Exploring The Camper-Towing Capacity Of A Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer owners with a penchant for adventure may consider towing a camper for their next trip. However, it is crucial to understand the towing capabilities of your Ford Explorer before selecting a camper. The maximum towing capacity of a Ford Explorer varies depending on the model year and engine type. For instance, the 2019 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the 2020 and 2021 models can tow up to 5,600 pounds. It's important to note that the Ford towing rating assumes an unloaded vehicle, so you need to consider the weight of your camping gear and passengers as well.

Pop-up trailers

The weight of a pop-up camper depends on various factors, such as the amenities included and the quality of materials used. For example, pop-up campers with bathrooms tend to weigh more than those without, and those made with higher-quality materials will be heavier than those using cheaper alternatives.

When considering a pop-up camper, it is essential to understand the different weight abbreviations and ratings. The unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) or dry weight refers to the weight of the camper before adding any cargo or fluids. The cargo-carrying capacity (CCC) indicates how much weight can be safely loaded into the camper, including personal belongings, propane, and water. The gross vehicle weight ratio (GVRW) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) represents the total maximum weight of the loaded trailer, including the weight of the camper, cargo, and fluids.

Additionally, it is crucial to stay within the recommended towing capacity of your vehicle. Exceeding the maximum towing capacity can strain the vehicle, compromise safety, and void warranties. It is generally recommended to stay within 80% of the vehicle's maximum towing capacity to ensure a comfortable and safe towing experience.

• Forest River Rockwood 1640ESP: This pop-up camper has a dry weight of 1,722 pounds, a payload capacity of 656 pounds, and a hitch weight of 178 pounds. It can sleep up to six people and features a combination of pop-up and hard-sided elements.
• A-Liner Classic Rear Sofa Bed: This unique pop-up trailer stands out with its distinctive A-line shape. It offers a creative solution with a sofa that doubles as a bed, a small cooking space, and a double dinette.
• Jayco Jay Sport Pop Up Camper: This pop-up camper is known for its lightweight design, making it easy to tow with a variety of vehicles.
• Coachmen Clipper Sport Pop Up Camper: Another lightweight option, ideal for those seeking a compact and manoeuvrable trailer.
• Forest River Flagstaff Popup Floorplan: This pop-up trailer provides a spacious and comfortable option for your travels.

Hybrid trailers

2019 Jayco Jay Feather X19H

This hybrid trailer offers a small bathroom, a kitchen area, a double dinette, a sofa area, and two queen-size beds. It weighs 3,204 lbs dry, has a payload capacity of 1,150 lbs, and a hitch weight of 340 lbs. With a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,975 lbs, it can be towed by the Ford Explorer with a 3.5L V6 engine and front-wheel drive or the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost I4 engine with four-wheel drive.

2017 Starcraft Ravel Star Expandable

The Starcraft Ravel Star Expandable is perfect for those who want a lightweight trailer that can fit the whole family. It features a full bathroom, a double dinette, a small cooking area, plenty of storage space, and three queen-size bed pop-outs. While the weight specifications for this model are not readily available, it is listed as one of the hybrid trailers that can be towed by a Ford Explorer.

Forest River Rockwood Roo

The Forest River Rockwood Roo is a popular choice among hybrid trailer owners. It offers a full bathroom, a kitchen area, a dinette area, and two tent-end sleeping areas. It also has several outside storage compartments, and some models even come with an external gas grill. The dry weight of the Rockwood Roo is 5,384 lbs, with a hitch weight of 634 lbs and a cargo-carrying capacity of 1,410 lbs. The exterior length is 24' 10", and the exterior height is 10' 10". While the GVWR is not specified, it is important to ensure that your Ford Explorer can handle the weight of this trailer before purchasing.

These are just a few examples of hybrid trailers that can be towed by a Ford Explorer. When considering a hybrid trailer, it is important to keep in mind the weight specifications, including the dry weight, hitch weight, cargo-carrying capacity, and GVWR, to ensure that your vehicle can safely tow the trailer. Additionally, consider the number of people you need to accommodate and the amenities that are important to you, such as kitchen features, bathroom size, and sleeping arrangements.

Teardrop trailers

The weight of teardrop trailers varies, with GVWRs ranging from 950 lbs to 4,000 lbs. For example, the 2017 Little Guy T@G XL MAX weighs 1,500 lbs, while the 2019 HELIO HE3 Series is much lighter at just 950 lbs. The Bend Teardrop camper is also at the lower end of the weight range at 950 lbs.

The Ford Explorer's maximum towing capacity depends on the model and engine type. The 2019 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, while the 2020 model can tow up to 5,600 lbs. The 2023 Ford Explorer ST has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.

When considering towing a teardrop trailer with a Ford Explorer, it is important to take into account the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the trailer and the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle. It is recommended to only tow up to 80% of the vehicle's maximum capacity to prevent trailer sway and ensure a safe trip.

Therefore, a Ford Explorer with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs could safely tow a teardrop trailer weighing up to 4,000 lbs. This includes trailers such as the 2017 Little Guy T@G XL MAX and many other options within this weight range.

It is also important to consider other factors such as tongue weight, combined vehicle weight, and the weight of cargo, passengers, and fluids in the tanks. These factors will impact the overall towing experience and should be taken into account when deciding on a trailer.

Travel trailers

Firstly, it's important to understand the towing capacity of your Ford Explorer. The maximum towing capacity varies depending on the model year and specifications of your vehicle. For example, the 2019 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the newer 2020 and 2021 models can tow up to 5,600 pounds. However, it's crucial to note that these numbers may differ based on the engine type and whether your Explorer has front-wheel or four-wheel drive. Therefore, it's essential to refer to your owner's manual or consult a Ford dealer to determine the exact towing capacity of your specific model.

When considering a travel trailer, you need to pay attention to two critical weight measurements: the dry weight and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The dry weight refers to the weight of the trailer when it's completely empty, while the GVWR represents the trailer's total weight when loaded to its maximum capacity. It's important not to exceed your Ford Explorer's maximum towing capacity, as doing so can cause damage to your vehicle and the trailer, posing safety risks.

When selecting a travel trailer, aim for one that leaves you with a comfortable margin below your Ford Explorer's maximum towing capacity. This is crucial to account for not only the weight of the trailer itself but also the weight of your camping gear, fluids, and passengers. As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to leave approximately 1,000 to 1,500 pounds of available weight in your SUV and trailer combination for supplies and passengers.

Additionally, there are several modifications you can make to enhance your Ford Explorer's towing capabilities and improve safety. These include adding a leaf spring to the rear of the vehicle to prevent sagging, installing air assist shocks for better stabilisation, and adjusting the front-end ride height through the torsion bars for proper alignment. It's also highly recommended to use sway bars when towing any camper, as they help minimise side-to-side sway and fishtailing, keeping your SUV and trailer stable and under control.

Now that you understand the towing capabilities of your Ford Explorer, here are some examples of travel trailers that fall within its weight limits:

• Forest River No Boundaries 19.5: This travel trailer is described as a "hotel room on wheels". While it may not offer much privacy, it provides ample space for the whole family to enjoy their camping trip.
• Airstream Bambi 19CB: This compact travel trailer is designed and built by Airstream, a well-known manufacturer of durable and luxurious campers. It features a small kitchen area, a double dinette, and separate shower and toilet rooms.
• Forest River Rockwood 1640ESP: This pop-up trailer offers both comfort and convenience, with two pop-out queen beds, a double dinette, and a gaucho/bed. It also includes a three-burner stovetop for all your camping culinary needs.
• Jayco Jay Feather X19H: This hybrid trailer packs luxury and comfort into a small package. It includes a small bathroom, a kitchen area, a double dinette, a sofa, and two queen-size beds. With this trailer, you can camp in style and convenience.

Towing capacity

The towing capacity of a Ford Explorer depends on the model and its specifications. The 2019 Ford Explorer, for example, has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the 2020 and 2021 models can tow up to 5,600 pounds. However, it's important to note that the engine type and drive system can significantly impact the towing capacity. For instance, the 2019 Ford Explorer with a 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine and front-wheel drive has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, while the same model with a 3.5L V6 engine and four-wheel drive can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

When considering the towing capacity, it's crucial to understand the different types of weights involved. The maximum towing capacity refers to the total weight your vehicle can tow, including the trailer, cargo, fluids, and passengers. It's important not to exceed this limit, as it can cause damage to your vehicle and compromise safety.

Another important weight to consider is the dry weight of the camper, which is the weight of the camper when it's completely empty. Additionally, the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) refers to the maximum weight of the camper when it's fully loaded. When choosing a camper, it's essential to ensure that neither the dry weight nor the GVWR exceeds your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.

It's also worth noting that the Ford Explorer's towing capacity assumes that the vehicle is not carrying additional luggage or passengers. Therefore, when packing for your camping trip, it's crucial to consider the weight of your gear, supplies, and passengers to ensure you don't exceed the safe towing limits.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience with your Ford Explorer, it's recommended to leave a buffer of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 pounds below your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This allows for a comfortable margin and helps you stay within safe towing guidelines. Additionally, it's important to consider the tongue weight, which is the weight exerted by the trailer's tongue on the tow vehicle's hitch, and to ensure proper weight distribution to maintain stability and handling.

Frequently asked questions