Puptent, my #4 post figured the Elkmont at 57% of the tow capacity of your Explorer. My unit is 59% of the tow capacity of my F150 (5500 lb. trailer with a 9300 lb. tow capacity of the TV). Now mind you, I do have the 5.4L engine, with a 3.73 final drive ratio. My truck does a good job with the Blue Ridge Mountains in this area. Now they ain't the Sierras. But the mountains here still have windy, steep roads going up to the gaps, and of course back down again. I can maintain legal speed limit on the interstate over the mountains, but I take it easy over the twisty, steep stuff, and can still catch up with the big rigs. But instead of passing them, I just sit back there and enjoy the scenery........they are going to want to go faster than me down the other side, anyway.
