How do I know if my Ford Explorer has a tow package?
The quickest way to know is to look for a factory tow hitch and wiring harness and then confirm via official sources such as the window sticker or a VIN-based build sheet. This guide explains how to verify whether your Explorer includes the Tow Package, what to look for, and where to find definitive confirmation.
What the Tow Package typically covers
Across recent Explorer generations, the Tow Package (often labeled Trailer Tow Package) adds hardware and software to support towing. This usually includes a hitch, trailer wiring, and sometimes enhancements to cooling, transmission/tower controls, and trailer brake integration. Availability and exact content vary by model year, engine, and trim level.
Ways to tell if your Explorer has the Tow Package
Use the following checks to verify, starting with obvious physical signs and moving toward official documentation and VIN details.
Physical indicators you can inspect
- Rear hitch: Look under the bumper for a factory-installed 2-inch Class III hitch receiver.
- Wiring harness: Check for a trailer wiring harness with a 4-pin and/or 7-pin connector at the hitch area.
- Trailer brake controller (if equipped): Some Tow Packages add an integrated trailer brake controller with a control within the instrument cluster or center console; presence suggests towing hardware support.
- Tow/Haul driving mode (sometimes): A dedicated Tow/Haul drive mode in the selector or display often accompanies a Tow Package, though availability varies by year and trim.
- Noticeable cooling upgrades (less visible): Some configurations include enhanced cooling for towing, but this is not a reliable visual cue and may require documentation to confirm.
These physical signs are useful first indicators. If you spot them, your Explorer likely has the Tow Package, but the most reliable confirmation comes from official records or vehicle documentation.
Documentation and VIN checks
- Window sticker (Monroney): Inspect the sticker that was attached to the window when the vehicle was new. Look for “Trailer Tow Package,” “Tow Package,” or a similar description under equipment or options.
- SPID/door label: Open the driver's door and locate the SPID (bunch of option codes) label on the door jamb or near the glovebox. Codes related to Trailer Tow or Tow Package indicate inclusion.
- VIN-based build sheet or Ford official sources: Use the vehicle’s VIN to fetch the factory build sheet or option list from Ford’s official channels or via a dealer. This is the definitive verification of whether the Tow Package was included at the factory.
- FordPass or dealer confirmation: In FordPass, or by contacting a dealer with the VIN, you can confirm which accessories and packages were installed at factory delivery.
Documentation and VIN checks provide the most reliable confirmation. If the sticker or SPID label lists Trailer Tow or Tow Package, or if the VIN build sheet shows it, you can tow with the intended capacity and equipment.
What to do if your Explorer doesn’t show a Tow Package
If you don’t find any of the indicators above, your Explorer may not have the factory Tow Package. You can still add towing capability with an aftermarket hitch and wiring kit, but that won’t necessarily increase the vehicle’s certified towing rating. For accurate max towing capacity, consult the owner’s manual and verify with Ford or a dealer before towing.
Why this matters: towing capacity and safety
The Tow Package is tied to both hardware and software that affect how much weight you can tow and how trailer dynamics are managed. Punching in the wrong rating or using non-factory equipment can impact safety and warranty coverage. Always use the vehicle’s documented towing capacity and follow Ford’s tow guidelines for your exact year and engine.
Summary
To determine if your Ford Explorer has the Tow Package, look for a factory hitch and appropriate trailer wiring, check the window sticker and SPID label for Tow Package codes, and verify with the VIN via Ford’s official resources or your dealer. Physical signs plus official documentation together provide a reliable answer. If in doubt, consult your dealer for a definitive build sheet and the exact towing limits for your specific vehicle.
How to tell if a 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.
How do I know if I have a factory tow package?
How do I know if I have a tow package? If your vehicle doesn't have a trailer hitch or receiver on the rear bumper, it's a strong indication that it doesn't have a towing package.
Do all Ford Explorers have a hitch?
The Ford Explorer does not always come with a trailer hitch as standard equipment, but it can be equipped with one depending on the trim level and whether it has the factory towing package. CURT also offers aftermarket hitches that will fit your Ford Explorer.
Can the VIN number tell me the towing capacity?
Key weight figures found on the VIN plate include: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Maximum weight of the truck including passengers, cargo, and fuel. Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR): The combined total weight of the truck and the trailer it can tow.
