In this Article we talk about Does the Ford Explorer have towing capabilities? The Ford Explorer has been a popular SUV for many years, and it is used by families, adventurers, and people needing a vehicle for city and off-road driving. A common question for people considering buying or upgrading their Ford Explorer is: “Does the Ford Explorer have towing capabilities?” This article will explain the Ford Explorer’s towing features, share personal stories, and why it’s a practical choice.
Why Towing is Important in an SUV
Before we get into the details, we must understand why towing capacity is crucial for many SUV buyers. If you love going on road trips with a boat, trailer, or camper, you know how important it is to have good towing capabilities. It can make the difference between an easy trip and a frustrating one.
I love weekend camping trips with my family, so having a vehicle with good towing power is important. We had a smaller SUV with limited towing capacity a few years ago. Trying to tow even a small trailer took a lot of work, which made us rethink our choice. That’s when we decided to get the Ford Explorer.
Does the Ford Explorer Have Towing Capabilities?
Yes, the Ford Explorer does have towing capabilities. Towing capacity varies by model and engine, but the modern Ford Explorer can handle many towing needs. Let’s look at what each model can do regarding towing.
Ford Explorer Towing Capacity by Trim and Engine
- Base Model (2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Engine): The base model of the Ford Explorer has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, which can tow up to 5,300 pounds when equipped properly.
I remember test-driving this model for the first time, and I was surprised by how easily it pulled a mid-size trailer. The power felt smooth, and I didn’t have any issues with my old vehicle. - Explorer ST (3.0L EcoBoost V6 Engine): The ST model has a more powerful 3.0L V6 engine and can tow up to 5,600 pounds. This makes it great for people who want more power, whether towing a camper or a couple of jet skis.
One of my friends, who loves watersports, has an Explorer ST and always talks about how easily it pulls his jet skis. “It feels like they’re not even back there,” he once joked as we headed to the lake. - Explorer Hybrid (3.3L V6 Engine): The hybrid version combines a 3.3L V6 engine with electric support and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This is a good choice if you want something more fuel-efficient but still powerful.
I borrowed a Ford Explorer Hybrid and towed a small camper during a family reunion. It had great fuel economy while staying stable and easy to control.
Towing Features that Make the Ford Explorer Stand Out
The Ford Explorer isn’t just about how much it can tow—it’s also about how easy it is to use and the smart features that help you tow safely. Here are some things that make towing with the Ford Explorer easier:
Class III Trailer Tow Package
Many Explorer models come with an optional Class III Trailer Tow Package. This includes a hitch, an extra transmission cooler, and better engine cooling.
These features help keep the engine from overheating and make towing safer. The Class III Trailer Tow Package was helpful when I towed a trailer filled with furniture during a move. The extra cooling kept the engine running well, even on a hot day.
Trailer Sway Control
Another great feature is trailer sway control, which is used in most Ford Explorer models. This system uses sensors to detect if the trailer is swaying too much and then adjusts the engine speed and brakes to keep it stable. The first time I felt sway control kick in, I was so thankful—it gave me peace of mind. Anyone who has had a trailer sway at high speed knows how scary it can be.
Real-Life Experiences with the Ford Explorer’s Towing Capabilities
I’ve used my Ford Explorer to tow everything from utility trailers to a boat for years. One experience that stands out was a cross-country road trip where I towed a camper that weighed just under 5,000 pounds. The Explorer handled the mountains like a pro. Even when we faced strong winds in the Midwest, the stability and power were great.
Another time, a friend used my Explorer to move a small horse trailer—it was amazing how smoothly everything went. The Explorer handled well, and the trailer didn’t feel too heavy. Whether you tow things once in a while or often, having a strong and reliable vehicle like the Ford Explorer makes a big difference.
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FAQs
Does the Ford Explorer require a towing package to tow heavy loads?
Yes, the Class III Trailer Tow Package is recommended for heavier towing, especially near the maximum capacity. This package helps with cooling and includes the hitch components you need.
What is the towing capacity of the Ford Explorer Hybrid?
The Ford Explorer Hybrid can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is impressive for a hybrid SUV. It combines fuel efficiency with the power to tow.
Can a Ford Explorer tow a boat?
Yes! Depending on the boat’s weight, most Ford Explorer models can easily tow a small to medium-sized boat. The Explorer’s 5,600-pound capacity with the V6 engine is perfect for towing boats.
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer’s towing capabilities make it a great all-around SUV, whether moving to a new house, going on an adventure, or just needing a vehicle that can handle towing.
Its towing packages and features like Trailer Sway Control make it a reliable choice for both light and heavy towing. Personally, my Ford Explorer has never let me down, and I have so many great memories of hitting the road with a trailer behind me.
If you want an SUV that is good for family use and can also tow well, the Ford Explorer should be one of your top choices.