[bgreene]

Various fishing web sites ref the very expensive vehicles used for boat towing....used trucks selling for $50,000 etc so I'm writing a " Value Tow Vehicle " thread.

Early to mid 2000's era Ford Explorer
The good:
1. Lots of these for sale and decent condition in the $3-$5,000 dollar range.
2. Tows fine up to 5,500 lbs.
3. 9-10 mpg towing.....18-20 mpg highway without towing, same or better than other rigs
4. Lower cost repairs and maintenance since a common vehicle.

The not so good
1. Fair amount of " dash light alerts" for assorted things.....ABS, 4 wheel, whatever that often means nothing wrong except the well know electrical alert bugs.
2. Transmission has lousy reputation;.but 150,000 miles on mine - towing/ not towing and no issues so can't all be bad.

Tows best with overdrive ON.....go figure