Ford Explorer Towing Capacity

Do you love camping under the stars with your spouse? Are you an early morning fisherman? Do you own a small lawn care business? Is the lake your happy place during the summer? Looks like you need a 2021 Ford Explorer. Thanks to its 5,600-pound maximum towing capacity, you'll be able to haul all of your necessary cargo.

Our team at Watermark Ford of Marion near Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL, have developed this informative guide all about the Ford Explorer's towing capacity. Continue reading below to see what you can tow, learn what features can help you haul, and find out which safety features are ready to watch your back.

Ford Explorer Towing and Powertrain

The cat's out of the bag: the 2021 Ford Explorer can haul up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped. However, which engine grants this SUV that amazing figure? With three potential engines at the heart of the Ford Explorer, you'll be able to experience impressive pulling power with any of the options. 

As the chart shows, the Explorer's 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine helps this SUV reach its full towing potential. With that much power, you'll be able to tow these items:

• Small hard-side RV
• Small recreational boat
• Lightweight travel trailer
• Couple of personal watercrafts
• Small fishing boat

Ford Explorer Towing Features

While the 2021 Ford Explorer's engine grants this SUV its pulling power, there are a couple features that can make all of your trailering adventures more smooth sailing. Some of those features include:

• Standard Trailer Sway Control (TSC): To help avoid unwanted swaying while pulling your trailer or other toy, this feature will help neutralize trailer sway while out on the road.
• Available Class III Trailer Tow Package: This package is a necessary part of your Explorer's towing capabilities. This towing package installs these features to help you with towing: class III frame-mounted hitch, trailer connectors, and engine oil cooler.
• Available Hill Descent Control™: You'll be able to stay calm, cool, and collected on steep declines with this impressive feature.
• Available AdvancTrac® with Roll Stability Control™: With these two features combined, you'll be able to keep on your intended path and avoid excessive rolling on hills or other surfaces.

Ford Explorer Safety Suite

Towing is tricky business. However, the 2021 Ford Explorer makes traveling with your trailer easier than ever with the Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety suite. This system not only helps out with daily drives, but it can provide additional protection with your large toy in tow. These features are standard or available with the system:

• Auto High-Beam Headlamps
• Lane-Keeping System
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert