How much weight can a 2013 Ford Explorer carry?
The payload capacity of a 2013 Ford Explorer generally falls around 1,000 to 1,300 pounds, depending on trim and equipment. This figure represents the maximum combined weight of passengers, cargo, and any roof or hitch loads that the vehicle can carry safely without exceeding its weight rating.
Payload figures can vary based on factors such as drivetrain, options, and seating configuration. To determine the exact payload for a specific vehicle, check the driver-side door jamb sticker or the official owner's manual, which list the GVWR and curb weight used to calculate payload.
Understanding payload and weight ratings
Payload is the practical limit on how much weight you can carry inside and on the vehicle, including passengers and cargo. It is derived from the vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) minus the curb weight (the weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and fluids, but without passengers or cargo). For the Explorer, GVWR typically sits in the range of roughly 6,000 to 6,300 pounds, with curb weight varying by trim and options. The exact payload is therefore vehicle-specific and must be calculated for each unit.
Payload range by configuration
In practice, most 2013 Explorers span a similar payload window, but exact numbers depend on how the vehicle is equipped. The following factors can shift the payload up or down within the general range:
Key factors that affect payload
- Trim level and equipment: Higher trims or additional features add weight, reducing payload capacity.
- Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive variants tend to be heavier than two-wheel drive versions.
- Optional equipment: Towing packages, roof racks, and heavy-duty accessories all contribute to curb weight.
- Seating configuration: More passengers or a heavier seating setup increases interior load beyond the base configuration.
Because of these variables, the official payload specific to any given 2013 Explorer is best read from the vehicle’s door jamb sticker or the owner’s manual, rather than relying on a general figure.
How to calculate your exact payload
When you know the GVWR and the curb weight for your specific vehicle, you can compute payload with a simple subtraction. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Locate the GVWR for your vehicle on the door jamb sticker, owner’s manual, or Ford’s official specifications for the 2013 Explorer.
- Determine the curb weight of your SUV in its current configuration (base weight without passengers or cargo).
- Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR: Payload = GVWR − Curb weight.
- Subtract the expected weight of passengers and cargo to ensure you stay under the payload limit.
Keep in mind that roof loads count toward payload, and towing equipment or a hitch can further reduce the interior payload available for passengers and cargo.
Practical considerations and safety tips
Knowing your payload is essential for safe operation, traction, braking, and overall handling. Use the following guidelines to stay within safe limits:
- Distribute weight evenly inside the cabin to avoid unbalanced loading that could affect handling.
- Account for roof-mounted cargo, which adds weight and increases vehicle height and wind resistance.
- Remember that a towing package adds weight and affects payload; plan loads accordingly.
- Never exceed the GVWR or the calculated payload for your specific Explorer, and adjust as you add passengers or cargo throughout a trip.
If you regularly haul heavy loads or plan to tow, consider consulting Ford’s guidelines or a dealer to ensure you’re operating within safe limits for your exact vehicle configuration.
Summary
The 2013 Ford Explorer typically offers a payload window of about 1,000 to 1,300 pounds, with exact numbers dependent on trim, drivetrain, and optional equipment. To determine your precise payload, read the GVWR and curb weight from the door jamb sticker or manual and perform the calculation: payload = GVWR − curb weight, then account for passengers and cargo. Always stay within the listed limits for safe driving and vehicle performance.
How much weight can you carry in a Ford Explorer?
Get ready to witness the 2025 Ford Explorer in all its towing and payload glory. Built for versatility, this SUV is ready to meet a wide range of demands, boasting a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds across all engine configurations and an estimated payload capacity of 1,500 to 1,700 pounds.
Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Ford Explorer?
Yes, you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a modern Ford Explorer by folding down the second and third-row seats. It will fit with the rear hatch open, running from the front passenger area up to the back of the vehicle.
This video shows how to transport a sheet of plywood in a Ford Explorer: 1mFixing With PassionYouTube · Nov 21, 2017
- How to fit it: Fold down both the second and third-row seats to create a long, flat surface.
- Positioning: The sheet will run from the front of the cabin, over the folded seats, to the open rear hatch.
- Securing it: While it may fit with the hatch closed, it's safer to keep the hatch open to avoid scratching the headliner or damaging the sheet, especially if it's a thicker piece.
- Caution: Be careful not to damage the interior, especially the headliner, when loading and transporting the sheet.
- Older models: Some older models may not have the right dimensions or a flat enough cargo area, so always check the specific dimensions of your vehicle.
- Alternative: If your vehicle has a wider cargo area, such as a Ford Expedition MAX, you can even close the liftgate with a 4x8 sheet inside.
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.
How much weight can a 2013 Ford Explorer pull?
The 2013 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. This maximum capacity is generally for models equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine and the towing package. It is crucial to check the vehicle's specific payload capacity on the driver's side doorjamb to ensure the total weight of the trailer, tongue weight, and vehicle occupants and cargo does not exceed the limits.
- Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Engine: Typically requires the 3.5L V6 engine for maximum capacity
- Payload: Always check the vehicle's specific payload capacity on the driver's side doorjamb for accurate limits.
- Other considerations: Be mindful of trailer length (ideally under 20 ft), width (under 7.5 ft), and total trailer weight (under 3,500 lbs) to ensure safe towing.
