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| Would you tow a Tuffy X-170 with a new Ford Explorer crossover 4 cylinder Ecoboost which is rated to tow 2000 pounds? Engine is smaller but has the turbo, brakes should be same size as the V6 that tows 5000 pounds. Downside is that its front wheel drive, AWD is not offered on the Ecoboost. |
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Posts: 32930
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The X170 weighs in under 2000# with a 50 4 stroke. |
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Posts: 1751
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | I would never tow anything that close to the max towing rating of the vehicle repeatedly. You would be ok if it were a few times, but if it becomes a regular occurrence, the vehicle will suffer. Don't forget, like many do, to add the weight of the gear, trailer, fuel, and batteries to the mix. |
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Posts: 32930
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I didn't 'forget' to add any of that. The boat, motor, and trailer will weigh in well under 2000# water ready to fish. |
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| If you're leasing it then sure what the hell who cares if the transmission gets torn up, otherwise get something with a v6. 4cylinder and tow are 2 words that shouldnt be used in the same sentence. Unless maybe you live like a mile away from the boat launch. |
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Posts: 1
| DE - 8/28/2012 8:08 AM
. 4cylinder and tow are 2 words that shouldnt be used in the same sentence.
Unless it's a 4 cylinder diesel. The thing that would worry most about this rig is the front wheel drive. Not the hot setup for pulling up steep ramps, especially if they're a little slick. |
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| What if the Explorer has the transmission cooling system? Could you tow more regularly then?
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Posts: 795
Location: North Central IL USA | No! |
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| Then why do auto manufacturers say you actually can tow something of a certain weight - if you really can't? If the prevailing wisdom is that it should be half of whats listed as capacity then why don't they just say that? Much like the EPA MPG estimates that were brought down to reality a couple years ago.
If its that you can tow 1700 pounds once or twice a year for 15 mile trips maybe its okay to list as a 2000 capacity. But if you tow that weight 30 times per year an average of 2 hours per trip then I think there should be that disclaimer and maybe a different rating.
To me, it does seem if you have a turbo charged 4 cylinder that can tow 2000 pounds, with a transmission cooler, and heavy duty enough brakes to be used also on the 6 cyl that tows 5000 pounds...that its do-able. More a matter of how much/often... |
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Posts: 1751
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | Guest - 8/28/2012 12:29 PM
Then why do auto manufacturers say you actually can tow something of a certain weight - if you really can't? If the prevailing wisdom is that it should be half of whats listed as capacity then why don't they just say that? Much like the EPA MPG estimates that were brought down to reality a couple years ago.
If its that you can tow 1700 pounds once or twice a year for 15 mile trips maybe its okay to list as a 2000 capacity. But if you tow that weight 30 times per year an average of 2 hours per trip then I think there should be that disclaimer and maybe a different rating.
To me, it does seem if you have a turbo charged 4 cylinder that can tow 2000 pounds, with a transmission cooler, and heavy duty enough brakes to be used also on the 6 cyl that tows 5000 pounds...that its do-able. More a matter of how much/often...
Are you 100% sure that the brakes are the same size? Are there more pistons in the calipers for the V6 model? Are any suspension components different? Are there different shock and spring rates? Are the sway bar(s) the same diameter? Do both vehicles have the same trailer sway control? Does the 4 cylinder have front tow hooks incase you get into a jam? Do you tow in the snow? Do you tow on hilly roads or flat ones?
There are many other variables other than size of the brake discs and transmission cooler that come into play with how much a vehicle can tow. Most of us here have the mentality that overkill is better. We have experience with failures and that is why many of us buy bigger trucks than are needed. The harder something has to work, the more likely it is to fail. Components these days are designed with a much lower factor of safety than those of yesteryear due to EPA regulations. More weight means lower MPG. |
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| I have been told the brakes are the same on the various models of the Explorer. I understand overkill is preferred when towing, but realistically the other 330 days of the year, it would be nice to get 25 mpg. |
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Posts: 127
| the truck appears to be rated to tow that boat, so do it. i can tell you that you certainly wouldn't be the only person with a fwd 4cyl pulling a boat. of course it's almost more peace-of-mind to have more than you need for pullling a boat around, but your explorer will do. it's not like you're trying to lug around a ranger 620 or something. |
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| Back in the day I towed a tuffy esox 1700 deep v with a 4 cyl tacoma. I put about 80K going all over the country of actual towing. The truck ended up with closer 150K miles before selling. It was manual and did fine both in stopping and going. Was a great truck, only needed to change oil and do the brakes once. I use the V6 tacoma now. BR
Edited by BenR 8/28/2012 1:47 PM
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Posts: 456
Location: Kansas City BBQ Capitol of the world | I have a Ford Ranger, 4cyl 5 speed and was restricted on what kind of boat I could get based on the towing that If I remember right was around 1600#.
I took the boat weight, trailer weight, batteries, motor, fuel, gear and saw where I was at and I was right there at max. Since I bought the boat brand new I had trailer brakes put on it and that sealed the deal. I wasn't worried about pulling it, stopping and having it push my truck was what worried me. Since I bought it I havn't had a problem. I can pull her @ 70 mph (flat grade) and stopping is not a problem at all. I didn't get the perfect boat that I wanted, but I got a good one for my situation. Not sure if the Tuffy is Fiberglass but I stayed away from fiberglass because of the weight and got a Lowe. |
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Posts: 5874
| Guest - 8/28/2012 12:29 PM
If the prevailing wisdom is that it should be half of whats listed as capacity then why don't they just say that?
What prevailing wisdom is that? I see that statement from one person on a differnt thread, and that is just his opinion. Not based on facts.
If you really want to know, go to your dealer, and ask them if you can really tow up to 2000 lbs. Does this vehicle have a tow package, and a Tow/Haul mode?
As mentioned above, it's not the going, but the stopping, that would worry me on a short wheelbase, lighter tow vehicle. That said, I'd recommend trailer brakes on that combination.
If the tranny has the cooler, then I'd say go for it. As long as you get trailer brakes, that is.
Edited by Shep 8/29/2012 11:38 AM
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Posts: 8834
| You need to look at your GCWR. What they list as "towing capacity" is nothing more than a sales gimmick. Fill the truck up with gas, and you just dropped your towing capacity. Add a passenger and a lakewood, you just dropped your towing capacity.
The only way to know for sure is to use the GCWR of the tow vehicle. Subtract the weight of the vehicle itself, plus cargo, gas, bedliner, cap/etc. Also subtract the weight of yourself, your passengers, and your dog. Whatever is left over? THAT is the weight you can safely tow. |
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Posts: 94
| I come on here just to see what sworrall has to say
Editor's Note:
One, I work here. Sort of, I am Co-Owner of OFM, actually. Really cool job.
Two, I have worked for Tuffy Boats on and off for over 35 years. They are now a client.
Three, I created the X170T and own the first one that was built. I love the boat, it's absolutely perfect for where I fish. I pulled it all over creation with a little Suzuki Grand Vitara, no issues.
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| Me too ... its usually pretty good stuff. Nice to have some informed opinions - - |
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Posts: 42
| What is the payload on that vehicle? That is the number you want to be concerned w
ith. Its located on driver side door . That is tounge weight, and weight inside of vehicle . If you are under that you should be fine. |
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| bottom line yes you can pull a 2000lb boat with a vehicle rated to tow 2000 llb, infact you could pull a 4000lb boat with that same vehicle it just would not be recommened to be done on a regular basis. Hills are where you will feel it most. I have a tahoe with a modded 350 and I can definatly feel my 1500lb boat when Im excelerating up a steep hill on the interstate. I have friends who used to pull their 23ft ski boat with an old bronco but the engine blew and they went with a diesel. The closer you are to that capacity, if your towing any significant distances will decrease the life of your drivetrain. Also breaking will be more difficult the lighter your tow rig. If you live in Kansas or some place like that than I would say sure go for it get a 4 cylinder but if your going to be towing in hilly areas, especailly places where there may be snow on the ground you really should look into a V6. |
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| All good points - thanks everyone. I did a little more research and was surprised to find that the torque on the 4 cylinder Ecoboost engine is actually higher than the standard V6 engine. One salesman said that would make it perform well on hill acceleration, less likely to burn out transmission, etc... another salesperson said he'd recommend the V6 over the Ecoboost for twoing. I think they push whatever they have in stock (they are salesmen afterall).
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Posts: 81
Location: Bloomingdale, IL | The Ecoboost will pull the 170 all day everyday without issue. end of story. |
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Posts: 1462
Location: Davenport, IA | Turbocharged 4's can use a lot of gas when they're working hard. Not towing it will get all that the window sticker says. However, your towing mileage may be better w/ a V6. |
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Posts: 395
Location: NW WI | It will tow it just fine. Might not be the best choice for FREQUENT towing and retrieving the boat at certain ramps, but if you're careful, you should be fine. Keep the tranny fluid fresh and run full syn fluid and make sire it has a trans cooler. If the engine doesn't already have an oil cooler, buy one of those finned deals you wrap around the filter. Anything to get heat out is good.
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