2018 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity & Payload Guide

The 2018 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with either the 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 or the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and the factory Class III Trailer Tow Package. As a midsize family SUV built on a unibody platform, the Explorer is highly capable of pulling small boats, pop-up campers, and utility trailers, provided you adhere to the SAE J2807 towing standards used by Ford to determine these ratings. Because exact figures can vary heavily based on options and equipment, always verify your specific limits on the driver’s door jamb sticker.

Quick answer

• Max Tow Capacity: 2,000 lbs to 5,000 lbs (depending on engine and tow package)
• Max Payload: Up to 1,515 lbs (varies by trim, 4WD/FWD, and options)
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 6,120 lbs to 6,160 lbs
• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): 6,950 lbs to 10,250 lbs
• Curb Weight: 4,453 lbs to 4,901 lbs
• Hitch Class: Class III (when equipped with the Trailer Tow Package)
• Max Tongue Weight: 500 lbs (10% of max trailer weight)

Tow ratings by engine & trim

The 2018 Ford Explorer was offered with three distinct engines, and your towing capacity relies heavily on which one is under the hood, as well as whether you have the factory tow package installed.

Note: Ratings reflect SAE J2807 standards. Always check your door jamb sticker to confirm your exact payload capacity, as heavier trims like the Platinum have lower payload capacities due to extra standard equipment.

Tow package contents

To reach the 5,000-pound maximum, the 2018 Explorer must be equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard on Sport and Platinum trims, optional on others with the 3.5L V6). The 2.3L EcoBoost is limited to the Class II Trailer Tow Package.

The Class III Trailer Tow Package includes:

• Class III frame-mounted hitch receiver
• Engine oil cooler (to manage higher temperatures under load)
• 4-pin and 7-pin trailer wiring harness
• Trailer Sway Control (integrated into the AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control system)

Note on Brake Controllers: The 2018 Ford Explorer does not come with a factory integrated trailer brake controller. If you are towing a trailer with electric brakes (highly recommended for trailers over 1,500 lbs and legally required in many states over 3,000 lbs), you will need to install an aftermarket brake controller.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

Because the 2018 Ford Explorer is a unibody midsize SUV, it does not support 5th-wheel or gooseneck towing. These hitches require a traditional truck bed and a ladder-frame chassis (found on Heavy Duty trucks) to accommodate the hardware and extreme payload requirements. The Explorer is strictly limited to conventional bumper-pull towing.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

Ford’s official towing guide for the 2018 Explorer states that a Weight-Distributing Hitch (WDH) is not strictly required to reach the 5,000-pound max capacity, as the unibody structure and Class III hitch are rated for up to 500 pounds of weight-carrying tongue weight. However, utilizing a WDH is highly recommended if you are towing a heavy, boxy load like a travel trailer. A WDH helps transfer tongue weight back to the front axle of the Explorer and the axles of the trailer, keeping the vehicle level, improving steering response, and preventing rear-end squat.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

• Watch the Payload: A 5,000-pound trailer will put about 500 pounds of tongue weight on the Explorer. If your Explorer’s payload capacity is 1,300 pounds, subtracting the tongue weight leaves you with 800 pounds for passengers, cargo, and aftermarket accessories.
• Enable Tow/Haul Mode: If equipped, use the Tow/Haul mode to optimize transmission shift points. It keeps the vehicle in lower gears longer to prevent transmission hunting and provides engine braking on downgrades.
• Brake Controller Installation: Since there’s no factory brake controller, look for a proportional aftermarket controller (like a Tekonsha Prodigy). You can easily wire it using the pigtail harness that comes with the 7-pin setup.
• Mirrors: The factory mirrors on the Explorer are standard SUV size. Consider investing in strap-on or clip-on towing mirrors if you are pulling a travel trailer wider than the vehicle.

Common towing-related issues

• Water Pump Failure (3.5L V6): The 3.5L V6 (both naturally aspirated and EcoBoost) features an internal water pump driven by the timing chain. Heavy towing increases engine stress; if the internal pump leaks, it can dump coolant into the engine oil, leading to catastrophic engine failure. Keep a close eye on coolant levels and oil condition.
• PTU (Power Transfer Unit) Overheating: On 4WD models, the PTU is known to run hot, and towing exacerbates this. The fluid degrades into a thick sludge. Having the PTU fluid changed every 30,000 miles is highly recommended if you tow frequently.
• Rear Suspension Squat: If you tow near the 500-pound tongue weight limit, you might experience significant rear-end sag. If a WDH doesn't completely resolve it, you may need to inspect the rear shocks or look into aftermarket rear suspension support.

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