Explorer Reliability Issues?

Well, we've almost pulled the trigger on a brand new 2005 Explorer. What
are peoples' opinions on their reliability? I'm forgoing a Honda Pilot,
going with an Explorer due to my towing needs, and I guess, future wants.
The Honda tows 3,500 lbs, or 4,500 if it's a boat. (? I guess it has to do
with aerodynamics of a boat trailer vs. a regular trailer) That will
probably tow our Coleman tent trailer fine (~2,100 lbs loaded), but leaves
no upgrade path (probably want a hard sided travel trailer in the next few
years). I called my buddy who sells Fords. I'll be meeting him on
Saturday.
I also e-mailed some friends about this. Man, are they pushing me toward
the Honda Pilot! We almost went with the Pilot, but the towing and lack of
features just kind of turned me off. Also, Honda's stability control is
only available on the EX with leather model, not the EX with cloth seating,
because they consider it a "luxury item". Hmmm, sounds like a safety item
to me!
Anyway, now I'm second guessing my decision a little. I know the Explorer
will pull it better, probably won't be too bad (our '94 was a HORRIBLE
experience the first 3 years, but not bad the last 5 - not sure if my
standards went down after the warranty expired, or it just had everything
replaced - e-mail me directly for the whole story), and should be a better
experience than our last Exploder.
But I guess I'd just like to hear from other late model owners how they
feel. I knew a lot of 1st generation Explorer owners who had their
transmissions die right around 70,000 miles. Mine is still factory, at
120,000. (I've changed tranny fluid frequently since I tow) I plan to keep
this one at least 10 years, if not more. The newer models are built to last
longer, right?
Thanks in advance for everyone's input!


--


Richard Minami
'94 Explorer XLT 4x4
'94 Honda Accord LX
'97 Coleman Yukon

One should note that U-Haul will not rent a trailer to someone towing with a
Ford Explorer. They don't consider it a "safety issue", but it is a direct
result of lawsuits from accidents involving this combo (Explorer + U-Haul
trailer).

Check out the A/C. I have heard several complaints that the 2005 Explorer
A/C blows cold air only on your feet!

The max tow trailer weight depends upon the engine size (V-6 or V-8), the
axle ratio (3.55 or 3.73), and the size of the wheels (16" or 17") and 4X2
vs. 4X4. Note that on some Explorer models (and this is typical of other
manufacturers too) if you take the GCWR minus the curb weight of the
vehicle, you come up with a max trailer weight that is LESS than that
listed. Oh, yes, add the weight of gas, driver, passengers, and cargo in
the Explorer to reduce that number even more.

Check out the specs (on the car and in the actual manual in the glove box)
for the particular vehicle you are thinking of buying: GCWR, curb weight
(empty), and listed max trailer weight . Often the manual also lists the
maximum allowed square footage of the front of the towed vehicle (important
mostly if you are looking at a TT in the future). I can't find this listed
for Ford SUV's, but the trailer max frontal area for all their properly
equipped trucks and vans is 60 sq. ft. (i.e. 7' X 8.5')

"Richard Minami" wrote:
> Well, we've almost pulled the trigger on a brand new 2005 Explorer. What
> are peoples' opinions on their reliability?

Please elaborate on how wheel size influences max tow weight.

Thanks in advance.
--
Chris Cowles
Gainesville, FL


"tobe" > wrote in message
...
>
> The max tow trailer weight depends upon the engine size (V-6 or V-8), the
> axle ratio (3.55 or 3.73), and the size of the wheels (16" or 17") and 4X2
> vs. 4X4.

I believe max tow rating is related not just to the actual size of the
wheel, but to the size of the brake rotors and pads which come stock with
the larger wheels from the factory. This is just a guess. If you look at
web sites which list different models of vehicles (such as my Expedition),
they list different GCWR with different wheel sizes (17 inch vs.16 inch), as
well as axle ratios, engine sizes, etc. Some of the limitation in towing
ability is in the braking ability of the tow vehicle.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Cowles"

> Please elaborate on how wheel size influences max tow weight.

Chris Cowles wrote:
>
> Please elaborate on how wheel size influences max tow weight.
>
> Thanks in advance.


Two ways -

1) Larger wheels and tires effectively lower the gear ratio.

2) Larger wheels and tires weigh more. This is a double hit
to your braking an acceleration. When stopping you not only
have to burn off the extra forward inertia added as a result
of the extra weight of the larger wheels and tires, but you
also have to burn off the extra rotational inertia. Bigger
tires and wheels are both heavier and have a larger diameter
- this makes them a better flywheel - which is not a good
thing when you are trying to change speeds (either slowing
down or speeding up).

Ed

> --
> Chris Cowles
> Gainesville, FL
>
> "tobe" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > The max tow trailer weight depends upon the engine size (V-6 or V-8), the
> > axle ratio (3.55 or 3.73), and the size of the wheels (16" or 17") and 4X2
> > vs. 4X4.

Thanks. Basically, the smaller the wheel/tire the easier to pull/stop.

"C. E. White" > wrote in message
...
> Two ways -
>
> 1) Larger wheels and tires effectively lower the gear ratio.
>
> 2) Larger wheels and tires weigh more. This is a double hit
> to your braking an acceleration. When stopping you not only
> have to burn off the extra forward inertia added as a result
> of the extra weight of the larger wheels and tires, but you
> also have to burn off the extra rotational inertia. Bigger
> tires and wheels are both heavier and have a larger diameter
> - this makes them a better flywheel - which is not a good
> thing when you are trying to change speeds (either slowing
> down or speeding up).
>
> Ed
>
>> --
>> Chris Cowles
>> Gainesville, FL
>>
>> "tobe" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> >
>> > The max tow trailer weight depends upon the engine size (V-6 or V-8),
>> > the
>> > axle ratio (3.55 or 3.73), and the size of the wheels (16" or 17") and
>> > 4X2
>> > vs. 4X4.

On Fri, 8 Apr 2005 11:08:21 -0400, "Chris Cowles" >
wrote:

>Thanks. Basically, the smaller the wheel/tire the easier to pull/stop.

No.
Smaller wheel/tire (actually, smaller circumference) means more
pulling power available.
However, that smaller circumference means a smaller tire patch on the
road surface, which means less friction available for stopping. Also,
less ability to put that pulling power to the road (slipping upon
accelleration).
It's a compromise, like most things.
You can get better tires to help with traction. These will also have
lower tread life (unless you want to pay some really high dollar
amounts for the tires).

>
>"C. E. White" > wrote in message
...
>> Two ways -
>>
>> 1) Larger wheels and tires effectively lower the gear ratio.
>>
>> 2) Larger wheels and tires weigh more. This is a double hit
>> to your braking an acceleration. When stopping you not only
>> have to burn off the extra forward inertia added as a result
>> of the extra weight of the larger wheels and tires, but you
>> also have to burn off the extra rotational inertia. Bigger
>> tires and wheels are both heavier and have a larger diameter
>> - this makes them a better flywheel - which is not a good
>> thing when you are trying to change speeds (either slowing
>> down or speeding up).
>>
>> Ed
>>
>>> --
>>> Chris Cowles
>>> Gainesville, FL
>>>
>>> "tobe" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>> >
>>> > The max tow trailer weight depends upon the engine size (V-6 or V-8),
>>> > the
>>> > axle ratio (3.55 or 3.73), and the size of the wheels (16" or 17") and
>>> > 4X2
>>> > vs. 4X4.
>

--
Bill Funk
Change "g" to "a"

I saw a 2004 or 2005 explorer pulling a Uhaul last weekend. I wondered
about that because I tried to rent one once for my 2000 XLT and was
denied. Are you sure the UHaul policy is not related to the model
year? Could be that this guy knew someone at UHaul or got someone who
didn't know better.

-troy

Here is the statement from the UHaul web site just now when I pretended to
try and rent a trailer using a 2005 Ford Explorer RWD as a tow vehicle:

"This vehicle is not authorized to tow U-Haul equipment. U-Haul does not
rent behind this tow vehicle. We apologize for any inconvenience this may
cause you. Is there a different vehicle that you can use for towing?"

"tfandango"
>I saw a 2004 or 2005 explorer pulling a Uhaul last weekend. I wondered
> about that because I tried to rent one once for my 2000 XLT and was
> denied. Are you sure the UHaul policy is not related to the model
> year? Could be that this guy knew someone at UHaul or got someone who
> didn't know better.

Richard -

In Nov '01, I bought a 2002 Explorer 4-DR XLT with the (kinda small) V-8
and factory towing package. The latter seems to include a 3.73 LS rear
end, 5-speed overdrive automatic trans, Class III hitch and 7-pin
connector. It is rated to tow somewhere around 7000 pounds - which it
will NOT COME CLOSE TO DOING if you venture out of the flatlands of the
midwest. For this reason I would not consider the 4.0 V-6 if you expect
to tow.

At the moment, I have about 85K miles on it (we drive a lot). Perhaps
20K of that involved towing low-profile camping trailer which I weighed
put on a scale and found about 3500 pounds. The vehicle has been
adequate, but no more than that, pulling this trailer into the high
Sierras and over Loveland Pass and Vail Pass in Colorado. The
combination of steep grades and high altitude just kill the engine's output.

Overall, this has been a great vehicle. I replaced the OEM Michelins at
about 80K, and just last week replaced the OEM battery. I change oil
religiously every 3K, but other than that haven't had to do anything to
it. My only complaint is that the tranny REALLY REALLY needs a Tow Mode
- it behaves very improperly when the camper is behind it. (I think
this is the 5R55W trans.) I also wish it had a tranny temp gauge (but
that's minor) and an extra tranny cooler.

I hope to get another 80K out of this vehicle, and don't see any reason
why I shouldn't if the tranny holds up as it has so far. At that time,
if the new models have a Towing Mode, I will probably replace it with
another Explorer - otherwise, I may look around.

Bill Jeffrey
=========================

Richard Minami wrote:

> Well, we've almost pulled the trigger on a brand new 2005 Explorer. What
> are peoples' opinions on their reliability? I'm forgoing a Honda Pilot,
> going with an Explorer due to my towing needs, and I guess, future wants.
> The Honda tows 3,500 lbs, or 4,500 if it's a boat. (? I guess it has to do
> with aerodynamics of a boat trailer vs. a regular trailer) That will
> probably tow our Coleman tent trailer fine (~2,100 lbs loaded), but leaves
> no upgrade path (probably want a hard sided travel trailer in the next few
> years). I called my buddy who sells Fords. I'll be meeting him on
> Saturday.
> I also e-mailed some friends about this. Man, are they pushing me toward
> the Honda Pilot! We almost went with the Pilot, but the towing and lack of
> features just kind of turned me off. Also, Honda's stability control is
> only available on the EX with leather model, not the EX with cloth seating,
> because they consider it a "luxury item". Hmmm, sounds like a safety item
> to me!
> Anyway, now I'm second guessing my decision a little. I know the Explorer
> will pull it better, probably won't be too bad (our '94 was a HORRIBLE
> experience the first 3 years, but not bad the last 5 - not sure if my
> standards went down after the warranty expired, or it just had everything
> replaced - e-mail me directly for the whole story), and should be a better
> experience than our last Exploder.
> But I guess I'd just like to hear from other late model owners how they
> feel. I knew a lot of 1st generation Explorer owners who had their
> transmissions die right around 70,000 miles. Mine is still factory, at
> 120,000. (I've changed tranny fluid frequently since I tow) I plan to keep
> this one at least 10 years, if not more. The newer models are built to last
> longer, right?
> Thanks in advance for everyone's input!
>
>