1998 FORD EXPLORER towing

Trailer towing table (4x2 automatic transmission)
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer Weight
Range-kg (lbs.)
0-MaximumMaximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
2-door
4.0L
SOHC3.27 3 402 (7 500) 0-1 361 (0-3 000) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.55 3 856 (8 500) 0-2 041 (0-4 500) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 313 (0-5 100) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.73 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 041 (0-4 500) 4.64 (50)
4-door
4.0L
SOHC3.55 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 041 (0-4 500) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 4 309 (9 500) 0-2 449 (5 400) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.734 535 (10
000)0-2 658 (0-5 860) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC4.104 535 (10
000)0-2 630 (0-5 800) 4.64 (50)
5.0L 3.734 990 (11
000)0-3 039 (0-6 700) 4.64 (50)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle's load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the
GCWR.
Towing a trailer over 907 kg (2 000 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.
Driving
129

Trailer towing table
(4x4 and AWD with automatic transmission)
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer Weight
Range-kg (lbs.)
0-MaximumMaximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
2-door
4.0L
SOHC3.27 3 402 (7 500) 0-1 524 (0-3 360) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.55 3 856 (8 500) 0-1 978 (0-4 360) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 214 (0-4 880) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.73 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 204 (0-4 860) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 4.10 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 214 (4 880) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC4.10 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 204 (4 860) 4.64 (50)
4-door
4.0L
SOHC3.55 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 041 (0-4 500) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 4 309 (9 500) 0-2 341 (0-5 160) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.734 535
(10 000)0-2 558 (0-5 640) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC4.104 535
(10 000)0-2 558 (0-5 640) 4.64 (50)
5.0L 3.734 990
(11 000)0-2 930 (6 460) 4.64 (50)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle's load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the
GCWR.
Towing a trailer over 907 kg (2 000 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.
Driving
130

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of
control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10 ± 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
907 kg (2 000 lb).
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
Driving
131

Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle's taillamp
circuits, because it may damage the electrical system resulting in
fire. Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 1 590 kg
(3 500 lb.) trailer weight and 159 kg (350 lb.) tongue weight capability.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 1 590 kg
(3 500 lb).
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to the Severe Duty Schedule in your
``Service Guide'' for more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
Driving
132

²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First)
(manual transmissions) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
²Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
²Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (six inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be
checked and changed, if necessary. The rear axle is filled with a
synthetic lubricant and does not normally require a lubricant change for
the life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities should not need to
be checked unless a leak is suspected.
Recreational towing (all wheels on the ground)
(Neutral tow kit accessory)
On vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine, an accessory is available that
allows you to tow your vehicle, behind another vehicle, with all the
wheels on the ground. Contact your dealer for more details. Do not tow
your vehicle with all wheels on the ground unless you install the neutral
tow kit as vehicle damage may occur.
LUGGAGE RACK
Maximum load is 45 kg (100 lbs), evenly distributed. If it is not possible
to distribute the load, position it as far rearward as possible. Adjustable
tie down loops must be used to secure the load.
Driving
133

Stowing the spare
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up.
2. Slide the wheel under the vehicle
and install the retainer through the
wheel center.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle. The
jack handle ratchets when the tire is
raised to the stowed position. It will
not allow you to overtighten.
Tire change procedure
On vehicles equipped with Air Suspension, turn OFF the Air
Suspension switch prior to jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Refer to the instruction sheet for detailed tire change instructions.
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set the parking
brake.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park)
or in the reverse gear (manual
transmission).
When one of the rear wheels is off
the ground, the transmission alone
will not prevent the vehicle from
moving or slipping off the jack, even
if the transmission is in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or reverse
(manual transmission).
Roadside emergencies
145

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
If equipped with air suspension, the air suspension control must be
turned to the OFF position.
The Ford approved towing procedure is flatbed or wheel lift with
dollies.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground (without dollies) and the rear wheels off the ground.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Do not tow with slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor Company has not
developed or approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
Roadside emergencies
154

When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of vehicle you
have. A towing manual is available from Ford Motor Company for all
authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow truck driver refer to this
manual for proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
155