Ford Explorer Towing Capacity & Tow Calculator

Responsive Low-RPM Twin-Scroll Boost

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is the standard powerplant across modern Explorer Active and ST-Line trims. With a twin-scroll turbocharger delivering 310 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 RPM, it provides immediate throttle response off the line. Paired with Ford 10-speed automatic, it holds highway cruising speeds smoothly with single-axle campers and lightweight pop-ups while delivering up to 28 MPG highway when unladen.

Effortless Mountain Passing & Highway Authority

Standard in the Explorer ST and available on Platinum models, this twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Dual intercooled turbochargers build sustained boost across high-altitude mountain grades where non-turbo engines lose significant power. It easily pulls trailers up to the certified 5,000-pound ceiling with minimal engine strain or downshifting.

Instant Off-the-Line Electric Torque Assist

Offered on 2020 to 2023 Limited and Platinum trims, this hybrid pairs a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 with a liquid-cooled 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The electric motor supplies instant low-end torque from a complete standstill, making trailer launches effortless. However, battery hardware adds approximately 400 pounds of curb weight, reducing driver door placard payload capacity to 1,191 pounds.

Proven Naturally Aspirated Simplicity

The foundational engine of the 5th-generation front-wheel-drive based Explorer platform. While robust and simple to maintain, its naturally aspirated torque peak occurs higher at 4,000 RPM. When pulling 4,000-pound travel trailers on steep highway inclines, the 6-speed transmission frequently downshifts into 3rd or 4th gear to maintain 60 MPH momentum.

High-Output Turbo Pull on Transverse Platform

Exclusive to the 5th-generation Explorer Sport and Platinum models, this twin-turbo 3.5L engine provided robust low-end torque (350 lb-ft at 3,500 RPM) with standard Intelligent 4WD. It pulls trailers up to 5,000 pounds with brisk acceleration, though front-drive transverse packaging requires meticulous monitoring of transmission temperatures during heavy summer towing.

5,000 lbs Maximum Tow Rating

Calculated under SAE J2807 standard with a single 150-pound driver, zero passenger weight, and zero truck bed cargo.

1,450 lbs Total Payload Capacity

Tongue weight, hitch hardware, passengers, firewood, coolers, and aftermarket accessories ALL subtract directly from this single limit.

Standard Class III Trailer Tow Package (2025-2026)

Includes a factory frame-integrated Class III hitch receiver, 4-pin and 7-pin electrical harnesses, engine oil cooler, and upgraded cooling fan capacity across all Explorer trims.

AdvanceTrac with Trailer Sway Control

Monitors vehicle yaw rate and steering sensor data to detect trailer oscillation. The system automatically modulates individual wheel braking and reduces engine torque to suppress trailer sway before it becomes hazardous.

Selectable Tow/Haul Drive Mode

Re-maps 10-speed transmission shift points to hold lower gears on uphill climbs, reduces frequent gear cycling, and automatically initiates engine grade braking when descending steep mountain passes.

360-Degree Camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist

Utilizes the high-resolution center touchscreen display with split-view camera angles and dynamic trajectory guidelines to steer the 2-inch hitch ball directly beneath the trailer coupler without requiring a spotter.

BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert

Monitors blind spots alongside the SUV and alerts the driver when vehicles approach blind spots, providing enhanced confidence when merging or reversing in crowded campgrounds.

Lower the trailer coupler onto the 2-inch hitch ball until fully seated. Engage the locking latch and insert a hardened steel safety cotter pin through the latch hole. Jack the tongue up two inches to verify the ball cannot pop free.

Cross safety chains beneath the trailer tongue in an 'X' pattern before clipping hooks to the Explorer hitch receiver loops. This cradles the trailer tongue and prevents it from digging into pavement if uncoupled.

Clip the trailer emergency breakaway lanyard directly to the steel receiver hitch frame with sufficient slack for full turning angles. Never attach the breakaway lanyard to the safety chains or hitch ball.

Insert the 7-pin electrical plug firmly into the vehicle receptacle until the spring-loaded door locks over the plug tab. Confirm running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard flashers operate.

Perform a 15 to 20 MPH rolling brake test in a safe area. Squeeze the auxiliary brake controller manual pinch levers to confirm the trailer electric brakes slow the combined rig smoothly without wheel lockup.

Audit cold inflation pressures on all four Explorer tires according to the driver door placard, and inflate all trailer Special Trailer (ST) tires to their maximum sidewall cold PSI rating (typically 50 or 65 PSI).

Weigh the loaded SUV and trailer combination at a certified public CAT scale at a truck stop. Confirm steer axle, drive axle, and trailer axle weights remain within certified GAWR, GVWR, and GCWR limits.

16 - 20 MPG

13 - 16 MPG

9 - 12 MPG