2007 Ford Explorer 4.0L V6 5-speed Automatic

jdorant · 05-22-2012, 03:03 PM

we just upgraded from a pop up to the Jayco X23J. Took it out for the first time last weekend and we just love it. TV is 2007 ford Explorer with WD hitch, sway bar, and electronic braking. Seemed to do OK for a 2 1/2 hr trip away, with 6 hr commute home from Cape Cod in traffic, URGH! I have 1 concern after the ride home. The transmission seemed a little funky on the ride home. Took a 30 minute break and then seemed fine the rest of the trip. Could this be the trans getting overheated? I'm pretty sure my truck has a transmission cooler already built into it. Thanks for the help!

Quahog · 05-22-2012, 03:26 PM

From your description, I'd for sure check the transmission temps. Do you have a gauge for it? If not, you can pick up an after-market gauge that will do this.

2nd question: what day and time of day were you traveling from the Cape? I'll be up there in the next 10 days or so and I'd like to avoid the traffic if possible. I'm willing to alter my schedule to leave earlier or later in the day if it helps. We'll be leaving from Scusset Beach and heading to Portland.

29BHS ECO · 05-22-2012, 03:54 PM

jdorant- The difference between "pretty sure & sure " could be about $1- 2000 worth of repairs, you can take the vin# to a Ford dealer and find out what you have unless you have the original paper work. Larry

LongIslandCamper · 05-22-2012, 04:41 PM

I thought Explorer's came with a 1" receiver standard and if you got a 2" receiver it's because it has the towing package.

tslarson · 05-22-2012, 05:12 PM

We tow our X23J with a 2005 Explorer 4.0 engine with 170,000 miles on it. We take it easy and never go over 60 mph. It has the factory towing package. In stop and go traffic, or lots of small up and down hills, or very gradual long inclines the tranny will overheat. I installed a Scangauge II and monitor tranny temps carefully. Once it starts to get away from me, it's hard to get the temps back under control. The weight of the X23J really max's out the Explorers towing capacity. Mine is actually about 200 lbs over the max of 5400 lbs.

jdorant · 05-22-2012, 05:22 PM

Thanks for the reply's, Larry... it does have the cooler on it. I think I will look into a temp gauge to monitor. tslarson... the 2007 is rated for around 7300 lbs with the correct hitch. Quahog, the sagamore bridge was under construction. Down to 1 lane in either direction which cause the gridlock. we also left a the worst possible time 2:30 in the middle of the day. we should have just waited.

tlhdoc · 05-22-2012, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cm11599ps

I thought Explorer's came with a 1" receiver standard and if you got a 2" receiver it's because it has the towing package.

That is correct. I have a 2004 Explorer V8 with the tow package, and 93,000 miles on it. The Explorer is rated to tow 7000 pounds. I have the tranny fluid changed every 30 thousand miles and use synthetic transmission fluid. The Explorer does a good job with my 3500 pound trailer.

LongIslandCamper · 05-22-2012, 07:36 PM

I laugh every time I see an Explorer with a 1" receiver. Why even bother? They should just make the 2" standard.

jdorant · 05-22-2012, 11:07 PM

Mine came with the 2" receiver.

Rustic Eagle · 05-23-2012, 04:53 AM

jdorant,

When any TV is used for towing the transmission fluid should be changed more often, especially if one tows frequently in the hills, mountains, etc.. The X23J has a GVWR of 6,500lbs, so depending on your loading habits you could be at (or possibly exceeding) one or more of your TV's weight limits that could contribute to the transmission working a little harder.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdorant

snip...... the 2007 is rated for around 7300 lbs with the correct hitch......snip

A published TV Tow Rating can be little decieving.., you may find the following JOF thread interesting: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3866

Bob

jdorant · 05-23-2012, 07:14 AM

Bob, i was under the impression that the trans fluid on the 2007 explorer cannot be changed.

Rustic Eagle · 05-23-2012, 12:52 PM

jdorant,

If that's the case, it would be the first time I heard of it, but then again I'm always willing to learn something new.

I would call your Ford dealer and ask them...., let us know what they say.

Bob

villain2000 · 05-25-2012, 10:05 AM

I have an 06 v8 Mountaineer. Same vehicle as the Explorer. The trans fluid can be changed in these units. I avoided using the cleaner additives in mine, as I didnt want the cleaners to knock something loose that may cause problems down the road. Just tell them you want the fluid to be exchanged only, no cleaners. See your Ford dealer, they have a flush machine to do this.

Also, if your tt weigfhs in at 6500 lbs, you are way, way over the tv tow limit. V6 Explorers/Mountaineers are only rated to 5000 lbs.

jdorant · 05-25-2012, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by villain2000

Also, if your tt weigfhs in at 6500 lbs, you are way, way over the tv tow limit. V6 Explorers/Mountaineers are only rated to 5000 lbs.

According to my ford owners manual... with the type hitch I have with the WD bars, my GCWR for the vehicle weight is 12000lbs, trailer weight 0-7115 lbs. I am going in for oil change and new tires next week and will ask about the trans fluid change.

any recommendation on tires for the Explorer? I read somewhere E rated tires, not sure where or if that even what I already have. But they are old not necessarily worn out so I think new tires would be safer.

villain2000 · 05-25-2012, 04:09 PM

http://trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Campin...ngPDF/2007.pdf

My v8 is rated at 12000 gcvwr. Check the link. Double check your om. You are way over your weight limit. I have never heard of any v6 Ex that is rated for that kind of weight. I am not the type to keep pushing an issue, but you will implode your trans if you continue towing. Keep in mind too, that when you tow a tt, weight isn't the only thing to consider. Wind drag is a huge factor. In fact I read somewhere that the trailer tow ratings of vehicles were going to be re-worked to accommodate this.

Again, not trying to be a know-it-all. Just trying to save you some really costly repairs. Look at it this way, now you get to go tv shopping!

LongIslandCamper · 05-25-2012, 04:45 PM

Yes, I agree. the V6 is only rated about 5,000 towing. Your trailer is about 4,200 dry. The V8 Explorer has a rating around 7,000.

2edgesword · 05-25-2012, 05:31 PM

Tow vehicles have many tow ratings related to different aspects of the vehicle. The 5,000 lb rating may be related to type of hitch and vehicle attachment. You also have limits based on maximum axle weight and limits related to the engine and drivetrain. Your actual tow limit will be based on the LOWER of these various limits.

villain2000 · 05-25-2012, 07:56 PM

I studied this vehicle (explorer/mountaineer) very extensively since I purchased mine a few years ago. I also work in the automotive industry very closely with ford dealers in all departments (sales, parts and service). I also spend some time on a ex/mountaineer website called Serious Explorations. That website, much like this one for rv'ing has provided me with invaluable info. Here is what I know about towing with these vehicles. These specs are for the 2006 to 2010 3rd generation vehicles.

V6 Ex, 1 1/4 hitch = 5 speed trans, no trans cooler, 3.55 gears, 3500 lb tow limit

V6 Ex, 2" hitch = 5 speed trans, trans cooler, 3.73 gears 5000 lb tow limit. The lower gears and trans cooler are what comprises the v6 tow package which allows it to tow 1500 more lbs.

V8 Ex, 2" hitch = trans cooler, 3.55 gears, 7060 lb weight limit. The v8 Ex has the higher FD gears, but has an extremely low 1st gear that gives it grunt out of the hole.

villain2000 · 05-25-2012, 08:18 PM

One more thing to add and I will shut up, I swear! 2wd Ex/Mounties can handle about another 300lbs, because they weigh a little less. This is because the 2wd's lack the drivetrain at the front of the vehicle (transfer case, axles, etc.) that make it a 4wd.

jdorant · 05-26-2012, 10:41 AM

ok, so I am brand new at this and I appreciate all the feedback. It looks as though I was led to believe from my dealer that I could tow up to the 7,000lb range when in fact my vehicle is only rated to tow 5200 lbs. The dry weight of my TT is 4,655. So I am under if my TT is empty with no fluids in it. I did not plan on a new TV this year but it definitely is on the radar for the next year. Maybe sooner if I can work things out. My wife might not be too happy because she was supposed to get the next new car, and does not want a pickup truck. I hope I will be OK with my current TV for this year. We do not go out a ton, maybe 3 or 4 trips this summer and not very far so I will have to keep my fingers crossed this year.

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