Frankly, I would not consider a Ford Explorer as a TV for a TM. I have a 1998 Explorer and have had some towing problems with my little Fleetwood Pop-Up tent camper, which only weighs 1,550 empty and about a ton loaded. There are two issues. First is the short wheelbase of the Explorer. Even slight steering movements translate back to the trailer quite readily and that can result in sway. The second is power. I have the 4.0L V6 and in the mountains I'm often down to 30 mph. I can't imagine what it would be like with another 1,000 pounds back there.
I know the TMs have their axle set back farther from the center of gravity which reduces sway problems and that a V8 in an Explorer would have more power but a mid-size TV is always going to have a shorter wheelbase than a full-size one. As for power, the extra oomph of the V8 might be mitigated by having five people and all of their stuff in there. I travel alone or with my wife.
My recommendation: get a full-size SUV with a big V8.
|