Curious about the ford explorer towing capacity? This guide delivers ten vital tips to harness its towing potential, from engine choices to practical setup advice. Perfect for hauling trailers, boats, or camping gear, these insights ensure Explorer drivers tow safely and confidently on any adventure.

Safety Warning: Towing is risky. Secure trailers properly, check weights, and use safety chains to avoid accidents or vehicle damage.

1. Understand Base Towing Capacity

The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a base towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with its standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. This makes it ideal for light to medium towing tasks, like small trailers or recreational gear, perfect for family trips or weekend projects.

Base towing is versatile. Here’s what it includes.

• 5,000-pound capability. Tows small campers or jet skis, costing $0-$200 to hitch.

• Standard engine. 300 horsepower, available on Active and ST-Line trims, costing $0.

• Tongue weight. Supports 500 pounds, ensuring safe trailer balance, costing $0 to verify.

• Casual use. Hauls 5×10-foot trailers for outings, saving $100-$400 on rentals.

2. Achieve Maximum Towing Capacity

The ford explorer towing capacity peaks at 5,600 pounds with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and Class IV Trailer Tow Package. This enables towing larger trailers or boats, making it a strong choice for midsize SUV owners.

Max capacity is powerful. Here’s how to achieve it.

• 5,600-pound limit. Tows 20-foot campers or boats, saving $200-$1,000 on rentals.

• V6 engine. 400 horsepower, standard on ST, optional on Platinum, costing $5,000-$10,000.

• Class IV package. Includes hitch and cooling, costing $0-$595 to add.

• Rear-wheel drive. Boosts capacity by 600 pounds over AWD, included standard.

3. Explore Towing Package Features

The Explorer’s Class IV Trailer Tow Package includes a hitch receiver, trailer brake controller, and enhanced cooling systems. These features ensure safe and efficient towing for loads up to 5,600 pounds, improving control and vehicle longevity.

Packages boost reliability. Here’s what’s included.

• Class IV hitch. Supports 5,600 pounds, included or $200-$600 to install.

• Trailer brake controller. Syncs trailer brakes via dashboard, costing $0-$500.

• Engine oil cooler. Prevents overheating during heavy towing, saving $500-$2,000.

• Seven-pin connector. Connects trailer lights and brakes, costing $0-$50.

4. Engine Performance Impact

The Explorer’s two engines—2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder and 3.0L EcoBoost V6—drive its towing capabilities. The V6 maximizes towing power, while the four-cylinder offers a balance of efficiency and performance for lighter loads.

Engines shape towing. Here’s their role.

• 2.3L EcoBoost. 300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque, tows 5,000 pounds, standard on most trims.

• 3.0L EcoBoost V6. 400 horsepower, 415 lb-ft torque, tows 5,600 pounds on ST.

• 10-speed automatic. Ensures smooth towing shifts, standard across all models.

• Fuel impact. V6 drops to 15-18 MPG towing, costing $40-$80 per 300-mile trip.

5. Trim Level Towing Differences

The Explorer’s trims—Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum—offer towing capacities from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds. The ST and Platinum with the V6 achieve the maximum, while other trims are reliable for lighter towing tasks.

Trims affect capability. Here’s how they vary.

• Active and ST-Line. Tow 5,000 pounds with 2.3L engine, costing $0-$600 for tow package.

• ST and Platinum. Tow 5,600 pounds with V6 and Class IV, costing $5,000-$10,000.

• Class III standard. Supports 5,000 pounds across all trims, included in base price.

• Verify setup. Check trim and engine via VIN, costing $0, to confirm capacity.

6. Balance Payload and Towing

The Explorer’s payload capacity, up to 1,800 pounds, complements its towing ability. Balancing payload and towing weight is critical to stay within the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for safe operation.

Balance prevents damage. Here’s how to manage it.

• 1,800-pound payload. Carries 45 40-pound bags in cargo area, costing $0.

• Towing reduces payload. A 5,600-pound trailer lowers cargo capacity, requiring checks.

• GCWR limits. Ranges from 9,500-10,500 pounds, avoiding $1,000-$3,000 in damage.

• Weigh loads. Use a scale ($0-$20) at truck stops to ensure compliance.

7. Select Compatible Trailer Types

The ford explorer towing capacity supports a variety of trailers, from lightweight utility models to mid-size campers. Choosing the right trailer ensures safe and efficient towing tailored to your needs.

Choose trailers wisely. Here’s what fits.

• Light trailers. 2,000-3,500-pound jet skis or ATVs, hitching in 15-30 minutes.

• Mid-size campers. 4,000-5,600-pound trailers, costing $2,000-$12,000 to buy.

• Heavy loads. 5,600-pound boats or RVs, needing V6 and Class IV, costing $200-$600.

• Check weights. Verify trailer weight to avoid $500-$2,000 in vehicle damage.

8. Utilize Towing Safety Features

The Explorer includes safety features like Trailer Sway Control and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control to enhance towing confidence. These technologies simplify handling heavy loads, especially for new towers.

Safety improves control. Here’s what’s available.

• Trailer Sway Control. Automatically brakes to stabilize trailers, standard on all trims.

• AdvanceTrac with RSC. Monitors yaw and roll, adjusting brakes, costing $0.

• Rearview camera. Aids hitching with washer, standard, saving $100-$300.

• Tow/Haul mode. Optimizes transmission for towing, standard, costing $0.

9. Plan for Fuel Economy Impact

Towing reduces the Explorer’s fuel efficiency, dropping from 21 MPG city to 15-18 MPG with heavy loads. Planning for reduced MPG helps manage trip costs effectively.

Fuel affects budgeting. Here’s the impact.

• Base efficiency. 21 MPG city without towing, dropping to 15-18 MPG with 5,000 pounds.

• Cost increase. Heavy towing adds $40-$80 per 300-mile trip in fuel costs.

• Plan routes. Avoid steep grades to save 1-2 MPG, costing $0 to map.

• Monitor usage. Use trip computer to optimize fuel, saving $20-$50 per trip.

10. Optimize Real-World Towing Scenarios

The Explorer excels in real-world towing, from family camping trips to small work projects. Owners report success with various loads, showcasing its versatility for practical hauling needs.

Practical towing shines. Here’s how to optimize it.

• Recreational gear. Tow 3,500-pound boats or ATVs, hitching in 15-30 minutes, costing $0-$200.

• Campers. Haul 4,500-5,600-pound trailers, like pop-ups, taking 30-60 minutes.

• Utility trailers. Tow 3,000-pound trailers for tools, saving $100-$500 on rentals.

• Avoid overloading. Exceeding 5,600 pounds risks $1,000-$3,000 in transmission damage.

Conclusion

The ford explorer towing capacity, from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, powers adventures with trailers, boats, or work gear. Plan carefully and tow safely. At STUCK, our towing service in Sugar Land, Texas, provides 24/7 support, ensuring Explorer drivers get reliable help for any towing challenge!