Ted,
Today, folks use a frame-mounted "receiver" hitch; that's those square
sockets that you see on the rear of pickup trucks, etc. Don't even think
about using that ball on the bumper, those are suitable for utility and
boat trailers only.
I'll jump right into it and recommend, based on your projected use, that
you get a real good heavy-duty tow vehicle now instead of fooling around
with the Explorer. You told us the HP and torque, but what is it rated
to TOW? My Dodge 3/4-ton P/U has only 160 HP (albeit with 400+ lb. ft.
of torque) and will pull any A/S out there, something that can't be said
about the Explorer. Besides tow rating, you need to look at the Gross
Combined Weight Rating, the weight of Explorer, trailer, and all of your
stuff. Most couples will pack nearly 1000# of "stuff" for vacations,
full-timers typically carry twice that.
Add even 1500# to a 5000# trailer, and you're talking serious amounts of
weight. Oh! Don't forget your partner and the livestock, it all adds up.
Using a vehicle that's marginal will result in: sweaty palms when things
get dicey, much-shortened life of drivetrain components, and even
potential liablity problems if you get real unlucky.
My advice (worth at least what you're paying for it!) is based on your
future plans. If you were fooling around on the weekends, short trips,
only flat land, etc. you might be able to get away with putting a
receiver hitch on the Explorer and going for it.
<<Jim>>
"T. Byrd" wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I�m new to the list, and while I don�t yet own an Airstream, I am
> interested in purchasing one. In order to help me with my decision, I�m
> wondering if I may pose a few questions to the community, and get your
> experienced feedback.
>
> I have a 1998 Ford Explorer with the 4.0L SOHC engine and towing
> package. It produces 205 horsepower at 5000 rpm, and 250 lb. ft. of
> torque at 3000 rpm. The stock bumper can support a maximum tongue load
> of 350 lbs., and a maximum trailer weight of 3500lbs.
>
> What is the largest Airstream that I can tow behind this vehicle? I
> realize that many people modify their Airstream, but assume that it
> doesn�t have oak with marble fixtures (i.e. all or mostly original). I
> also understand (from what I�ve read so far) that as the years
> progressed, Airstream seems to have gotten heavier, so I imagine the
> later the model, the smaller it must be. It seems like the older
> pictures often show larger, tandem-axle trailers towed behind passenger
> cars. I grant you that yesterday�s passenger car was probably stronger
> than today�s SUV, but does this imply that the older models are lighter,
> or more easily towed behind smaller vehicles?
>
> We plan to become �Continuous Travelers� and will be travelling and
> living in this trailer for the foreseeable future. I�ve spent the past
> few years living out of the Explorer with a tent and sleeping bag, but
> have since picked up a partner with a cat and dog, so I need something
> larger. We don�t really know where to begin, so does anyone have any
> tips, tricks, or advice to give the would-be vagabond living the trailer
> life?
>
> Thanks for your time,
> Ted
>
> To unsubscribe or to change to a daily Digest, please go to
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>
> If replying back to this message, please delete all the unnecessary original
> text from your reply.
>
>
--
<<http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer>>
<<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>>
<<lower SE Michigan, USA>>
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