[12secondv6]

Spec's of truck:

2001 Ford Explorer XLT
V6
Automatic transmission
Optional 4:10 gears front and back
Stock ride height
Stock sized tires
Spare tire under truck gone


I would like to be able to tow with this truck - nothing crazy, just simple stuff like an ATV or two, small trailer with a ride on lawn mower, small trailer with coal etc (my neighbor heats his house with coal and it would be cheaper for him for me to pick it up). The towing trips will be as short as 10 miles to up to 250 miles (NJ to VT etc). I don't expect to have to tow a car or anything..... but you never know.

If I set this truck up for towing I want to do it right the first time.

Couple questions:
1) I've seen tubular and boxed style trailer hitch set ups - my experience with drag racing led me to believe that boxed is stronger/ less flex - should I get boxed?

2) Is there an easy way for me to see if my truck can easily be wired up for trailer brake lights etc? When I look at trucks that are set up for towing they typically have a visible plug - would I happen to have a hidden one under my truck somewhere?

3) Transmission cooler - should I do one? Back to my drag racing background - I had one in the bird and T/A because of increased heat in the tranny .... I expect that transmission temp's would increase with towing but I am unsure if the stck set up is good enough. If yes, what size?

4) Would it be silly to install a bigger rear sway bar due to handling characteristic's being changed?



I am recovering from back surgery currently so I am unable to crawl under the truck or do any of the install myself. Any help would be much appreciated.

Any other thoughts/ concerns?

I've used other vehcles to tow before so I have a bit of experience with driving (my wife has more experience) - so driving isn't much of a concern.

Thanks