Tow hitch for gen 4?

[N8rfastback]

Has anyone on here put a tow hitch on yet? what brand did you go with? Hows it look?

Im debating hauling a boat to MN this year with the SHO, i know it can handle it, im just not sure I wanna put a hitch on the car... I dont want it to be an eyesore.

How does it feel towing with this car?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

-Nate

 

[lowc]

imo if you want to tow useing an eco boost get the f150

 

[N8rfastback]

I just traded my 5.4 L lariat for the sho....

 

[kgupton123456]

look at this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2010...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[SHOrod]

How's it look? Scroll down to posts #4 and #6 here.

Since I only use this for hauling bikes, I cannot say what it feels like to tow with the SHO. I do remember reading in the manual that the tow rating for the SHO is quite small.

I installed the hitch myself. It would certainly be easier with two people, but it is doable by one relatively flexible person. It doesn't require cutting any of the bumper or trim, but did require drilling a couple of holes.

-Rod

 

[firebat45]

Given that the new Explorer is based on the SHO platform, I'd imagine that the SHO would be able to tow as well.

 

[SHOrod]

The engine and chassis are not the sole factors in a vehicle's tow rating, the remainder of the drivetrain and engine and transmission cooling capacities also play a role.

-Rod

 

[N8rfastback]

well my trip is about 500 miles with a 20' john boat.. its pretty light and the tongue weight is only around 80 lbs or so. I was just wondering if anyone else has used theirs for towing anything yet.

 

[firebat45]

The engine and chassis are not the sole factors in a vehicle's tow rating, the remainder of the drivetrain and engine and transmission cooling capacities also play a role.

-Rod

Oh I realize that, and I doubt that the SHO will get the same towing rating as the Explorer, I just meant that obvously the engine/tranny/platform is capable of towing quite a bit, so a SHO should have at least some capability.

 

[hoofbeat]

Got a class 3 hitch on my SHO since daay one (1/04/10). Use ti to haul Tractor and motorcycle. No problems at all.

 

[N8rfastback]

its been a while but i figured i owed you guys a pic or two of me towing the boat....

 

[SHOrod]

Looks good. So out of curiosity, can you even tell the boat is back there when towing? Any odd handling characteristics or transmission shifts?

-Rod

 

[N8rfastback]

The only thing I notice is that the suspension feels stiffer, the chassis doesnt yaw to the left or right easily with the boat back there, it does not make the back end squat, or seem to have any noticeable effect on the tranny. Engine load is up probably 30% over normal while towing, and it takes way longer to slow down and stop, otherwise you cant even tell its there!

The car has such a wide stance and length that it actually works great for towing.