is not made to pull that weight nor are the axles, bearings, suspension or brakes.
Is there an equalizer hitch on the unit? I really hope so.
I would not do what you are doing.nor would I recommend it to anyone.
I have been pulling trailers since 1989 and have always had the proper matched truck to trailer.
Please buy a full size truck.
Your family will be safe that way.
We were definitely safe; well within weight limits as verified by CAT scale. And we have a weight hitch that we tuned up perfectly. Just was a bad day.
That said, we bought a Silverado 1500 and it's a much, much nicer vehicle.
@@FamilyonStandby You will need Deep Pockets to do much traveling with that Chevy unless it's new and under Warranty as well 🤭
I hope you realize you’ll have to service with transmission more often.
My wifes fusion did that and it was covered under recall... Dealer should have helped you...
Ugh. No dice on that one.
meanwhile, the Toyotas just kept rolling past.....
Ever notice what you see broken down alongside the road most often? Fords, Chevys and Dodges. What don't you see? Hondas and Toyotas. Maybe the "big 3" sell more cars so law of averages and all you'd see more break. But if you look at percentages, it's fewer percentage of Honda and Toyota. Yeah, my Tacoma had some issues. But it's got 200,000 miles on it.
WoooooooW you guys are so inspiring and beautiful too.
Thank you so much!!
Unloaded my Ford Transit 2 days ago because it's been a pain in the butt for the 7 years I've owned it. A recall for a coupler on the axel is replaced with a plastic coupler that must be replaced every 40K. Last year, the plastic coupler was also recalled. That's just one thing on a laundry list of problems. Never ford again. I got a 4Runner now.
first lesson...don't pull a camper with a car. Too much weight behind you putting stress on your rear axle. Just because you can get it to move your camper, doesn't mean it's the right tow vehicle for the qright your dragging behind.