Does plywood fit in Ford Explorer?

A full 4x8-foot sheet of plywood typically does not fit flat in a Ford Explorer's cargo area. You’ll need to cut the sheet or use an alternative transport method. The answer depends on the plywood size, thickness, and the Explorer model year.

plywood is commonly sold in 4x8 sheets, and Explorers vary in interior dimensions by year and trim. This article breaks down the practical realities, compares typical plywood sizes to the SUV’s cargo space, and outlines workable transport options.

Plywood dimensions versus Explorer cargo space

Before we dive into the numbers, here is a quick context: standard plywood sheets are 4 feet by 8 feet, with common thicknesses of 1/4", 1/2", or 3/4". The Ford Explorer’s cargo space changes with seat configuration, influencing whether a single full sheet can be accommodated.

• Standard plywood sheet: 4 ft by 8 ft (1,220 mm by 2,440 mm).


• Common thicknesses: 1/4", 1/2", and 3/4" plywood.


• Explorer cargo volume (approximate, varies by year/trim): about 18 cubic feet behind the third row; about 47 cubic feet behind the second row (with the third row folded); up to around 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.


• Interior width and length: the usable floor width is roughly 40–42 inches between wheel wells, and the interior length with the rear seats folded is typically in the 78–84 inch range—not enough for a full 96-inch sheet.

Putting these dimensions together shows why a full 4x8 sheet won’t lie flat in a Ford Explorer in most configurations. Even with seats folded, the available interior length is shorter than 8 feet, and the width between wheel wells is well under 4 feet.

Practical options for transporting plywood

If you need to move plywood in or out of an Explorer, here are common, workable approaches. Each option has its own trade-offs in cost, time, and effort.

• Cut the plywood into smaller pieces: Break a 4x8 sheet into 4x4 or 2x4 sections that fit inside the cargo area or on a roof rack. This is often the simplest solution for a single sheet.


• Transport on the roof with a rack: If you have a roof rack and high enough clearance, you can carry plywood sheets across the roof. Use proper edge protection, ratchet straps, and tie-downs. Be mindful of weight limits (roughly 60–80 pounds per 4x8 sheet, depending on thickness and species) and local height restrictions.


• Use a larger vehicle: A pickup, cargo van, or small box truck will make transporting full sheets much easier and safer.


• Attach a trailer: If you have trailer access, a small utility trailer can handle multiple sheets with proper securing.


• Have plywood delivered: Many suppliers offer delivery to save time and hassle when moving large sheets.

These options provide practical paths depending on your resources, timeline, and the volume of plywood you need to move.

Tips for securing plywood during transport

Whether inside or on the roof, secure the load properly to prevent shifting or damage. Use edge protectors, ratchet straps, and consider accompanying a helper for guidance and safety. If transporting on the roof, drive slowly and follow weight limits for your roof rack and vehicle. Always check local laws on unsecured loads and window visibility.

Summary

In short, a single full 4x8 sheet of plywood will not fit flat in a Ford Explorer’s cargo area under typical configurations. For most trips, you’ll either cut the sheet into smaller sections, transport it on the roof with proper precautions, or choose a larger vehicle or delivery service. With planning, you can move plywood safely and efficiently without compromising your vehicle or safety.

How big is a Ford Explorer trunk with seats down?

With the third-row seats folded down, the Ford Explorer offers approximately 46 to 48 cubic feet of cargo space, while folding both the second and third rows down provides a maximum of about 85.3 to 87.8 cubic feet depending on the model. 
This video shows how to fold down the third-row seats and the second-row seats in a Ford Explorer: 1mCars With SteveYouTube · Feb 26, 2024
Cargo space with seats down

• Third-row seats down: You will have between 46 and 48 cubic feet of space. 
• Second- and third-row seats down: This creates a maximum cargo volume of about 85.3 to 87.8 cubic feet, depending on the trim level (e.g., 85.8 cubic feet for most models and 85.3 cubic feet for the ST and Platinum trims). 

This video shows how to fold down the second-row seats in a Ford Explorer: 33sCars With SteveYouTube · Jan 14, 2021
Key features

• Folding down both the second and third rows creates a flat load floor, making it easier to haul large or bulky items. 
• Depending on the model year and trim, the cargo space and folding mechanisms may vary slightly. For example, some models have power-folding third-row seats. 

Will a 4x8 sheet of plywood fit in a Ford Expedition?

Ford Expedition MAX
Nearly a foot longer than the traditional Expedition, it has roughly 17 more cubic feet of cargo space. In fact, it can even carry 4x8-foot sheets of plywood with the liftgate closed. Aside from the added cargo space, the Expedition MAX makes passenger space more comfortable, too.

What year to stay away from Ford Explorer?

You should generally stay away from 2002–2006 Ford Explorers due to widespread transmission failures and other issues like engine and suspension problems. Other years with significant problems include 2016, with a large recall involving faulty fuel tanks and suspension components, and 2020, which had many recalls and customer complaints.
 
2002–2006 models 

• These models are widely considered the least reliable, with a major reputation for transmission failures that can be very expensive to fix. 
• Owners also reported engine problems (like timing chain and head gasket issues), suspension wear, and electrical malfunctions. 

Other years to approach with caution

• 2016: This year had a recall involving faulty suspension components and a fuel tank. 
• 2020: This model year had a high number of recalls and complaints, including issues with the transmission, power loss, and a potential rollaway defect. 
• 2008: This model year is also listed by some sources as a year to avoid due to low owner satisfaction scores and recalls. 

Can I fit a sheet of plywood in a Ford Explorer?

Fold-Flat Seats
Whether fitted with second-row Captain's Chairs or bench, the Explorer will swallow up a 4×8 sheet of plywood. And thanks to the flat floor, you don't need to worry about more delicate items, such as a sheet of drywall sitting on a pressure point and cracking.