Ford Explorer Towing Capacities (2000-2020)

The Ford Explorer is a popular mid-sized SUV and a lot of people seem to wonder how much they can tow. I looked online and I got some pretty vague answers, so I decided to break down the Explorer's towing capacity in an easy to read and convenient format.

Below you will find towing charts for specific models years, links to the towing manuals, a quick overview of important specs and more. Hope it helps someone out there!

Overview of the Data For the Ford Explorer:

Engine Choices: In the Ford Explorer's lifespan, there were many different engines used throughout 200-2020 that ranged from 4 cylinders, 6 cylinders and even 8 cylinder engines. The 8 cylinder engines had some of the best pulling capabilities (obviously) but the 6 cylinder engines also had respectable numbers and seemed to be one of the most popular engines throughout the years.

Axle Ratio/Configurations: There were three main axle configurations that I noticed that were standard on the Explorers and these were a RWD, 4WD and AWD options. The towing capacity did not seem directly affected by the drivetrain configuration and had little to no effect on the pulling statistics.

Towing Capacity: The towing capacity for the Ford Explorer was pretty similar, no matter what year you were looking at if you compared similar engines. The 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder engines seemed to range from 2,000-5,000 lbs. and the larger 8 cylinder engines ranged from about 3,500-7,100 lbs. or slightly more.

This was the overview of the pulling capacity of the Explorers and each year was a little different and is why I included the towing tables for each year below so you can get a more accurate figure.

2020 Models:

There were 4 different engine configurations for the 2020 Explorers but the overall towing capacity did not vary by much by engine.

The average towing capacity was between 3,000-5,600 lbs. and the GCWR was to be determined, so no figures on that yet but I will get those posted as soon as they are available.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
2.3L EcoBoost I4	RWD/4WD	TBD	3,000-5,300 lbs.
3.0L EcoBoost V6	RWD/4WD	TBD	3,000-5,600 lbs.
3.3L Ti-VCT V6	RWD/4WD	TBD	3,000-5,600 lbs.
3.3L HEV V6	RWD/4WD	TBD	3,000-5,000 lbs.

2017-2019 Models:

From 2017-2019, the Ford Explorer had a towing capacity that ranged from 2,000-5,000 lbs., the higher capacity reserved for the 6 cylinder engines.

There were three different engine configurations for the 2017-2019 models, one 4 cylinder engine and two 6 cylinder engines.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
2.3L EcoBoost I4	FWD/4WD	6,900-8,150 lbs.	2,000-3,000 lbs.
3.5L V6	FWD/4WD	6,900-10,150 lbs.	2,000-5,000 lbs.
3.5L EcoBoost V6	4WD	10,400 lbs.	5,000 lbs.

2017-2019 Charts:

2016 Models:

The 2016 Explorer's had nearly identical specs to the 2017-2019 models but a 2.0L engine was used as the 4 cylinder engine instead of the 2.3L engine.

The maximum towing capacity for the 2016 models ranged from 2,000-5,000 lbs. and the GCWR's ranged from 6,900 lbs. to 10,400 lbs.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
2.0L EcoBoost I4	FWD/4WD	6,900-8,150 lbs.	2,000-3,000 lbs.
3.5L V6	FWD/4WD	6,900-10,150 lbs.	2,000-5,000 lbs.
3.5L EcoBoost V6	4WD	10,400 lbs.	5,000 lbs.

2013-2015 Models:

Ford Explorers that were made from 2013 to 2015 had very similar towing capacity numbers, similar to the 2016 model year.

There were slight variations in the gross combined weight rating numbers, along with a slight difference in the overall towing capacity for the 2.0 liter engine.

The average range was from 2,000 pounds to 5,000 pounds, in general but realistically there were only two figures and that was either a 2,000 pound rating or a 5,000 pound rating and nothing in between those two figures.

Other than that, the 2013-2015 models and the 2016 models were very similar as far as specs go, aside from no four wheel drive model being offered for the 2.0L engine.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
2.0L EcoBoost I4	FWD	6,880 lbs.	2,000 lbs.
3.5L V6	FWD/4WD	6,940-10,160 lbs.	2,000-5,000 lbs.
3.5L EcoBoost V6	4WD	7,400-10,400 lbs.	2,000-5,000 lbs.

2013-2015 Charts:

2012 Models:

The 2012 models only had two engine configurations to choose from, the 2.0L and the 3.5L engines, no EcoBoost engine like the preceding years offered.

The maximum trailer weight (towing) capacity for the 2012 models did still have the 2,000 or 5,000 pound rating though, which is the same as many other years.

The 2.0L engine had only the lesser 2,000 lb. rating and the 3.5L engine had the 2,000 and 5,000 lb. rating, of which the GCWR numbers were higher for the higher rated capacities.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
2.0L EcoBoost I4	FWD	6,820 lbs.	2,000 lbs.
3.5L V6	FWD/4WD	6,880-10,125 lbs.	2,000-5,000 lbs.

2011 Models:

For 2011, the Explorer only had a single engine offered, the familiar 3.5L V6, which had the same 2,000 or 5,000 lb. capacity rating for towing/trailers.

The GCWR was also very similar to the 2012 models, only differing by about 30 lbs.

Pay attention to the chart below that states that there were FWD and AWD models available and the corresponding GCWR was directly tied to the lower and higher ratings.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
3.5L V6	FWD/AWD	6,880-10,096 lbs.	2,000-5,000 lbs.

2010 Models:

2010 was the last year that the 4.0L and 4.6L engines were offered for the Ford Explorers and is one of the main reasons that the maximum towing capacities dropped off to lower figures.

The range for the maximum trailer weight (towing capacity) for the 2010 modes was stated at 3,500-7,115 lbs. for both engine configurations.

The 4.0L engine had a capacity range of 3,500-5,375 lbs., while the 4.6L engine had a range of 3,500-7,115 lbs. Note that the table below shows specs for the Explorer and the Mountaineer and you will need to pay attention to some of the notes below the table.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
4.0L SOHC V6	4x2/4x4/AWD	8,500-10,000 lbs.	3,500-5,375 lbs.
4.6L SOHC V8	4x4/AWD	8,500-12,000 lbs.	3,500-7,115 lbs.

2009 Models:

The 2009 models did have similar numbers to the 2010 models but there was a slight increase in capacity for the 4.6L engine, by roughly 170 lbs.

The maximum towing capacity for the 2009 Explorers ranged from 3,500-7,285 lbs. for the 4.6L engine and 3,500-5,375 lbs. for the 4.0L engine.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
4.0L SOHC V6	4x2/4x4/AWD	8,500-10,000 lbs.	3,500-5,375 lbs.
4.6L SOHC V8	4x2/4x4/AWD	8,500-12,000 lbs.	3,500-7,285 lbs.

2006-2008 Models:

For 2008, the Ford Explorer had an overall maximum trailer capacity of 3,500-7,310 lbs. for models equipped with the 4.6L engine and a range of 3,500-5,395 lbs. for models that used the 4.0L engine.

Model years 2006 and 2007 were nearly identical when compared to the 2008 model so I decided to just leave the towing tables from Ford and skipped the summaries of each year. The GCWR was a little different for the 2006 model year though and is worth taking a look at.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
4.0L SOHC V6	4x2/4x4	7,700-10,000 lbs.	3,110-5,395 lbs.
4.6L SOHC V8	4x2/4x4	7,700-12,000 lbs.	3,020-7,310 lbs.

2008 Chart:

2007 Chart:

2006 Chart:

2003-2005 Models:

For models made between 2003-2005, the specs as far as tow ratings go were very close and only differed by 20-40 lbs.

The towing capacity for Explorer's made from 2003-2005 ranged from 3,260-7,160 lbs. for the 4.6L engines and 3,260-5,780 lbs. for models that used the 4.0L engines.

The GCWR numbers were the same for all three years but there were slight differences in the axle configuration as far as FWD/4x4/AWD goes, so it is worth taking a little more time to look those up in the three tables below.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
4.0L SOHC V6	4x2/4x4/AWD	7,700-10,240 lbs.	3,260-5,780 lbs.
4.6L SOHC V8	4x2/4x4/AWD	7,700-11,600 lbs.	3,260-7,160 lbs.

2005 Chart:

2004 Chart:

2003 Chart:

2002 Models:

For 2002, there was two different towing tables available with very different figures and this was based on whether you had an automatic or manual transmission equipped.

The two engines used were still the 4.0L and 4.6L engines that were used for many other years though.

Models with an automatic transmission had a maximum trailer capacity of 3,500-7,300 lbs. for the 4.6L engine and a range of 3,500-5,940 lbs. for the 4.0L engines.

Models that used a manual transmission had a much lower specified range than the automatic transmission, 2,500-2,700 lbs. being the maximum specified range.

Automatic Transmission:

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
4.0L SOHC V6	4x2/4x4	7,700-10,240 lbs.	3,500-5,940 lbs.
4.6L SOHC V8	4x2/4x4	7,700-11,600 lbs.	3,500-7,300 lbs.

Manual Transmission:

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
4.0L SOHC V6	4x2/4x4	7,000 lbs.	2,500-2,700 lbs.

2001 Models:

For 2001, the Ford Explorer had a 4.0L and 5.0L engine that produced some of the best towing specs out of all of the model years.

The 4.0L engine was able to provide 4,740-5,940 lbs. of pulling force, while the 5.0L engine was able to pump out 5,620-6,820 lbs. of pulling power.

The V8 engine was very capable and gave the Explorer a huge advantage when it came to pulling heavy loads.

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
4.0L SEFI V6	4x2/4x4	9,000-10,000 lbs.	4,740-5,940 lbs.
5.0L SEFI V8	4x2/4x4	10,000-11,000 lbs.	5,620-6,820 lbs.

2000 Models:

For 2000 model Explorers, there was two options again that differed by huge amounts due to having either an automatic or manual transmission equipped.

The range for automatic transmission vehicles was 3,440-6,820 lbs., with the 5.0L engine having the best numbers (5,620-6,820 lbs.).

Explorer's equipped with a manual transmission had a significantly lower towing capacity that ranged from just 2,000-3,200 lbs., nearly a 1,500-3,500 lb. difference!

Automatic Transmission:

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
4.0L OHV V6	4x2/4x4	8,000-9,000 lbs.	3,960-5,160 lbs.
4.0L SOHC V6	4x2/4x4	7,500-10,000 lbs.	3,440-5,940 lbs.
5.0L SEFI V8	4x2/4x4	10,000-11,000 lbs.	5,620-6,820 lbs.

Manual Transmission:

Engine	Axle Configuration	GCWR	Max. Towing Weight.
4.0L OHV V6	4x2/4x4	6,000-7,000 lbs.	2,000-3,200 lbs.

Do I Have Auxiliary Climate Control?

In some of the model years, the tables listed that you will need to deduct 500 lbs. if your Explorer is equipped with an auxiliary climate control which is basically another set of ac/heater controls for the back passengers. Here is a quote from a 2010 Explorer's owners manual (page 104) on what it is:

AUXILIARY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) - Your vehicle may be equipped with an auxiliary climate system. These auxiliary controls, located in the overhead console, allow the front passengers to control airflow direction, temperature and fan level of the rear compartment to quickly heat or cool the entire vehicle.

How Do I Calculate My Explorer's Maximum Weight Capacity Limits?

Ford specifies specific instructions on how to calculate your Explorer's maximum weight rating using the GCWR figure. The only problem is that in many cases, the GCWR is not specified, only the GVWR, so it can be confusing to some people. Below is Ford's instructions on how to calculate your Explorer's GCWR...

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow

1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in the Trailer towing section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.

2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.

3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.

Resources For The Ford Explorer You Might Like:

I always like to include the resource material I use to gather my information and for the Ford Explorer, I used Ford's very handy towing guides. These have multiple cars listed but the Explorer is also in there too.