Ford Explorer Towing Capacity Guide

The Ford Explorer is a solid midsize SUV with a strong engine that will do well in your everyday driving needs.

Is Ford Explorer Good For Towing?

The Ford Explorer (2022) is an excellent vehicle for towing, transporting, and driving in all types of road conditions due to its exceptional power and superior handling, both known in the industry.

This capable SUV can easily accommodate all your towing requirements thanks to its maximum tongue-load capacity of 560 pounds and its maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds.

How Much Do Ford Explorers Cost?

The 2022 entry-level Ford Explorer has a manufacturer’s recommended retail price of $33,245, which is typical for a midsize SUV. Prices range up to $53,610 for the King Ranch trim, which is more than the highest trims of several competitors.

For the standard 2021 Ford Explorer, the starting price is$33,470, while the most premium Ford Explorer Platinum begins at $55,725.

Ford Explorer Towing Features

Several features will make towing with the 2022 Ford Explorer even more enjoyable for you:

• Towing and Trailer Sway Control: This feature controls and adjusts engine power and the system brakes selectively to ensure trailer control and keep it stable.
• Side Wind Stabilization: Helps you stay in control in the face of powerful crosswinds.
• Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System: Various weather, road, and trail conditions may be handled with modes such as Normal, Mud/Rut, Sand, or Grass/Gravel/Snow.
• AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control: When there is a wheel slide, understeer, or oversteer, the gyroscopic sensors on the car will aid keep the driver in control. A feature includes Curve Control, which slows down the car during a tight turn.
• With the Class III Trailer Tow Package: You can fully use the towing capabilities of the Ford Explorer. This package is available for the 2.3L and 3.3L EcoBoost engines and is standard on the 3.0L EcoBoost engine.

Ford Explorer Engine Options

2.3L EcoBoost 4-Cylinder

• When properly equipped, the Ford Explorer towing capacity lies at 2,268 kilos with this engine’s 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

3.0L EcoBoost V6:

• These twin-turbocharged V6 engines provide 365 horsepower and 380 pounds-feet of torque with their 10-speed automated transmissions equipped with the Platinum trims. In contrast, the ST trims increase the output to 400 horsepower and 415 pounds-feet of torque. The Explorer’s towing capacity rises to 2,540 kilos when fitted with this V6.

3.3L Hybrid:

• The hybrid engine of the Ford Explorer delivers impressively efficient performance, with a maximum towing capability of up to 2,268 kilos, while still giving excellent fuel-efficient capabilities.

What Can A Ford Explorer Tow?

Thanks to the extensive Ford Explorer towing capacity, your trailer or boat will be no problem for this car.  Towing a 25-foot sailboat, a 22-foot travel trailer, a two-horse trailer, or a 20-foot wakeboard boat is also a breeze.

Ford says the towing capacity is for empty cars and that the hitch should never be loaded over 10% of its maximum capacity. This essentially means that a 5,600-pound camper cannot be adequately towed by an Explorer loaded with hundreds of pounds of camping gear and equipment.

The maximum towing capacity of a few Explorer models is 2,300 pounds. Before purchasing a camper van, check the towing capacity of your specific model’s engine and tow package due to the range of engine and tow package choices in the Explorer series.

How Much Towing Capacity Do Ford Explorers Have?

2019

Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost V6

Max Towing Capacity: 5000 pounds FWD/4WD

Class II Package: 3000 pounds FWD/4WD

Class III Package: 5000 pounds FWD/4WD

 

 2020 

• Engine 1: 2.3L EcoBoost 
• Max Towing Capacity: 5,300 pounds FWD/4WD
• Engine 2: 3.0L Ecoboost V6 
• Max Towing Capacity: 5,600 pounds FWD/4WD

 

2021

• Engine 1: 3.0L Ecoboost V6
• Max Towing Capacity: 5,600 pounds FWD/4WD
• Class III Package: 5,300 pounds FWD/4WD
• Engine 2: 2.3L Ecoboost
• Max Towing Capacity: 5,300 pounds FWD/4WD
• Class III Package: 5,300 pounds FWD/4WD

 

2022 

The Class IV Trailer Tow Package enables these 2022 Ford Explorer combinations to tow:

• Engine 1: 3.0L Ecoboost V6
• Max Towing Capacity: 5,600 pounds (Highest Towing Capacity of all the Explorer models to date)
• Engine 2: 2.3L Ecoboost I4
• Max Towing Capacity: 5,300 pounds FWD & 4WD
• Engine 3: Explorer’s Hybrid Powertrain
• Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds FWD & 4WD

Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A Ford Explorer?

Curt’s Trailer Hitch Receiver is the best option if you need a hitch for a 2021 Explorer. This Class III hitch’s maximum gross trailer weight capacity is 6,000 pounds, and the maximum weight capacity is 600 pounds. It also features a cross tube hidden to maintain the impression of a factory-made product.

Removal of the Explorer Hitch Cover

The trailer hitch is concealed behind a panel on the back bumper of all Ford Explorer models. You can readily access the hitch area by removing the cover.

1. To remove the panel, position your palm under the panel’s center and feel for the recess. All that’s left is for you to do is raise and pull it off.
2. Gently remove the bottom of the panel by placing your fingers behind it and unlatching it from the panel’s side.
3. To replace the panel, insert the four top tabs first, and then gently press it into position.
4. Finally, press the bottom in until you hear it click into place.

Do Ford Explorers Have A Towing Package?

You have the option to add the Class III Trailer Tow Package to the Ford Explorer to enhance the vehicle’s capacity to tow significantly. A trailer-specific kit is available for the Explorer, although the regular Explorer is more than capable of towing one without the add-ons.

The rear of the SUV will be outfitted with a Class III frame-mounted hitch. There will also be the addition of trailer hookups and an engine oil cooler. Cargo management also makes it easy to keep goods when you and your family travel away for an extended period.

What Is Included In Ford Explorer Towing Package?

Ford Explorer does not provide factory-installed towing equipment; it is only available as a dealer option, and you would need to install a Class III trailer hitch receiver yourself. 

If you select the tow trailer package for your Explorer, the following will be included:

• 7-Wire Harness & 4-/7-Pin Connector
• Hitch Receiver
• Engine Oil Cooler
• Cargo Area Management System

Do Ford Explorers Have A Lot Of Problems?

According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Ford Explorer has a projected dependability score of one out of five. Transmission and failures with the 2020 and 2021 model years were the most common issues affecting their dependability ratings. Explorer transmissions in the queue were jerking and lurching, with several stating that the SUVs were utterly unresponsive.

Maintaining regular service intervals of 5,000 to 10,000 miles or as instructed in the owner’s manual is essential for Explorers to prevent needless and expensive maintenance.

FAQs

Can a Chevy Colorado Really Tow 6,000 Pounds?

The Chevy Colorado’s towing capability will vary depending on the vehicle’s design and engine’s horsepower. The towing capacity of the Chevy Colorado in 2021 is up to 7700 pounds if properly equipped.

Which Ford Explorer Model Is Best for Towing?

The 3L EcoBoost V6 engine in the Ford Explorer range has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds. If you choose the 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine, you’ll be able to haul 5,300 pounds with your SUV. With this engine, the vehicle can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds.

Why Is Towing Behind a Ford Explorer Prohibited?

Even though the 2022 Ford Explorer has maximum towing capabilities of 5,600 pounds when properly outfitted, U-Haul has elected not to rent behind this tow vehicle because of the exorbitant expenses associated with defending claims involving Ford Explorer models manufactured in 2010 or before.

Is a Ford Explorer Good for Towing a Boat?

The Ford Explorer can haul roughly 5,100 pounds for a standard pontoon boat and trailer. Pontoon boats typically weigh approximately 2,200 pounds, and a trailer typically weighs around 1,200 pounds, for a total combined weight of 3,400 pounds, well within the towing capabilities of a Ford Explorers.

How Big of a Trailer Can a Ford Explorer Tow?

There is a 5,000-pound weight limit on the 2019 Ford Explorer; however, the newer Ford Explorers can tow 5,600 pounds! These include pop-up, hybrid, teardrop, and other smaller travel trailers that a Ford Explorer can tow.

Are Hitch Covers Necessary?

Protecting your hitch from the outdoor elements can prolong its life and prevent rust or water damage, even if you don’t think it’s worth the extra cost.