What Is the Towing Capacity of a Ford Explorer?

If you need an SUV that can handle more than the daily commute, the Ford Explorer towing capacity is worth a closer look. With room for the family, useful cargo space and available four-wheel drive, the Explorer can also pull a substantial trailer when properly equipped.

The current 2027 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Ford offers the Explorer with a choice of 2.3L or 3.0L EcoBoost engines, and the available powertrains can reach that 5,000-pound maximum when properly equipped. The Class III Trailer Tow Package includes the equipment needed for towing, making the Explorer a versatile option for everything from recreational trailers to smaller boats and utility trailers.

How Much Can a Ford Explorer Tow?

The 2027 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

That’s the maximum rating, though, and it doesn’t mean every Explorer configuration or every trailer should automatically be loaded to 5,000 pounds. Trailer weight, cargo, passengers, vehicle configuration and other factors all matter when determining how much you can safely tow.

That means you don’t necessarily need the most powerful Explorer engine simply to reach the model’s maximum towing rating. Instead, your decision can come down to the other performance, technology and equipment features you want.

What Comes With the Explorer Tow Package?

The Explorer’s Class III Trailer Tow Package comes standard on all 2027 models and is designed to provide the hardware needed for towing.

According to Ford, the package includes:

• Class III hitch receiver

• Seven-wire harness

• Four-pin trailer connector

• Seven-pin trailer connector

Having the appropriate hitch and trailer connections matters because towing isn’t just about engine output. The vehicle needs the right equipment to connect to the trailer and support its electrical systems.

What Can a Ford Explorer Tow?

A 5,000-pound maximum gives the Explorer enough capacity for many common recreational and utility applications.

Depending on the actual loaded weight of the trailer, an Explorer may be suited for things such as:

• Small to midsize travel trailers

• Fishing and recreational boats

• Utility trailers

• Personal watercraft trailers

• Small campers

• Certain equipment trailers

• Outdoor recreation gear

The important word is loaded.

A trailer that weighs 4,000 pounds empty can weigh considerably more once you add water, equipment, luggage, fuel, camping supplies or other cargo. Before towing, check the trailer’s actual loaded weight rather than relying only on its empty or advertised dry weight.

What Else Should You Consider Before Towing?

Towing capacity is only one piece of the equation. Before hooking up a trailer, consider:

Trailer weight: Know the trailer’s loaded weight, not just its dry weight.

Payload: Passengers, luggage and cargo inside the Explorer count toward the vehicle’s available payload.

Tongue weight: The amount of the trailer’s weight placed on the hitch affects how the vehicle handles.

Trailer brakes: Depending on the trailer and its weight, a trailer braking system may be necessary or strongly advisable.

Tire pressure: Proper inflation matters for handling, braking and stability.

Weather and terrain: Hills, wind, rain and other conditions can change the demands placed on the vehicle and trailer.

Which Ford Explorer Is Right for You?

The good news for Hillsboro-area shoppers is that you don’t have to choose between an SUV that’s comfortable for everyday driving and one that’s capable of weekend towing.

The Explorer lineup offers several ways to tailor the SUV to your lifestyle. The Explorer Tremor, for example, adds off-road-focused equipment including all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, increased ride height and available 3.0L EcoBoost power. The Explorer ST takes a more performance-oriented approach with its 3.0L EcoBoost engine and sport-tuned suspension.

If towing is only one part of your routine, think about what you’ll do with the Explorer the other 95% of the time. You may value passenger comfort, cargo space, technology or off-road capability just as much as towing performance.

You can browse our new Ford Explorer inventory to see what’s currently available at Tonkin Hillsboro Ford. If you’re shopping with a specific trailer in mind, our team can also help you compare the vehicle’s published specifications with your towing needs.

Find Your Ford Explorer at Tonkin Hillsboro Ford

With up to 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity, the Ford Explorer offers useful capability without requiring you to move into a full-size SUV or pickup truck. It’s a practical fit for drivers who want three-row versatility during the week and the ability to bring a boat, camper or utility trailer along for the weekend.

If you’re ready to compare Explorer models, take a look at our new Ford specials for current opportunities. You can also learn more about us or contact us if you’d like help finding an Explorer that fits your passenger, cargo and towing requirements.

Ford Explorer Towing FAQs

What is the maximum towing capacity of the Ford Explorer?

The current Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Ford lists the 5,000-pound maximum across the current Explorer lineup.

Which Ford Explorer engine is best for towing?

Both the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 and 3.0L EcoBoost V6 can support the Explorer’s 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. The 3.0L EcoBoost offers additional horsepower on applicable models, but maximum towing capacity alone doesn’t require choosing the V6.

Does every Ford Explorer come with a tow package?

The 2027 Explorer lineup comes standard with a Class III Trailer Tow Package, including a Class III hitch receiver, seven-wire harness and four- and seven-pin trailer connectors.

Can a Ford Explorer tow a camper?

A Ford Explorer can tow many smaller campers and travel trailers, provided the trailer’s loaded weight falls within the vehicle’s towing and payload limits. Always account for passengers, cargo and the trailer’s actual loaded weight rather than relying only on its dry weight.

Is the Ford Explorer good for towing a boat?

The Explorer’s 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity can accommodate many smaller boats and recreational watercraft, depending on the combined loaded weight of the boat and trailer. Before towing, verify the actual weight against your Explorer’s specific towing specifications.