Does anyone have the new style Ford Explorer. If so how does it do towing your boat. Thinking of getting rid of my F150 and going to a Explorer. Thoughts..... FWD / AWD etc...

No experience with the ford explorer, but just a basic rule of thumb, AWD vehichles get worse mpg's, I wouldnt buy an AWD.

I test drove one about 2 months ago and was not impressed at all. Decided to get a Jeep Grand Cherokee instaead I certainly don't regret it.

Thanks...haven't test drove one as yet. Wanted some advice so I can make a decsion before talking with a dealer that way I don't have them calling me everyday....if you know what I mean.

Are we talking a 2012 explorer or what? I recently purchased a tow vehicle (F-150) and did a ton of research on Ford vehicles. I have all the reference documents as far as tow ratings and all that stuff. I'd be happy to look up the specs for you if that would be helpful.

I was looking at the new 2012's. I think they rated for 5000lbs on towing. Just just wasnt sure how good they are at towing being the new unibody construction.

Yeah im no expert either I can only tell you what the towing guide from Ford itself says..

Confirmed, if we are talking about the 3.5L V6 its max trailer weight is 5000 pounds if the vehicle is 3.16 or 3.39 Final Drive Ratio, but it also says that to pull that much the vehicle needs to have the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and a weight distributing hitch. The AWD and FWD have the same tow ratings.

Sounds like you already knew that so you can probably just ignore this..

By the way the Navigator and Expedition seem to do a little better, they range from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds. just fyi.

Seems that for pure towing power your F-150 might still be the way to go. Good luck man, hope I helped a bit.

Stick with your F150. If it's not doing the job for you power/gas mileage wise look at an f150 ecoboost (especially for the price your gonna pay for an explorer). I LOVE MINE! I heard more than person person say that the new explorer was not built like a full on suv. It was built more like a crossover.

Thanks... yes thats right, the new Explorer is a Crossover and not built with a full frame type of construction. The only reason I was checking it out over the F150 is i can haul more people...like the grandkids....just didnt want to lose my towing. I may look into the new F150 with Ecoboost 4 door, and not give up my towing capacity. Plus i would most likely end up missing the hauling capacity with a truck bed also.

what kind of boat are you towing???

21 foot bass boat, total weight around 4000lbs all loaded I would guess. Also will be towing between my new home in Texas and my current home in Illinois until the wife retires in 2 years.

i'd look into something with a little more engine for a fully loaded bass boat. not saying you couldn't do it but i guess i'm saying it may not be as enjoyable towing for that far. buddy bought his wife a new explorer with the v6, i haven't driven it yet but i asked him if it would be able to still take my boat from storage to the water and he said he wouldn't do it.

Yea, I think after reading some of everyones posts and suggestions, I'll stay with the F150, besides I can purchase a F150 for less money and have a good vehicle for my towing.
Sometimes just need a little help getting back on right track...

Good info. I am in the market of replacing my awd '98 explorer. What year did ford switch the from truck frame to car frame? I've heard different opinions about the towing with the newer explorers. I was thinking of looking at the year models with truck frame still in a AWD. I would like to stick with v-8 for towing. Don't have a use for a truck bed, but still considering that. If I decide to go with a truck is having 4wd necessary? I'm from MN so I automatically think go with 4wd, but wasn't sure if it's used around here very much. I will also look at the expeditions if I don't find what I like. How heavy are fiberglass boats 17-20' when loaded? I have an aluminum 16' and will consider upgrading boat in the future. So I want a vehicle to handle bigger/heavier boat.

I do not know the answer to question #1. I would stay away from the Explorer myself. Unless you are also a hunter than you really do not need a 4x4 around here. Definitely look for some kind of limited slip or locking rear end. A 17' - 20' rig will generally be in the 3000 - 4000 lb range.