Can a Ford Explorer tow 8000 lbs?
The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV known for its versatility, comfort, and capability. If you're considering using a Ford Explorer for towing purposes, you might be wondering whether it can handle a load as heavy as 8,000 lbs. In this article, we’ll explore the towing capacity of the Ford Explorer and what factors influence its performance.
Understanding the Ford Explorer's Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of a Ford Explorer depends on the model year, engine type, and whether it is equipped with the appropriate towing package. As of the latest models, the maximum towing capacity for a properly equipped Ford Explorer is typically up to 5,600 lbs. This means that the Explorer is not designed to tow 8,000 lbs safely or effectively.
Why the Ford Explorer Can't Tow 8,000 lbs
Here are the key reasons why the Ford Explorer cannot tow 8,000 lbs:
- Engine Power: The engines available in the Ford Explorer, such as the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 or the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, are powerful but not designed for towing loads as heavy as 8,000 lbs.
- Chassis and Suspension: The Explorer's chassis and suspension system are optimized for midsize SUV performance and comfort, not for handling the stress of extremely heavy towing.
- Towing Package Limitations: Even with the Class III Trailer Tow Package, the maximum towing capacity is capped at 5,600 lbs, far below the 8,000 lbs mark.
What Are Your Alternatives?
If you need a vehicle capable of towing 8,000 lbs, consider upgrading to a full-size SUV or a pickup truck. Here are some excellent alternatives:
- Ford Expedition: With a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,300 lbs, the Expedition is a great choice for heavy towing.
- Chevrolet Tahoe: This full-size SUV offers a towing capacity of up to 8,400 lbs when properly equipped.
- Ford F-150: A versatile pickup truck with towing capacities ranging from 8,200 lbs to over 14,000 lbs, depending on the configuration.
Conclusion
While the Ford Explorer is a capable and reliable SUV, it is not designed to tow loads as heavy as 8,000 lbs. For such heavy-duty towing needs, you’ll need to look at larger SUVs or trucks that are specifically built for the task. Always consult your vehicle's owner manual and ensure you have the proper equipment before towing to ensure safety and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a 4 cylinder Ford Explorer tow?
5,300 pounds
2022 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity: Engine Options
2.3L EcoBoost® 4-Cylinder:300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, tows up to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped.
How much weight can a 3.6 L V6 pull?
3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6
Specifically, it sends out 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can choose standard 4x2 or available 4x4 drivetrains – either way, the Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity will be a maximum of 6,200 pounds2 with this 3.6-liter V-6 engine.
What is the most reliable truck for towing 8000 pounds?
What size truck do I need to pull 8000 lbs.? With the appropriate towing package and suspension, trucks such as an F-350 or 3500 pickup, an F-250 or 2500 pickup, and certain models of the heavier duty versions of Ford's popular F-150 series can all successfully tow a weight up to 8000 lbs.
What Ford truck can tow 8000 lbs?
F-150 Raptor
When it comes to the HO 3.5L EcoBoost® engine, it's available only for the F-150 Raptor and Limited models. It can either have 8,000 lbs. or 11,100 lbs. of towing capability and 1,200 lbs. or 1,520 lbs. of payload, respectively.
Why is towing behind a Ford Explorer prohibited?
The engine isn't built to run hard for hours on end, the cooling system will let it cook on steep grades, the drivetrain will hate being under high torque for so long. Towing that trailer with that SUV will be somewhere between damaging and dangerous.
How much weight can a 3.5 L V6 pull?
14,000 pounds
The 2021 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine boasts a best-in-class towing capability of 14,000 pounds. With these kinds of numbers, you can easily tow a horse trailer or souped-up boat. View the following F-150 engine towing capacity chart for more details. 14,000 lbs.
How much weight can a V6 Ford Explorer pull?
5,600 pounds
The V6 engine allows you to tow up to 5,600 pounds.
How big of a truck do I need to pull 8000 lbs?
Most properly equipped midsize pickup trucks have a maximum towing capacity of between 5,000 and 8,000 pounds. The largest SUVs and most half-ton pickup trucks have a maximum towing capacity between 8,000 and 10,000 pounds if not a little more.
Is Ford Explorer good for towing?
Impressive Towing Comes Standard
*When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.
Why can't you tow a U-Haul with a Ford Explorer?
If you state that you'll be towing with a Ford Explorer, you may receive the following statement: “U-Haul has chosen not to rent behind this tow vehicle based on our history of excessive costs in defending lawsuits involving Ford Explorer towing combinations. This policy is not related to safety issues.
