ANyone Tow with Ford Explorer Bumper Hitch?

[Tim]

Looking to tow 14 foot boat/motor/trailer totaling less than 1500 lbs. My 1997 Ford Explorer (V6) Bumper states it can handle 3500 lbs... I feel safe and would like to save $$ on a hitch if I really don't need it. ANy one else doing the same without problem?

[jjl325jim]

Fishinggenie

Tim,

I am towing a 16' with a 40 hp 4 stroke with no problem..Save the money for bait.

[EricCO]

Pulling a 17' with Merc 115 and T8.

Killing tree rats in the 303.

[mmillelacs]

i have the 97 explorer as well, and i pull a pretty heavy rig, a lund 1775 and a f80 yamaha with the bumper hitch. I think this summer i am going to get a frame hitch. the problem with a bumper hitch and a heavy boat comes when you have to stop suddenly. We have all seen the vehicles with the bent down bumpers.

[SnellTier]

>Looking to tow 14 foot boat/motor/trailer totaling less
>than 1500 lbs. My 1997 Ford Explorer (V6) Bumper states it
>can handle 3500 lbs... I feel safe and would like to save $$
>on a hitch if I really don't need it. ANy one else doing the
>same without problem?

I towed my Alumacraft Dominator at 800 pounds, 50 hp motor, 200 pounds of batteries, 100 pounds of gas, bow trolling motor, probably 100 pounds of rods and tackle, plus miscellaneous coolers etc. for 5 years with my bumper hitch on my S-10 pickup. I figured I was pulling 1800 to 2000 pounds at times. The bumper was rated for more than that (probably like you 3500 pound rating) and did not have a problem.

I DID put a slight crease in the bumper one time trying to back the trailer into my garage. I turned too tightly and the trailer tongue creased the bumper. I have an L-shaped driveway and it is a pain getting that boat into the garage. That is why I eventually installed a trailer hitch. But unless you are doing something like that, the bumper hitch will work fine!!

[Drift Sock]

You are well within the limits. You should have no problem. If you do have a problem you can always blame Ford.

I towed a 19' aluminum rig weighing 2400 lbs for 3 years on a '99 Explorer bumper hitch with no problems other than the bumper hitch is higher than a class 3 hitch, which made the boat ride a little higher in front than I would have liked.

Got a receiver hitch when I bought a new boat which is still not too heavy but wanted it to ride lower.

Don't waste your money buying a receiver hitch, for the rig you have.

[Tracker185]

I towed for 2 years w/ My Explorer. and My Tracker185 w/ a 75 Horse weighs more than your Boat, and I never had one problem w the Bumper Hitch.




Fish the Finest!!!!! Fish Tracker!!!!!




T185

[Box]

Just a thought, but even if you don't "need" a receiver hitch, it can save the little "jack-knife" creases you will likely get in both your bumper and the trailer. When you turn too hard with the bumper hitch, you run into the bumper with anything that might be hanging lonw on the trailer - the foot or bolts,etc.

Now, this might not affect you if you only have straight shots. But if you ever have to really turn to get into tight garage, or get through trees, etc. it might happen. I had bumper hitch on my last Ranger and it worked fine, but the receiver on my current truck allow much more flexibility with manuvering.

good luck,
-Box