t has the ecoboost 3.5 and 4x4. I am think of buying a camper this vehicle can manage with trailer brakes of course. My question is about air bag assist for the rear suspension. Would this help hit the max 5000lb number more safely? I don't want to haul dangerously as I would be traveling cross country. Thanks for any advice on max weight, camper length etc.
We tow a travel trailer (dry weight ~3500, GVWR 5000) behind 2017 Sport without any aids other than Tekonsha trailer brake controller. The car does a great job as you respect the basics for safe towing:
- Ensure trailer is 80% or less the weight of the tow vehicle (the heavier the tow vehicle the better)
- Ensure trailer is braked (unless very lite - 1000 lbs or less)
- Balance the trailer to ensure correct tongue weight
- Make sure you have sufficient visibility (us tow mirrors if trailer wider than tow vehicle)
- Ensure sufficient power and braking (set quality brake controller up correctly)
- Avoid having too much weight at rear of trailer
- Check lighting before every trip
Oh and with the Explorer make sure you choose a route with sufficient gas stops as that think tank becomes a real headache when you are pressing on with a trailer behind you!
Like many sedan based SUVs the 5th gen Explorer is slightly hampered in towing due to the "all-wheel drive" which is biased to putting power through front wheels which can mean a ton oof torque-steer when pulling up steep hills or accelerating hard merging on uneven surface (Sierra roads). New ST could be a dream with rear wheel bias.
