2019 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity & Payload Guide

The 2019 Ford Explorer can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with either the 3.5L V6 or 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and the factory Class III Trailer Tow Package. Whether you are hauling a lightweight pop-up camper, a small boat, or a pair of jet skis, the 2019 Explorer is a highly capable three-row SUV. However, capacities vary significantly depending on the engine, drivetrain, and installed tow packages.

Always remember that these numbers represent the maximum factory ratings. Options, passengers, and cargo will reduce the actual trailer weight you can safely pull, so you should always verify your specific limits on the driver’s side door-jamb sticker.

Quick answer: 2019 Ford Explorer Towing Specs

• Max Tow Capacity: 3,000 lbs to 5,000 lbs
• Max Payload: 1,215 lbs to 1,716 lbs
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 6,120 lbs to 6,160 lbs
• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Up to 10,400 lbs (3.5L EcoBoost V6)
• Curb Weight: 4,458 lbs to 4,901 lbs
• Hitch Class & Max Tongue Weight: Class II (up to 300 lbs tongue weight) or Class III (up to 500 lbs tongue weight)

Note: Ford tests its vehicles to SAE J2807 towing standards, meaning these ratings are rigorously verified for real-world acceleration, braking, and handling under load.

Tow ratings by engine & trim

To safely pull your trailer, you need to match your vehicle's exact configuration to its rated limits. Below is a breakdown of the 2019 Ford Explorer’s maximum towing capacities and payload ranges.

Tow package contents

To achieve the 3,000-pound or 5,000-pound towing limits, your 2019 Ford Explorer must be equipped with the appropriate factory tow package. Slapping an aftermarket hitch on a base model will safely limit you to the baseline 2,000-pound capacity.

Class II Trailer Tow Package (Available on 2.3L EcoBoost):

• Class II frame-mounted hitch receiver
• 4-pin wiring harness
• Engine oil cooler

Class III Trailer Tow Package (Available on 3.5L V6, Standard on Sport/Platinum):

• Class III frame-mounted hitch receiver
• Engine oil cooler (standard on 3.5L EcoBoost)
• 7-pin and 4-pin wiring harness
• Trailer Sway Control (integrated into the AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control system)

Note: An integrated trailer brake controller was not offered as a factory option on the 2019 Explorer. If you are towing a trailer equipped with electric brakes (highly recommended over 3,000 lbs), you will need to install an aftermarket electronic brake controller.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

Because the 2019 Ford Explorer is a unibody SUV and not a heavy-duty pickup truck, it is strictly limited to conventional bumper-pull towing. Fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches are not applicable to this vehicle.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

Ford’s official towing guide for the 2019 Explorer recommends using a Weight-Distributing Hitch (WDH) for conventional trailers weighing over 3,500 pounds. While the Class III receiver is rated to carry up to a 500-pound tongue weight without a WDH, using one helps level the vehicle, returning essential weight to the front steering axle.

When configuring a WDH, ensure the friction sway control or dual-cam sway control does not fight against the Explorer’s electronic Trailer Sway Control system.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

• Mind Your Payload: Your tongue weight (which should be 10% to 15% of your total trailer weight) eats directly into your payload. If you have a 5,000 lb trailer, that's 500 lbs of tongue weight. If your payload is 1,300 lbs, you only have 800 lbs left for passengers, luggage, and fuel.
• Monitor Temperatures: The 2019 Explorer uses a digital dash display on most trims. Keep a close eye on your transmission and engine coolant temperatures when pulling up steep grades or in high summer heat.
• Use Tow Mode: If your trim features the Terrain Management System, utilize the appropriate drive modes to adjust shift points, preventing the transmission from "hunting" for gears on the highway.
• Premium Fuel: For the 2.3L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines, consider running 91 or 93 octane fuel when towing heavy loads. Turbocharged engines are prone to heat soak and pre-detonation under extreme load; higher octane fuel helps maintain peak power and engine safety.

Common towing-related issues

• Rear Suspension Sag: The Explorer's independent rear suspension is tuned for passenger comfort. Hitching a heavy trailer can cause noticeable rear-end squat, compromising steering feel and headlight aim. A WDH is the best solution for this.
• Brake Fade: Towing near the 5,000 lb maximum without trailer brakes puts massive stress on the Explorer's factory brake rotors, leading to rapid wear and potential brake fade on long descents.
• PTU Failure: The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on AWD Ford Explorers is notorious for thermal degradation of its fluid. Towing exacerbates this heat. Ensure you change the PTU gear oil every 30,000 miles if you tow frequently.

If you are experiencing extreme rear sag, overheated brakes, or need assistance installing an aftermarket brake controller or inspecting your PTU, don't leave your safety up to chance. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.