How much can a Ford Explorer tow?
``` Ford Explorer Towing Guide
How Much Can a Ford Explorer Tow?
A properly equipped 2027 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That maximum is available with both the 2.3L EcoBoost and applicable 3.0L EcoBoost configurations, giving Explorer enough capability for many boats, utility trailers and appropriately sized recreational trailers.
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``` Quick Answer: The 2027 Ford Explorer Can Tow Up to 5,000 Pounds
Ford rates properly equipped 2027 Explorer configurations for up to 5,000 pounds of maximum loaded trailer weight.
You do not have to buy Explorer ST or the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 to reach that number. Properly configured Explorers with the standard 2.3L EcoBoost can also reach the 5,000-pound maximum.
Ford's current Explorer towing information also lists a 500-pound maximum tongue load for the factory-installed hitch receiver and a 40-square-foot trailer frontal-area limitation.
The important word is maximum. Your exact Explorer's safe towing capability depends on its configuration, passengers, cargo, accessories, hitch equipment and the loaded trailer.
5,000 LBSMaximum Loaded Trailer Weight
500 LBSMaximum Hitch Tongue Load
40 SQ. FT.Maximum Trailer Frontal Area
CLASS IIIFactory Trailer Hitch Receiver
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``` 2027 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity by Engine
Explorer's two retail EcoBoost engines can both reach the same headline maximum towing rating when properly configured.
| Explorer Engine | Power | Drive Availability | Maximum Towing | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 300 hp | RWD or Intelligent 4WD depending on trim | Up to 5,000 lbs | Best for most Explorer towing needs |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | Up to 400 hp / 415 lb-ft | Varies by trim and configuration | Up to 5,000 lbs | More performance and power in reserve |
More horsepower does not raise Explorer's maximum towing rating. The 3.0L EcoBoost offers substantially more performance, but properly configured 2.3L EcoBoost Explorers can also reach the 5,000-pound maximum loaded trailer rating.
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``` 2.3L EcoBoost
Do You Need the V6 to Tow With an Explorer?
No.
The standard 2.3L EcoBoost produces 300 horsepower and is capable of supporting Explorer's full 5,000-pound maximum trailer rating on properly configured vehicles.
That makes the 2.3L especially attractive to families that tow a boat, utility trailer or recreational trailer occasionally but do not otherwise need the performance of the 3.0L V6.
If your trailer fits comfortably within Explorer's limits, the standard engine can be the smarter purchase.
Research the 2.3L EcoBoost
```
``` What Does the 3.0L EcoBoost Add for Towing?
The available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 does not increase the Explorer's 5,000-pound maximum trailer rating.
What it gives you is additional engine performance.
With up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, the V6 can provide stronger acceleration and more power in reserve during loaded driving.
Consider the 3.0L EcoBoost If:
- You want stronger acceleration even when not towing.
- You regularly drive with passengers and cargo.
- You tow through hills or rolling terrain frequently.
- You want Explorer ST performance.
- You simply prefer having more engine in reserve.
Buy the 3.0L for its performance—not because it unlocks a higher Explorer trailer rating.
```
``` What Towing Equipment Comes With the 2027 Explorer?
Ford's current towing guide lists a standard Trailer Tow Package for Explorer.
Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver
Explorer includes a factory-installed Class III trailer hitch receiver as part of the standard Trailer Tow Package.
The receiver provides the foundation for connecting the appropriate ball mount, hitch ball and other trailer equipment.
The hitch receiver itself does not include every component needed for every trailer.
4-Pin / 7-Pin Trailer Connection
Ford lists a 7-wire harness with 4-pin and 7-pin connectors as included equipment.
This provides electrical connections for compatible trailer lighting and related trailer functions.
Tow/Haul Mode
Explorer includes Tow/Haul Mode to help the transmission manage the additional demands created by trailer weight.
Tow/Haul Mode can help reduce unnecessary gear searching and provide more appropriate transmission behavior while towing.
Trailer Sway Control
Trailer Sway Control is part of Explorer's towing-support equipment.
It is designed to help detect trailer sway and support the driver in maintaining vehicle-and-trailer stability.
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``` The 500-Pound Tongue-Weight Limit Matters
Maximum trailer weight is only half of the towing conversation.
Ford lists a maximum 500-pound tongue load for Explorer's weight-carrying factory hitch receiver.
Tongue weight is the downward load the trailer applies to the hitch. It also becomes part of the load the Explorer itself must carry.
That means a trailer can be below 5,000 pounds overall and still require careful attention if its actual tongue weight approaches the Explorer's limits.
Always check both loaded trailer weight and actual tongue weight.
```
``` Your Family and Cargo Affect the Towing Equation
Towing capacity does not exist separately from what is inside the Explorer.
Passenger weight, cargo, accessories and trailer tongue load all affect how much weight the vehicle is carrying.
This is especially important in Explorer because towing trips often involve the exact same things that add vehicle load: people, coolers, luggage and recreational equipment.
Count Everything in the SUV
- Driver
- Front passenger
- Children or additional adults
- Luggage
- Coolers
- Camping gear
- Aftermarket accessories
- Trailer tongue load
Use the vehicle-specific certification and loading information on the exact Explorer rather than assuming every vehicle has the same available carrying capacity.
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``` Often Overlooked
Trailer Frontal Area Matters Too
A 4,000-pound flatbed trailer and a 4,000-pound travel trailer can create very different demands at highway speed.
Ford lists a maximum trailer frontal area of 40 square feet for the Explorer and trailer combination with the Trailer Tow Package.
Frontal area is the portion of the vehicle and trailer exposed to air resistance as they move down the road.
Tall, wide travel trailers can create substantially more drag than lower-profile trailers of similar weight.
That is why trailer weight alone should never be the only number used to determine whether a trailer is appropriate for an Explorer.
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``` What Can a Ford Explorer Tow?
Explorer's 5,000-pound maximum makes it useful for a wide range of recreational and utility trailers, but every trailer needs to be evaluated by its actual loaded weight.
Utility Trailers
Explorer can be a strong match for many properly loaded utility trailers carrying lawn equipment, building materials, household items or recreational gear.
Count the weight of the trailer itself plus everything loaded onto it.
Small Boats
Many smaller fishing boats, personal-watercraft trailers and appropriately sized recreational boats can fall within Explorer's capability.
Include the boat, trailer, fuel, batteries, equipment and other gear when calculating loaded weight.
Pop-Up Campers
Many pop-up and folding camping trailers can fall comfortably within Explorer's towing range.
Actual loaded weight and tongue load still need to be checked against the exact Explorer.
Small Travel Trailers
Some compact travel trailers may fit within Explorer's ratings, but this is where loaded weight, tongue load and the 40-square-foot frontal-area limitation become especially important.
Do not shop from advertised dry weight alone.
```
``` Do Not Match a Camper to Explorer Using Dry Weight Alone
A camper's advertised dry or unloaded weight is not necessarily what it weighs on the road.
Water, propane, batteries, food, clothing, camping equipment and dealer- or owner-installed accessories can all increase the actual trailer weight.
Better Numbers to Check
- Actual loaded trailer weight
- Trailer GVWR
- Actual tongue weight
- Explorer payload availability
- Explorer GCWR
- Trailer frontal area
Leave room for the trailer to be used the way you actually intend to use it—not only the way it left the factory.
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``` Should You Tow a 5,000-Pound Trailer With Explorer?
A 5,000-pound rating means that properly equipped Explorer configurations can support up to that maximum loaded trailer weight when all vehicle and trailer requirements are met.
It does not mean that every trailer advertised at 5,000 pounds is automatically an ideal Explorer match.
The trailer's tongue load, frontal area, actual loaded weight, passengers and cargo all still have to fit within the appropriate limits.
If your trailer regularly operates very near Explorer's maximum capability and your family also fills the SUV with passengers and gear, it may be worth considering a vehicle with substantially more towing headroom.
``` 
``` 
Need More Towing?
When Should You Move From Explorer to Expedition?
Expedition becomes the obvious Ford SUV alternative when a trailer pushes beyond Explorer's capability.
Properly equipped current Expedition configurations can tow up to approximately 9,600 pounds.
That is a major jump from Explorer's 5,000-pound maximum and gives families access to a much broader range of boats and recreational trailers.
Expedition also provides more passenger room and cargo space, which can matter when the SUV is simultaneously carrying a family and pulling a trailer.
If towing is occasional and under Explorer's limits, stay with the easier-to-drive Explorer. If towing is the reason you are buying the SUV, compare Expedition before deciding.
```
``` What About Trailer Brakes?
Certain trailers use electric brakes, and state requirements can also mandate trailer brakes above specified weights.
Ford's current Explorer towing information warns that an Explorer towing a trailer equipped with electric brakes needs a compatible electronic trailer brake controller.
Explorer does not use the same factory integrated trailer brake controller arrangement found on some larger Ford trucks and SUVs.
Before Towing an Electric-Brake Trailer
- Confirm whether the trailer has electric brakes.
- Check state brake requirements.
- Use a compatible trailer brake controller when required.
- Verify proper trailer wiring.
- Test brake operation before departure.
- Follow Ford and trailer manufacturer instructions.
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``` Does 4WD Change Explorer Towing Capacity?
Ford's current towing guide lists 5,000-pound maximum trailer ratings for properly configured Explorer powertrain and drivetrain combinations.
Rear-Wheel Drive Explorer
Applicable 2.3L EcoBoost rear-wheel-drive Explorer configurations can reach the 5,000-pound maximum.
Rear-wheel drive may make sense for families that primarily tow on pavement and do not otherwise need four-wheel-drive traction.
Intelligent 4WD Explorer
Properly configured Intelligent 4WD Explorer models can also reach the 5,000-pound maximum.
Four-wheel drive may be particularly attractive for Missouri winters, wet boat ramps, gravel access roads and outdoor recreation.
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``` How Much Can Explorer Tremor Tow?
Properly configured 2027 Explorer Tremor models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Tremor adds standard Intelligent 4WD and off-road-focused equipment, making it particularly interesting for families whose trailer destinations include campgrounds, gravel roads and rough recreational access routes.
Tremor's 5,000-pound towing ceiling is the same headline maximum available elsewhere in the Explorer lineup, so choose Tremor for its traction and off-road capability rather than a higher trailer rating.
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``` How Much Can Explorer ST Tow?
Explorer ST can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured.
Its standard 3.0L EcoBoost V6 produces up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, giving ST significantly more performance than the standard 2.3L Explorer.
But Remember:
Explorer ST's extra horsepower does not raise the maximum loaded trailer rating above 5,000 pounds.
Choose ST because you want its performance-oriented engine, suspension and driving character—not because you need a higher tow rating.
```
``` How Much Can Explorer Platinum Tow?
Properly configured 2027 Explorer Platinum models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Platinum is particularly interesting for families who want towing capability without giving up Explorer's more premium seating, technology and comfort features.
The standard 2.3L EcoBoost is already capable of reaching the Explorer maximum on appropriate configurations, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost provides additional performance.
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``` How to Determine Whether Your Trailer Fits an Explorer
Use the actual vehicle and actual trailer rather than relying on a single advertised maximum.
1
Find Loaded Trailer Weight
Include the trailer itself plus cargo, water, fuel, batteries, equipment and everything else carried in or on it.
2
Check Tongue Load
Confirm the actual trailer tongue load stays within the appropriate Explorer and hitch limits.
3
Count Vehicle Load
Account for passengers, luggage, accessories and other cargo the Explorer is carrying.
4
Verify the Exact Explorer
Check the certification labels, equipment, axle configuration and current Ford towing information for the exact vehicle.
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``` Explorer Makes Sense When...
- Your trailer is comfortably within Explorer's ratings.
- You tow occasionally rather than constantly.
- You want a midsize three-row SUV the rest of the week.
- You value easier parking and maneuverability.
- Your family needs up to seven passenger positions.
- You do not need full-size SUV towing capacity.
Consider Expedition When...
- Your trailer exceeds Explorer's limits.
- You regularly tow near Explorer's maximum.
- You carry a large family and substantial cargo while towing.
- You need significantly more tongue-load capacity.
- You want much greater trailer capability in reserve.
- You need full-size passenger and cargo room anyway.
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``` Our Verdict: Explorer Is a Legitimate Tow Vehicle Within Its 5,000-Pound Class
Explorer should not be viewed only as a three-row crossover that happens to have a hitch.
Ford gives it a Class III receiver, trailer wiring, Tow/Haul Mode, Trailer Sway Control and up to 5,000 pounds of properly equipped towing capability.
The standard 2.3L EcoBoost can reach that maximum, so buyers do not have to purchase the highest-performance Explorer simply to tow.
The Limits Still Matter
- 5,000-lb maximum loaded trailer weight
- 500-lb maximum hitch tongue load
- 40-sq.-ft. trailer frontal-area limitation
- Vehicle payload and GCWR
- Passenger and cargo weight
- Proper trailer-brake equipment when required
If your real trailer fits comfortably inside those limits, Explorer can give you towing capability without requiring a full-size SUV.
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``` Ford Explorer Towing FAQs
Quick answers to common Explorer towing questions.
How much can a 2027 Ford Explorer tow?
Properly equipped 2027 Ford Explorer configurations can tow up to 5,000 pounds of maximum loaded trailer weight.
Can a 2.3L Ford Explorer tow 5,000 pounds?
Yes. Properly configured 2027 Explorer models with the 2.3L EcoBoost can reach the 5,000-pound maximum towing rating.
Can the 3.0L Ford Explorer tow more than the 2.3L?
No. The 3.0L EcoBoost provides substantially more horsepower and torque, but Explorer's maximum loaded trailer rating remains 5,000 pounds.
How much can Ford Explorer ST tow?
Properly configured 2027 Ford Explorer ST models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How much can Ford Explorer Tremor tow?
Properly configured 2027 Ford Explorer Tremor models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How much can Ford Explorer Platinum tow?
Properly configured 2027 Ford Explorer Platinum models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Does the Ford Explorer come with a trailer hitch?
Ford's current Explorer towing guide lists a factory-installed Class III trailer hitch receiver as part of the standard Trailer Tow Package.
Does Ford Explorer have a 7-pin trailer connector?
Yes. Ford lists a 7-wire harness with 4-pin and 7-pin connectors as included Explorer towing equipment.
What is the Ford Explorer maximum tongue weight?
Ford lists a maximum 500-pound tongue load for the Explorer's weight-carrying factory hitch receiver. Always verify the exact vehicle and trailer setup.
What is the Explorer trailer frontal-area limit?
Ford lists a 40-square-foot maximum trailer frontal area for an Explorer and trailer combination using the Trailer Tow Package.
Can a Ford Explorer tow a camper?
Explorer can tow appropriately sized campers when the actual loaded trailer weight, tongue load, frontal area and vehicle load all remain within the Explorer's limits. Do not use advertised dry weight alone to make the decision.
Can a Ford Explorer tow a boat?
Many appropriately sized boats can fall within Explorer's 5,000-pound maximum. Include the boat, trailer, fuel, batteries and all equipment when calculating loaded trailer weight.
Does Ford Explorer have Trailer Sway Control?
Yes. Trailer Sway Control is included among the current Explorer's towing-support features.
Does Ford Explorer have Tow/Haul Mode?
Yes. Tow/Haul Mode is included on the current Explorer and helps manage transmission behavior while towing.
Does Ford Explorer have an integrated trailer brake controller?
Explorer does not use the same factory integrated trailer brake controller arrangement offered on some larger Ford vehicles. Ford advises using a compatible aftermarket electronic trailer brake controller when towing a trailer with electric brakes.
Should I buy Explorer or Expedition for towing?
Explorer is a strong choice when your trailer fits comfortably within its 5,000-pound maximum and other vehicle limits. Expedition is the better choice when you need substantially more towing capacity or regularly tow near Explorer's upper limits.
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``` Continue Your Ford SUV Research
Compare Explorer with larger Ford SUVs, competitors, engines and ownership information.
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``` Want to Know if Your Trailer Is a Good Match for Explorer?
Bring us the trailer numbers.
The most useful information includes the trailer's GVWR, actual loaded weight, tongue weight and dimensions—not simply the dry weight in an advertisement.
Chuck Anderson Ford can help you compare those requirements with the specifications and equipment of an actual Explorer.
If the trailer is beyond Explorer's capability, we can also help you compare Expedition or another Ford vehicle with additional towing capacity.
Visit Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, serving Explorer shoppers from Liberty, Kearney, Lawson, Smithville and throughout the Kansas City Northland.
Chuck Anderson Ford
- 1910 W Jesse James Road
- Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
- Sales: 816-648-6419
- Service: 816-648-6424
- Parts: 816-648-6429
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``` 2027 Ford Explorer towing capacity, engines, horsepower, torque, drivetrain availability, hitch equipment, axle ratios, GCWR, payload, trim content and specifications vary by vehicle configuration and are subject to change. Maximum towing capabilities apply only to properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and vary based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content and number of passengers. Ford lists a maximum 5,000-pound loaded trailer weight, 500-pound maximum tongue load for the weight-carrying hitch receiver and a 40-square-foot trailer frontal-area limitation for applicable Explorer configurations. State trailer-brake requirements vary. Always verify the exact vehicle, trailer, hitch, braking equipment and current Ford towing information before towing.