Report: U-Haul still won’t rent trailers to Ford Explorer owners

2011 Ford Explorer

U-Haul is holding a 13 year grudge against the Ford Explorer. Corporate policy makes it impossible for any Explorer owner to rent a trailer. It also applies to soft-top Jeep Wranglers.

The issue dates back to 1998 when a class-action lawsuit was filed against Ford. Early Explorers were produced with defective Firestone tires that resulted in some fatal accidents where the SUVs were rolling over. After some time the suit was settled, but the policy remained in place.

When asked for an explanation, U-Haul director of media and corporate relations Joanne Fried provides this justification : “Every time we go to hire an attorney to defend a lawsuit, as soon as we say ‘Ford Explorer,’ they charge us more money.”

So although the Ford Explorer of today bares little resemblance to its 1998 predecessor, its name still tarnished in the legal system, and at U-Haul.

Click here for more news on the Ford Explorer.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Ford Explorer comes from a 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 engine making 290-hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission or the optional 6-speed SelectShift automatic. Ford will also offer an 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled EcoBoost engine making 237-hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Also mated to a 6-speed automatic, the EcoBoost Explorer is expected to deliver a 30 percent increase in fuel-economy. The 2011 Explorer will hit dealerships with three trim levels including base, XLT and Limited. Prices start at $28,190.

2011 Ford Explorer:

– By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Consumer Reports