Does my Ford Explorer have a tow package?
Determining whether your Ford Explorer is equipped with a tow package is essential if you plan to tow trailers, boats, or other heavy loads. A tow package enhances your vehicle's towing capabilities by including specific features designed for safe and efficient towing. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to identify if your Ford Explorer has a tow package and what it typically includes.
What Is a Tow Package?
A tow package is a set of factory-installed or aftermarket features that prepare a vehicle for towing. These features often include a hitch receiver, wiring harness, upgraded cooling systems, and sometimes enhanced suspension or braking systems. For Ford Explorers, the tow package may vary depending on the model year and trim level.
How to Check If Your Ford Explorer Has a Tow Package
Here are some steps you can take to determine if your Ford Explorer is equipped with a tow package:
- Inspect the Rear of Your Vehicle: Look for a hitch receiver under the rear bumper. If your Explorer has a tow package, it will likely have a factory-installed hitch receiver.
- Check for a Wiring Harness: A tow package typically includes a wiring harness for trailer lights. Look for a connector near the hitch receiver.
- Review Your Vehicle’s Window Sticker: If you still have the original window sticker or purchase documentation, it may list the tow package as an included feature.
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: The owner’s manual often provides details about towing capabilities and whether your vehicle is equipped with a tow package.
- Look for Enhanced Cooling Systems: Vehicles with tow packages often include upgraded engine or transmission cooling systems. Check under the hood for additional radiators or cooling components.
- Contact Your Dealer: If you’re unsure, your Ford dealer can look up your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to confirm whether it has a tow package.
What Does a Ford Explorer Tow Package Include?
The specific components of a tow package can vary by model year and trim level, but here are some common features included in a Ford Explorer tow package:
- Class III or Class IV hitch receiver
- 4-pin or 7-pin wiring harness for trailer lights
- Upgraded engine and transmission cooling systems
- Heavy-duty suspension components
- Trailer sway control system
Why Is a Tow Package Important?
A tow package is crucial for safe and efficient towing. Without it, your vehicle may not be able to handle the additional weight, leading to potential damage to the engine, transmission, or suspension. Additionally, the wiring harness ensures that your trailer’s lights function properly, which is a legal requirement in most areas.
Final Thoughts
Knowing whether your Ford Explorer has a tow package is vital if you plan to tow. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily determine if your vehicle is equipped for towing. If you discover that your Explorer doesn’t have a tow package, you can explore aftermarket options to upgrade your vehicle’s towing capabilities. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your towing and vehicle maintenance needs. Feel free to contact us for expert advice and installation services!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my vehicle has a tow package?
It will show on the original window sticker if it came from factory with a tow package or if it was added after (it won't show up on sticker if that's the case).
Will my VIN number tell me if I have a tow package?
There's nothing in the 'VIN code' that reveals presence of the Max Tow Package 53C - one must access the complete underlying VIN-specific vehicle equipment database to determine that. The axle ratio does not provide the answer because the 53C package uses ratios common to vehicles without the package (3:55 / 3:73).
How do I put my Ford Explorer in tow mode?
To activate tow/haul, press the button near the gearshift lever once. The TOW HAUL indicator light illuminates in the instrument cluster. The tow/haul feature: Delays upshifts to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting.
How much does it cost to add a tow hitch to a Ford Explorer?
The price range of a hitch for a Ford Explorer ranges from $160 to $170 U-Haul carries several different classes of hitches and offers different sizes to accommodate both 1¼ to 2-inch receivers. U-Haul offers both installation services at local U-Haul service centers and will ship your hitch to your home.
Can a dealership add a tow package?
To install a factory tow package, it's recommended that you take your SUV or pickup truck to a manufacturer-authorized dealership. Such an installation is usually more expensive than an aftermarket tow package installation because it involves the purchase of OEM components.
How do I know if I have a tow hitch?
And what the receiver is is this guy right here. So it's where the hitch slides into. So this is actually the hitch. The thing that comes equipped on the truck is called a receiver.
Do all Ford Explorers have tow hitches?
The Explorer doesn't come with factory-installed towing equipment when you buy it. However, you can add this with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package when taking advantage of Brewster Ford's Ford Explorer vehicle specials. This comes at an additional cost but allows you to tow boats, trailers, and campers easily.
How do I know if my Ford Explorer has a tow package?
You can find a vehicle's tow package on the Window Sticker. Note: Ford replacement Window Stickers (i.e., Monroney labels) for 2007 to current model years may be purchased from the Ford Show Parts website or by calling 1-800-367-3788.
Which Ford Explorer has a tow package?
Explorer ST: Tows up to 5,600 pounds with proper equipment. Explorer Limited: Tows up to 5,300 pounds with proper equipment. Explorer Platinum: Tows up to 5,600 pounds with proper equipment.
How much does it cost to add a tow package to a Ford Explorer?
The price range of a hitch for a Ford Explorer ranges from $160 to $170 U-Haul carries several different classes of hitches and offers different sizes to accommodate both 1¼ to 2-inch receivers. U-Haul offers both installation services at local U-Haul service centers and will ship your hitch to your home.
