Towing Baja Islander 212
 

I am probably going to get an Islander from someone at sometime. How do I know if I can pull it with my Explorer or not. I will also be getting my wife an Expedition soon.

What do I need to know in order to pull this boat?

eric,

You need to find out what the gross trailer weight of you boat is with all hardware and full of fuel. Then find out the towing capacity of your Explorer. You should be able to find this out in your owners manual. If not, call a Ford dealer for help.

I would take a serious look at the wheel base of the Explorer myself. Probably wouldn't be my first choice. If you are towing for VERY short distances you may be OK. We used to have a Chevy Blazer, I wouldn't have considered it with that. IMO

Keep in mind, you need to be able to stop more importantly then getting the boat moving. Any quick movement of the steering wheel to avoid something on that short wheel base could get ugly.

The Expedition would get my vote before the Explorer.


Good luck.

Buck
#183

Buck,

Thanks for the info. My storage unit is only 2 miles from the lake. So for those trips, I would guess the Explorer would work. I agree though, if we go to a different lake, should use something bigger.

I think about 45+ people viewed this thread and only got one reply. I guess everyone else is really strong and they carry their boats. Cool!!:D :D :D

212 islander you could pull with either fairly well. you shouldn't be very much over 3,000lbs 4,000lbs max so no worries mate:D

The Explorer will work for short trips. Make sure when you get the Expedition, get the 5.4 and not the 4.6 litre motor. I tow my 29' Fountain with a 2000 Expedition EB 4X4 just fine. I estimate to be around 7500-8000lbs with fuel and beer!! I'm probably pushing it a little, but it tows pretty good. Stopping is the hardest part.

Aggreed youll be fine for a little while and on short trips but at least on your next vehicle purchase go BIG!!!!
jrocket

212 islander
 

I HAVE A 212 ISLANDER AND PULL IT WITH A FULL SIZE
GMC SERRIA 4X4 WITH NO PROBLEM.
HOPE YOU GET YOUR ISLANDER SOON!!!!!!!!!!!

I towed my 24 Baja for one full season with an extended cab 4x4 Chevy S10. Going was easy, pretty long wheel base on those trucks. Stopping was the issue. Got pushed thru more than one intersection when the roads were wet. BE CAREFUL towing with the Explorer and you will be fine. Do NOT speed, plan ahead, and watch for yellow lights!!

If your Explorer is a V8 you will have no problems. Even if it is a V6 it will pull it okay but your 0 to 60 won't win any awards.

Roby

just be sure the trailer has brakes on it and you should be fine.

the problem you'll have is not pulling the boat..but getting out of the ramp my friend

I towed my 212 with an F-150, 4.6 liter v8. The boat weights in at 3,500 lbs prior to adding the weight of a trailer and all your gear. Probably around 5,000 lbs by the time you are done. I would not be comfortable towing with a v6 explorer except for very short trips and, as mentioned, if your ramp is an easy one to get in and out of. My .02!

As a side note the 212 was a lot of fun. Great for sking and tubing. Just traded it in last week for a 25 Outlaw. Good luck shopping for one:)

won't be a problem... for years I pulled my cat that weighs 4500# with a jeep cherokee. that only has a 6. only problem I had was stopping till I got around to bleeding the trailer breaksnow we have moved up to a bigger suv

Re: Towing Baja Islander 212
 

if the explorer is a 4x4, then pulling it out shouldn't be a problem either

Re: Towing Baja Islander 212
 

also, my buddy pulls his 212 islander no problems at all with a silverado z71, so the expedition will eat it up

Re: Towing Baja Islander 212
 

I have a 20 ft Chris Craft bowrider (about 3750 lbs loaded) and pull it with a 2 door 4x4 Explorer. The short whelbase of the Explorer is less than ideal but I have towed it all over Fla with no problems. Like everyone said make sure the trialer brakes are working and you will be fine.