2023 Ford Explorer towing capacity
The 2023 Ford Explorer tows 3,000 lbs to 5,600 lbs depending on how it's built. The top number needs the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 or 3.3L Ti-VCT V6.
✓ From 2023 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, p. 39 ↗Checked 2026-09-282026202520242023202220212020
- 5,600
- Max towing, lbs
- 3,000
- Lowest rating, lbs
- 15
- Configurations
- 560
- Max tongue, lbs
Your exact truck
Which Explorer is yours?
Engine?
Not sure? The label on your driver's door jamb and your window sticker list these.
So far
3,000 lbs – 5,600 lbs
15 configurations still match. Answer to narrow it down.
Check your trailer →Try it
Will it pull your trailer?
Use the trailer's GVWR (on its VIN sticker) if you don't know what it weighs loaded — the dry weight leaves out water, propane and gear.
Only 10 of 15 configurations
It takes the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 or 3.0L EcoBoost V6 or 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 or 3.3L HEV V6 — pick your configuration below to be sure.
▲ top rating 5,600 lbs
- Tongue weight ≈ 310 lbs — 10% of the loaded trailer, the figure Ford's guide uses (no more than 200 lbs up to 2,000 lbs). It counts against your payload, together with passengers and cargo.
- Needed at this weight: For trailers over 3,000 lbs. – Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T). Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty may be voided if you tow without it.
- ✓ up to 90% of the rating · ! 90–100% (little room for cargo, hills, wind — common advice, not a Ford rule) · ✕ over the rating.
Read this before you buy
Why the numbers differ
Engine choice moves the top rating from 5,000 lbs (3.3L HEV V6) to 5,600 lbs (3.0L EcoBoost V6).
With the tow package the 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 goes from 3,000 lbs to 5,600 lbs — it requires available Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T). p. 39 ↗
Same top rating as the 2022 model (5,600 lbs).
In real life
What 5,600 lbs means in trailers
Ford's own guide sorts trailers into four classes. With the right configuration the Explorer reaches:
- Class I✓ Yes
up to 2,000 lbs
Small folding camping trailers and trailers for small boats, motorcycles and snowmobiles.
- Class II✓ Yes
2,001–3,500 lbs
Large folding camping trailers, single-axle, small- to medium-length (up to 18-ft.) trailers.
- Class III✓ Yes
3,501–5,000 lbs
Dual-axle or large single-axle travel trailers.
- Class IVUp to 5,600
over 5,000 lbs
Largest travel and 5th-wheel trailers made for recreation.
Real trailers
Can the Explorer pull these?
Similar boat package, not this model.Photo: Airman Nicole Sikorski, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
G3 Boats · boat package · 23 ft
Sportsman 1710 (boat + motor + trailer package)
1,865 lbs boat + motor + trailer, before fuel and gear
✓ Any configuration
Similar utility, not this model.Photo: Xaver X. Dreißig, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Carry-On Trailer · utility · 11.54 ft
5' x 8' GW2K Series 5X8GW2K (open utility, wood floor, gate)
2,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
nuCamp · teardrop · 15.5 ft
TAB 320 (Boondock)
2,069 lbs dry weight only — loaded will be more
✓ Any configuration
Similar cargo, not this model.Photo: DiamondBack Covers, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Carry-On Trailer · cargo · 12 ft
5' x 8' CG3K Series 5X8CG (enclosed cargo, single rear door)
2,990 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✓ Any configuration
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Olgierd Rudak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airstream · travel trailer · 20.17 ft
Basecamp 20X
4,300 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
! 10 of 15 configurations
Needs the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 or 3.0L EcoBoost V6 or 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 or 3.3L HEV V6.
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · travel trailer · 20.17 ft
Jay Feather Air 16RB
4,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
! 10 of 15 configurations
Needs the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 or 3.0L EcoBoost V6 or 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 or 3.3L HEV V6.
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Olgierd Rudak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airstream · travel trailer · 20.58 ft
Bambi 20FB
5,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
! 10 of 15 configurations
Needs the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 or 3.0L EcoBoost V6 or 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 or 3.3L HEV V6.
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · travel trailer · 29.42 ft
Jay Flight SLX 260BH
6,500 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ Too heavy
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Design · travel trailer · 26.08 ft
Imagine XLS 22MLE
6,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ Too heavy
7 heavier trailers the Explorer isn't rated for
Similar cargo, not this model.Photo: DiamondBack Covers, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Carry-On Trailer · cargo · 16 ft
6' x 12' CG7K Series 6X12CGR7K (enclosed cargo, tandem axle, ramp door)
7,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ Too heavy
Similar car hauler, not this model.Photo: Strubbl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Big Tex Trailers · car hauler
70CH-18 Tandem Axle Car Hauler (wood deck, 18' bed)
7,000 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ Too heavy
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Olgierd Rudak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airstream · travel trailer · 31.17 ft
Flying Cloud 30FB Bunk
8,800 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ Too heavy
Similar fifth wheel, not this model.Photo: Cullen328, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Design · fifth wheel · 29.83 ft
Reflection 150-Series 260RD
9,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ No 5th-wheel rating
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Design · travel trailer · 35.42 ft
Reflection 317RSTS
10,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ Too heavy
Similar fifth wheel, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · fifth wheel · 28.17 ft
Eagle Fifth Wheel 28RLT
11,400 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ No 5th-wheel rating
Similar travel trailer, not this model.Photo: Anshamblen15, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jayco · travel trailer · 35.5 ft
Eagle Travel Trailer 312BHOK
11,995 lbs GVWR (max loaded)
✕ Too heavy
Weights are what each trailer maker publishes (retrieved 2026-09-27). We compare the trailer's GVWR — the most it may weigh loaded — with each Explorer configuration's rating, and never a dry weight when a GVWR exists.
Compare
Towing capacity by engine
4 configurations
2 configurations
5 configurations
4 configurations
Orange = the range across that engine's configurations. Bars start at zero.
Fine print, made plain
What the rating assumes
Over 3,000 lbs
For trailers over 3,000 lbs. – Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T). Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty may be voided if you tow without it.
Hitch limit
Explorer Hybrid hitch receiver
5,000 lbs trailer · 500 lbs tongue
Hitch limit
Explorer hitch receiver
5,600 lbs trailer · 560 lbs tongue
Included with Class IV Trailer Tow Package – Option Code 52T.
Trailer frontal area
30 sq. ft. without Class IV Trailer Tow Package; 40 sq. ft. with the 3.3L HEV V6 engine and Class IV Trailer Tow Package; 55 sq. ft. with Class IV Trailer Tow Package. A tall, wide trailer can be too big even when it's light enough.
Every rating assumes a 150-lb driver and passenger and no other cargo. Add people, gear or accessories and the trailer you can tow goes down by the same amount.
New to towing?
The five weights, in one picture
- Loaded trailer weight — must stay under the towing rating
- The rating “It assumes a towing vehicle with any mandatory options, no cargo, tongue load of 10% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15% (5th-wheel trailer), and driver and passenger (150 lbs. each).” Weight of additional options, passengers, cargo and hitch must be deducted from this weight. p. 7 ↗
- Tongue weight — the part of the trailer pressing on the hitch
- “For trailers up to 2,000 lbs., tongue load not to exceed 200 lbs. For conventional trailers over 2,000 lbs., tongue load is 10% of loaded trailer weight. For 5th-wheel trailers, king pin weight is 15% of loaded trailer weight.” p. 7 ↗
- Payload — people and cargo the truck can carry
- “Payload is the combined maximum allowable weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is designed to carry. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the Base Curb Weight.” And: “When towing, trailer tongue load or king pin weight is also part of the Cargo Weight.” p. 6 ↗
- GVWR and GCWR — the two ceilings
- “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo).” “Gross Vehicle Weight PLUS Loaded Trailer Weight EQUALS Gross Combination Weight (GCW) GCW must not exceed GCWR.” Your GVWR is on the label on the driver's door jamb. p. 6 ↗
Towing it behind a motorhome?
Can you flat tow a 2023 Ford Explorer? No
Ford says no — not with four wheels down.
From the maker's table
All 15 configurations
| Engine | Axle | Drive | Max trailer | GCWR | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 3.31 | RWD | 5,60045 | 10,800 | p. 39 ↗ |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 3.31 | 4WD | 5,60045 | 10,800 | p. 39 ↗ |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 3.58 | 4WD | 5,60065 | 10,800 | p. 39 ↗ |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 3.58 | RWD | 5,60065 | not listed | p. 39 ↗ |
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 3.58 | 4WD | 5,60027 | 10,600 | p. 39 ↗ |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.58 | RWD | 5,3002 | 10,000 | p. 39 ↗ |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.58 | 4WD | 5,3002 | 10,100 | p. 39 ↗ |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.58 | 4WD | 5,3003 | 10,300 | p. 39 ↗ |
| 3.3L HEV V6 | 3.58 | RWD | 5,0002 | 10,500 | p. 39 ↗ |
| 3.3L HEV V6 | 3.73 | 4WD | 5,0002 | 10,600 | p. 39 ↗ |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.58 | RWD | 3,0001 | 7,700 | p. 39 ↗ |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 3.58 | 4WD | 3,0001 | 7,800 | p. 39 ↗ |
- Explorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; only available as dealer accessory.
- Requires available Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T).
- Class IV Trailer Tow Package standard on Timberline model.
- King Ranch and Platinum models only.
- Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) standard on ST model.
- ST model only.
- Fleet only.
Weights in lbs. “Not listed” means the maker printed no GCWR for that configuration — we don't estimate one.
More Ford towing capacities
Questions people ask
What is the towing capacity of the 2023 Ford Explorer?
From 3,000 lbs to 5,600 lbs, depending on engine, axle ratio, body and drive. The 5,600 lbs top rating is for the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 · 3.31 axle · RWD · Automatic (King Ranch and Platinum models only. Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) standard on ST model).
Does the 2023 Ford Explorer need a tow package?
For trailers over 3,000 lbs. – Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T). Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty may be voided if you tow without it.
How much tongue weight can the 2023 Ford Explorer handle?
Explorer Hybrid hitch receiver: 500 lbs. Explorer hitch receiver: 560 lbs.
Can you flat tow a 2023 Ford Explorer?
No — Ford lists it as not towable with four wheels down.
Citing these numbers?
Can Tow That. "2023 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity." From 2023 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide, v2 (PDF modified 2026-05-14). https://cantowthat.com/ford/explorer/2023
Source: 2023 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide (Ford Motor Company, v2 (PDF modified 2026-05-14); retrieved 2026-09-28). Page links open the PDF at the page each number is printed on.
15 ratings checked against the PDFHow we verify