2025 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
The 2025 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,000 lb.
9 configurations from the manufacturer's guide, 3 checked against a second source.
Ratings on this page last changed .
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5,000lb trailer
2.3L EcoBoost, 2WD, 3.58 axle
- GCWR
- 10,000
- Axle
- 3.58
- Hitch
- Class III
2025 Explorer towing capacity by engine
| Engine | Tows up to (lb) | Best setup |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026 | 2WD, 3.58 axle |
| 3.0L EcoBoost | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026 | 2WD, 3.31 axle |
| 3.3L HEV V6 | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026 | 4WD, 3.73 axle |
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026 | 4WD, 3.73 axle |
Show all 9 configurations (cab, axle ratio, GCWR, hitch class)
| Engine | Drive | Axle | Tow pkg | Max trailer (lb) | GCWR (lb) | Hitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost | 2WD | 3.58 | — | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026 | 10,000 | Class III |
| 2.3L EcoBoost | 4WD | 3.58 | — | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026✓ 2 sources | 10,100 | Class III |
| 3.0L EcoBoost | 2WD | 3.31 | — | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026 | 10,800 | Class III |
| 3.0L EcoBoost | 4WD | 3.31 | — | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026✓ 2 sources | 10,800 | Class III |
| 3.0L EcoBoost | 4WD | 3.31 | — | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026 | 10,200 | Class III |
| 3.0L EcoBoost | 2WD | 3.58 | — | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026 | 10,800 | Class III |
| 3.0L EcoBoost | 4WD | 3.58 | — | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026✓ 2 sources | 10,800 | Class III |
| 3.3L HEV V6 | 4WD | 3.73 | — | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026 | 10,500 | Class III |
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 4WD | 3.73 | — | 5,0002025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 · 17 Sep 2026 | 10,100 | Class III |
Safety: Manufacturer ratings assume a properly equipped vehicle. Your vehicle's certification label (driver's door jamb) and owner's manual override this site.
Can the 2025 Ford Explorer tow it?
Enter the loaded trailer weight. Tongue weight is assumed at 13% for the payload check; passengers and cargo are not included — use the full calculator for those.
Enter a trailer weight to see whether it is within every published limit for the configuration you pick.
Towing setup for the 2025 Ford Explorer
What to fit, in order · sized to its 5,000 lb rating
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Class III receiver hitchEssential
2025 Ford Explorer is rated to 5,000 lb, which falls in Class III (up to 8,000 lb).
- See options on Amazon →
Ball mountEssential
Ball mount drop/rise to keep the trailer level.
- See options on Amazon →
7-pin wiring harnessEssential
A 7-pin connector carries the brake-controller output and 12V charge line.
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Trailer brake controllerHeavier trailers
Trailers over about 1,500 lb need their own brakes in most US states; thresholds vary by state.
- See options on Amazon →
Weight-distribution hitchHeavier trailers
Recommended when the trailer exceeds the manufacturer's threshold for this configuration or half the vehicle's curb weight.
- See options on Amazon →
Tow mirrorsWide trailers
Required in many states when the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle.
Links open a search filtered to this vehicle. Confirm fit with the seller before buying; the manufacturer's rating and your door-jamb label still set the limit.
Frequently asked
- How much can a 2025 Ford Explorer tow?
- The 2025 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,000 lb when equipped as 2.3L EcoBoost, 2WD, 3.58 axle (2025 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, page 39, retrieved 17 Sep 2026).
- What is the lowest rated 2025 Explorer configuration?
- 5,000 lb for the 3.3L Ti-VCT V6, 4WD, 3.73 axle. Every configuration is listed in the table with its source.
- Do I need a weight-distribution hitch?
- Where the manufacturer does not state a threshold, the usual rule is a weight-distribution hitch when the trailer exceeds half the vehicle's curb weight. Use the widget below or the towing calculator.