How to know if a Ford Explorer has a tow package?
The quickest way to confirm is to check the window sticker or the vehicle’s build sheet for a Tow Package designation, and verify with the VIN. Look for a factory Class III hitch and a trailer-wiring harness to be sure the option is installed.
Beyond that, towing equipment can vary by year and trim, so this guide walks you through signs you can see on the car and steps to verify via documentation and VIN.
Visual clues you can inspect
Here is a practical checklist of hardware and markings you can typically spot on the vehicle to indicate a Tow Package was installed at the factory.
- Class III hitch with a 2-inch receiver mounted to the vehicle frame
- Trailer wiring harness and a 4- or 7-pin connector near the hitch
- Tow/Haul mode on the instrument cluster or a dedicated trailer brake controller (present on some models as part of the Tow Package)
- Labels or stickers in the cargo area or spare-tire well referencing a Trailer Tow Package or similar wording
- Visible cooling upgrades such as an enhanced radiator or transmission/engine cooler lines (these features are sometimes part of the Tow Package, though not always easy to confirm visually)
These visual cues strongly suggest a Tow Package, but they are not definitive on their own. The most reliable confirmation comes from official documentation or a VIN-based check.
Documentation and VIN verification
To confirm definitively whether a Ford Explorer has a Tow Package, you can verify through official paperwork and a VIN-based build check. This approach covers model-year variations and regional differences.
Here are steps to verify via documentation and VIN data.
- Locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It’s typically on the dashboard near the windshield and on the driver’s door jamb sticker, or on registration documents.
- Check the original window sticker (Monroney). If you have access, look for an entry such as “Trailer Tow Package” or “Tow Package” under installed options.
- Decode the VIN using Ford’s official VIN decoder or request a copy of the vehicle’s build sheet from a Ford dealer. Look for towing-related equipment entries (hitch type, wiring, brake controller, etc.) in the results.
- Use Ford’s online resources or a reputable VIN lookup service to confirm factory options. Some services list the Tow Package as part of the vehicle’s equipment history.
- If in doubt, contact a Ford dealer with the VIN to have them pull the original build data and verify whether the Tow Package was included at factory.
- Verify the towing rating for the specific vehicle (engine, axle ratio, and equipment affect capacity) in the owner’s manual or the build data, to ensure it meets your towing needs.
Documentation and VIN verification provide a definitive answer about the presence of a Tow Package and help prevent towing misassessments or overloading your Explorer.
VIN decoding basics
VIN decoding can reveal optional equipment and the vehicle’s configuration. While Ford’s official decoder is the most reliable source, third-party VIN services can also summarize equipment lists. Be aware that codes vary by model year and market, so cross-check with Ford’s documentation or a dealership if something isn’t clear.
Summary
To determine whether a Ford Explorer has a Tow Package, combine three approaches: inspect for factory tow hardware (hitch, wiring, and possible cooling upgrades), review official paperwork (window sticker and build sheet), and verify the VIN with Ford’s decoder or a dealer. Visual signs are helpful clues, but documentation and VIN data provide the definitive answer. If tow capability is essential for your plans, confirm both the presence of the Tow Package and the vehicle’s towing capacity before towing.
