Good SUV tow vehicles?

[mf01]

How are the full size Bronco's when towing? I read that they're rated at 7800lbs. Anyone have any experience when towing with them? I don't really have a tow vehicle right now. I usually use my friend's truck or borrow my Dad's. The early 90's Bronco's aren't too expensive (3-4K), so I could keep my car (350Z) and get that as my towing/beater vehicle.

Had a 92 some years ago, no issues with towing, look for a 351 though, the 302's are not quite enough for that vehicle. A stock setup will also tow much better then mine did with the mods, particularly the 36 MT's I had for a while.

Did you have the 351 or 302? I'm wondering how much worse the 351 is on gas than 302. It might not be much if the 302 was struggling.

[east tx skier]

Were the broncos of that era fuel injected? I used to tow with an 84 Grand Wagoneer. It got me there, but fuel economy with the 360 ci engine with the boat was probably around 6 mpg. Curb weight was 6,200 lbs. Good old Motorcraft two barrel really sucked down the gas. 15 gallon tank wasn't a good combo with this in mind. Sure was a fun vehicle though.

My 2001 Expedition tows the boat great. Took my MC to St. Louis from Texas to sell and other than when the trailer tire lost its tread, it was like the boat wasn't even there.

[Quinner]

MF01,

Mine was a 351, buddy had the 302, not sure mine would be a good gauge for economy because of the big tires and the lift, it sucked a lot of fuel. I would imagine the 351 would probably do better towing and maybe a bit less MPG when not.

ETS,

The 92 was FI.

[mf01]

Were the broncos of that era fuel injected? I used to tow with an 84 Grand Wagoneer. It got me there, but fuel economy with the 360 ci engine with the boat was probably around 6 mpg. Curb weight was 6,200 lbs. Good old Motorcraft two barrel really sucked down the gas. 15 gallon tank wasn't a good combo with this in mind. Sure was a fun vehicle though.

My 2001 Expedition tows the boat great. Took my MC to St. Louis from Texas to sell and other than when the trailer tire lost its tread, it was like the boat wasn't even there.

After 88 almost all of the engines where MPFI. The 302 (5.0) was MPFI starting in 86. Most mileage estimates (non-towing) I see for the 302 (5.0) are around 14 and 351 (5.8) are around 12-13. Some people claim they can get around 18 on the highway. Up until 92, Ford still had the inline 6, which seems to be a highly reliable engine.

BTW - I currently have to tow my boat about 1.5 miles, but there are a ton of lakes in the 40-60 mile range that I'd like be able to tow to.