Looking to get a older (08-10) 4.6L V8 Explorer or Expedition w/ the 5.4L V8. Both with similar miles and pricetags and each with 4wd. Towing a 20 foot pontoon a very short distance 90% of time with a few trips to coast and other lakes sprinkled throughout the year. Both get similar mpg’s so that’s not the tipping point.
Leaning towards the Explorer for size. I took my old pathfinder in some tight places where I hunt. Would the Explorer handle the pontoon?
Anybody tow with either or both?
you should be fine pulling a 20ft pontoon with an explorer. a 20ft pontoon with trailer is probably only around 3000 pounds. its not heavy, but pontoons act like open parachutes when towing at interstate speeds. i would certainly lay the top all the way down when doing long distance hauls. the Expedition would likely get a little better fuel mileage while towing long distance, due to the fact that it wouldn’t have to work as hard.
My buddy’s wife pulls a 2 horse trailer with her Expedition all over the south east! It’s got over 200,ooo miles on it. seems to do a god job. and lots of room.
You’ll be happier with the 5.4 than the 4.6
Personal experience talking here, the 5.4 in the Expedition will get just as good mpg as the 4.6 and do a heck of a lot better job pulling than the explorer with the 4.6
One thing the 4.6 doesn’t do well is tow.
I’ve owned both.
218WA Sailfish
200 Verado
The "Penn"sion Plan
Just check the explorers towing capacity or you could have insurance issues. If something happens towing a 3000# trailer and your explorer is rated for 2500# you will hate your insurance company. I have had several explorers and they tow stuff pretty easily and towing lighter loads actually make them ride better and you they have good space inside too, plus its a FORD.