Can my 1996 ford explorer pull a 26 ft bellboy boat with out a hidden hitch i have the ball on the bumper t

Question

Can my 1996 ford explorer pull a 26 ft bellboy boat with out a hidden hitch i have the ball on the bumper t

Answer 1

No, the bumper is not made to tow that kind of weight.  You need at least a class 3 hitch for a job like that.

Answer 2

i wouldnt do it the boats to heavy for your ball and bumper

Answer 3

You need a class III hitch.  But, If you don't have a one ton Ford explorer, I don't think you have the weight capacity.  Are you going to try to pull the boat out of the water at a ramp?? If so, I'd get a Surban with the big engine.  P.S. I've had good luck with full size Dodge Vans.  It has to do with weight and wheel base.  I've had 318 and 360's they tow and pull out up to about 8,000.  I had 1 and 1 1/2 ton vans.

Answer 4

The towing capacity on the bumber is 3,000 lbs (maybe 3,500).  I doubt your 26 footer is less than 3500.  Remember, that bumper is designed to 'give' in a collision.

A frame mounted hitch is what, $150 installed?

The explorer is a towing machine, just keep it within the stated capacity.

Answer 5

That would depend on your tongue weight...and the weight of your boat....The bumper likely has a 750 lb tongue weight, it should say so on the bumper or in the manual.... it's likely not proper, although it may do fine.,....I have a 26 foot Searay and it weighs 6500 lbs.... so it definitely would work on a explorer bumper ball....and even if it did, I'd be concerned with the ability of the truck to stop the weight of both the truck and the boat and trailer... you're looking at an estimated 10,000 GVW .... I wouldn't....