If you own or are considering a Ford Explorer and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Ford Explorer tow a camper?
Yes, a Ford Explorer can pull a camper or trailer up to 5,000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a travel trailer with your Ford Explorer which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With A Ford Explorer
So, can a Ford Explorer pull a camper? Yes: the Ford Explorer towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 5,000 lbs your Ford Explorer can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a camper with your Ford Explorer.
Ford Explorer Tow Package Details
Does The Ford Explorer Come With A Tow Package?
The Ford Explorer has an optional tow package, so one is not automatically included.
You’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally if a tow hitch was not included with your Explorer.
Ford Explorer Trailer Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to pull your camper trailer behind your Ford Explorer.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Ford Explorer?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
Since the Ford Explorer can only tow up to 5,000 pounds, you should not need a brake controller.
Ford Explorer Towing Package Cost
Ford Explorer Trailer Hitch & Wiring Harness Cost
Ford Explorer trailer hitches run between $150-$250.
Take a look at this recommended Ford Explorer Hitch Kit:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator
A Ford Explorer trailer hitch wiring harness runs between $30-$50.
- T-One Tow Harness Connectors require no splicing of vehicle wires, just locate your vehicle's wiring harness connector, unplug the connection and insert the T-One Connector into the vehicle's harness
- Weatherproof, one-piece construction and a 'Factory' appearance - T-One Connectors look like part of the factory harness and simply store in the cargo area or under the rear bumper when not in use
- 16 gauge bonded wire with 4-flat plug and cap; 7.5 amp stop light/turn signal circuit capacity
- Simple, easy to follow, do-it-yourself instructions included in every package; no special tools required for installation
Ford Explorer Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Ford Explorer (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Ford Explorer Brake Controller Cost
Ford Explorer brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A Ford Explorer? Ford Explorer Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Ford Explorer trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Pull A Tow A Camper With My Ford Explorer?
Depending on what travel trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Ford Explorer, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
Best Travel Trailer For Ford Explorer Camper Towing
Your Ford Explorer can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 5,000 pounds which is going to be most lightweight campers.
The Ford Explorer can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 5,000 lbs:
- Jayco Jay Feather X19H
- Forest River No Boundaries 19.5
- Airstream Bambi 19CB
- Armadillo Trailers Backpack
- Starcraft Ravel Star Expandable
- Coachmen Clipper Sport 125ST
- Jayco Jay Sport 8SD
- Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Ford Explorer.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Ford Explorer, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 5,000 lbs so your Ford Explorer can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 5000 pounds.
Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
So, how much can a Ford Explorer tow?
The Explorer towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds.
Ford Explorer Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs
Ford Explorer GVWR: 6160 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Ford Explorer can tow your camper or trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Ford Explorer GVWR or Ford Explorer towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Ford Explorer Tow A Travel Trailer? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can pull a trailer with a Ford Explorer as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 5,000 pounds).
Ford Explorer models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Ford Explorer, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our helpful camper, travel trailer, and RV repair guides:
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- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
- How to replace RV window glazing bead
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