Ford Explorer Towing Capacity by Year

Find out how much the Ford Explorer can pull with data across 24 years, from 1999 to 2023, and a total of 303 vehicles.

Use the links below to see more details in the Ford model you're interested in by year.

How Good is the Ford Explorer for Towing?

The average tow capacity of all vehicles in our database is 4,880 pounds. The table below shows the Ford Explorer towing capacity range for each Ford Explorer year, and compares it to the average towing capacity of all vehicles in our database.

Year	Towing Capacity	+/-% of Average
2023	5,000 lbs	+2.5%
2022	6,000 lbs	+23.0%
2021	5,600 lbs	+14.8%
2020	5,600 lbs	+14.8%
2019	2,000 - 5,000 lbs	-28.3%
2018	2,000 - 5,000 lbs	-28.3%
2017	2,000 - 5,000 lbs	-28.3%
2016	2,000 - 5,000 lbs	-28.3%
2015	2,000 - 5,000 lbs	-28.3%
2014	2,000 - 5,000 lbs	-28.3%
2013	2,000 - 5,000 lbs	-28.3%
2012	2,000 lbs	-59.0%
2010	3,500 lbs	-28.3%
2009	3,500 lbs	-28.3%
2008	3,500 lbs	-28.3%
2007	3,500 lbs	-28.3%
2006	3,020 - 3,230 lbs	-36.0%
2005	3,240 - 3,400 lbs	-32.0%
2004	5,400 - 7,160 lbs	+28.7%
2003	5,400 - 7,300 lbs	+30.1%
2002	5,400 - 7,300 lbs	+30.1%
2001	5,740 - 6,820 lbs	+28.7%
2000	4,960 - 6,820 lbs	+20.7%
1999	1,799 - 5,600 lbs	-24.2%

How to Check the Tow Capacity of Your Ford Explorer

So you're looking to tow something with your Ford Explorer and wanna make sure it's up to the task? Well, there are a few different things to consider when it comes to figuring out a vehicle's tow capacity.

First things first, you'll want to check out the owner's manual for your ride. It'll probably have a section that tells you the manufacturer's recommended maximum towing weight for the Ford Explorer. It's always a good idea to follow their guidelines, since they've done all the testing and whatnot.

Another place to look is a manufacturer's towing guide. These are usually available on the manufacturer's website or at a dealership, and they'll have more in-depth info on the towing capacity of different Ford models.

Size matters when it comes to towing, so it's worth taking a look at your Explorer's engine size and transmission type. A bigger engine and a heavy-duty transmission will usually be able to handle a heavier load. And don't forget about the weight of the load itself – the combined weight of your Explorer and the stuff you're hauling shouldn't exceed its maximum tow capacity.

It's also a good idea to check out the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your Explorer. This is the maximum weight that it's designed to carry, including the weight of the vehicle itself, any passengers, and any cargo. You can find the GVWR in the owner's manual or on a label on the inside of the driver's side door.

One more thing to consider is the tongue weight – that's the weight that's applied to the hitch when you're towing a trailer. Make sure the tongue weight is within the recommended range for your Explorer to ensure proper weight distribution and stability. You can calculate the tongue weight by weighing the trailer with the load on it at a weigh station or with a special tongue weight scale.

Last but not least, take a look at the hitch rating on your Explorer. This is the maximum weight that the hitch is designed to handle. Make sure the hitch rating is equal to or higher than the combined weight of the trailer and the load.

So there you have it – those are the main things to consider when it comes to determining the tow capacity of your Ford Explorer. Better to be safe than sorry, so if you're in doubt, it's probably a good idea to go with a vehicle that has a higher tow capacity than you think you'll need. That way you'll have a little extra wiggle room in case you end up hauling more weight than you expected.

All of this data is available on this site, so you can always check back to see if we've added more info on the Ford Explorer you're interested in.

Important: we provide the data for education purposes only, and we're not responsible for any towing accidents that may occur. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use common sense when towing.