Can you tow a Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer can be towed, but the safest and most reliable method depends on the model year and drivetrain. For most modern Explorers with automatic transmissions, flat-towing (all four wheels on the ground) is not recommended. The safer options are tow-dolly towing (front wheels on a dolly) or towing on a trailer. Always check the specific towing instructions in your owner’s manual or Ford’s official towing guide for your exact vehicle.
Understanding the main towing options
Before you decide how to tow, it helps to know the common approaches and their general implications. The following outlines are intended to provide a framework, but exact allowances vary by year, engine, and drivetrain.
- Flat towing (dinghy towing) with all four wheels on the ground. This is usually not advised for most modern Explorers with automatic transmissions. If your manual allows it, it will include strict limits on mileage and speed.
- Tow dolly towing (two wheels on the ground, typically the front wheels). This is a common compromise for 2WD and some AWD versions, but it requires the transmission and driveline to be able to handle being unpowered while the engine is off. Always verify in the manual.
- Full trailer towing (all wheels off the ground). This is generally the safest and most universally compatible option, especially for AWD/4WD models, and it avoids putting drivetrain components under load during towing. It requires a suitable trailer and proper tie-downs.
Choosing among these options depends on your Explorer’s configuration and the towing rules for your model year. The owner’s manual and Ford’s official towing guidance are essential references to avoid damage.
Drivetrain-specific considerations
Two-wheel drive (2WD) Explorers
For 2WD Explorers, front-wheel-drive variants are typically easier to tow with a dolly since the driven wheels can be elevated and the rear wheels remain on the road. However, flat-towing with all four wheels on the ground is generally not recommended for automatic transmissions, and mileage limitations or other restrictions may apply. Always confirm the exact procedure in the manual for your year and trim.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) / Intelligent AWD Explorers
AWD and intelligent AWD models introduce a transfer case and additional drivelines that complicate towed configurations. In many cases, Ford recommends towing these models on a trailer or using a tow dolly with the front wheels on the dolly while the rear wheels stay on the trailer or on the tow vehicle’s road. Some configurations may require disconnecting or immobilizing certain drivelines and consulting the manual for any “neutral” or lubrication requirements. Again, the precise guidance depends on the year and transmission type.
Where to find official guidance
Ford’s towing guide and the owner’s manual
The most reliable source is Ford’s official towing guide and your Explorer’s owner’s manual. Look for sections titled “Towing,” “Flat Towing,” or “Dinghy Towing.” These documents provide year-specific allowances, restrictions, and required procedures (such as transmission neutral positions, parking brake settings, and any discontinuation of certain drivetrains during towing). If you’ve misplaced the manuals, Ford’s customer support and dealer service desks can provide the latest guidance for your exact vehicle.
Safety tips and common pitfalls
- Do not assume that all Explorers are flat-towable. Verify for your exact model year and drivetrain in the manual or official towing guide.
- Follow weight limits and hitching requirements precisely—overloading or improper tie-downs can create dangerous trailer sway or damage the vehicle.
- Use proper equipment: a tow dolly or trailer that is rated for the Explorer’s weight, safety chains, lighting, and brake compatibility with the towing vehicle.
- Ensure fluids and contents are secure, and disable any features that could be harmed by towing (consult the manual for neutral/parking brake instructions and any engine-off lubrication notes).
Summary
In short, you can tow a Ford Explorer, but you should not assume flat-towing is permissible for modern automatics. The recommended approaches are typically towing on a trailer or using a tow dolly, with exact rules varying by year and drivetrain. Always consult the official Ford towing guide or the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle to confirm the allowed method, speeds, distances, and any special preparation steps. If you’re planning frequent towing, consider visiting a Ford dealer or certified service center to discuss the best and safest setup.
What Ford vehicles are towable?
Recommended Tow-Capable Ford Vehicles
- Maverick® The compact truck that delivers boundless versatility, in and out of the city.
- Ranger® A high-strength steel frame and a solid rear axle, engineered to pull your weight....
- F-150®
- Super Duty®
- F-150 Lightning®
- Explorer®
- Expedition®
- Bronco®
Is a 2014 Ford Explorer flat towable?
Yes I checked the online owners manual of your 2014 Ford Explorer and found that on page 283 you can flat tow the vehicle and all of the processes and guidelines are listed there.
What is the 80% rule for towing?
The 80% rule for towing is a safety guideline that recommends the weight of a fully loaded trailer should not exceed 80% of a vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This provides a safety margin for unpredictable conditions and reduces stress on the vehicle's engine, transmission, and brakes, helping to ensure better handling and a longer lifespan for components.
How it works
- Calculate your vehicle's limit: Find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.
- Calculate 80% of the limit: Multiply the maximum towing capacity by 0.800.800.80 to find your safe towing limit. For example, if your vehicle can tow 10,00010 comma 00010,000 pounds, your limit is 8,0008 comma 0008,000 pounds.
- Account for all weight: Ensure the total weight of the fully loaded trailer, including cargo and passengers in both the vehicle and the trailer, stays below this 80% limit.
Why it's important
- Safety margin: It provides a buffer for real-world factors like hills, curves, and sudden stops.
- Vehicle longevity: It reduces strain on key components like the engine, transmission, and brakes, which can extend their lifespan.
- Handling: Maintaining a margin helps ensure your vehicle can be steered and controlled effectively, even under load.
Can a Ford Explorer be towed?
Yes, a Ford Explorer can tow, with towing capacity varying by model year, trim, and engine, but generally ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds for newer models when properly equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package. This makes it suitable for towing campers, boats, and utility trailers. Older models had lower capacities, but modern versions are very capable.
Towing capacity by model year
- 2025: Up to 5,000 pounds across all trims, as the Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard.
- 2024: Up to 5,600 pounds with the proper equipment (like the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine).
- 2023: Up to 5,600 pounds on models with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine.
- 2022: Up to 5,600 pounds on models with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine.
- 2021: Up to 5,300 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
- 2020: Standardized at 5,000 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package, and the hybrid model could tow 3,000 pounds.
What can you tow?
Compact to mid-sized travel campers, Small fishing boats and personal watercraft, ATVs or motorcycles on a trailer, Snowmobiles on a trailer, and Small utility trailers.
Important considerations
- Towing package: A Class III Trailer Tow Package is often required to achieve maximum towing capacity and includes a hitch, wiring harness, and other features like trailer sway control and tow/haul mode.
- Payload: Remember to factor in the weight of passengers, cargo, and other gear to ensure you don't exceed the vehicle's limits.
- Engine choice: While recent models have standardized towing capacity across engines, earlier models' capacities depended on the engine type.
- Safety: Always ensure your trailer is properly connected and loaded to stay within the specified towing limits for a safe and smooth trip.
