What Size Camper Can a Ford Explorer Pull

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Are you a Ford Explorer owner with a thirst for adventure and considering towing a camper? It is essential to understand your Ford Explorer's towing capabilities before selecting the right camper for your needs.

In this guide, we will explore your vehicle's towing capacity and provide examples of campers that your Ford Explorer can tow. Let's dive in and find the perfect match for your family and camping preferences.

Ford Explorer Towing Capacity

The 2020 and 2021 versions step it up with an astonishing 5,600 pounds of towing capability. Several Ford Explorer models feature a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

It is critical not to exceed 10% of the hitch load and to keep in mind that the Ford towing rating only applies to cars without additional luggage.

This means you cannot load your 2020 Explorer with hundreds of pounds of camping gear and still safely tow a 5,600-pound camper.

Given the variety of engines and tow package options within the Explorer lineup, it is essential to verify the specific towing capacity of your particular model before selecting a camper.

Ford data reveals that some Explorer models may have a towing capacity as low as 2,000 pounds.

What do all the Explorer stats mean when deciding on a camper?

A general rule of thumb is to leave approximately 1,000-1,500 pounds of available weight in your SUV and camper combination for supplies and passengers.

This practice helps you stay within safe towing guidelines. However, the actual weight of the camper you should purchase depends on your specific needs and packing habits.

It is advisable to weigh all the items you plan to bring on your camping trips, including people, to obtain an accurate figure. For instance, a couple going on a weekend getaway will carry significantly fewer extra pounds of gear than a family of six embarking on a weeklong excursion.

To determine your combination's actual weight, you can also take pre- and post-load measurements at a commercial scale. Many RV owners overlook this step, but it can provide valuable insights.

Even if you have been towing beyond your vehicle's capacity without apparent issues, besides reduced fuel efficiency, you are subjecting both your vehicle and camper to excessive wear and tear.

When components of the camper or vehicle fail, it poses not only safety risks but also leads to significant repair expenses.

What does all this information mean for Ford Explorer owners looking to buy a camper?

This indicates that the recommended weight range for a travel trailer you should consider is approximately 4,000-4,500 pounds or less.

Do not be swayed by assertive RV salespeople who dismiss your concerns by suggesting it is acceptable to tow a 4,800-pound dry weight camper with your 5,000-pound tow-rated Explorer model because it is not safe to do so.

Important Towing Terminology

For those new to tow vehicles and the world of RV, you might come across some standard terms that can initially seem like technical jargon.

However, understanding these specifications is crucial in finding the right travel trailer camper that matches the appropriate trim level of the Ford Explorer. Here are some important terms to consider when selecting the ideal travel trailer camper:

• Hitch weight:

This is the weight exerted by the travel trailer's tongue on the tow vehicle's hitch.

• Gross dry weight:

This represents the unloaded weight of the travel trailer itself, excluding any accessories, upgrades, or liquids.

• Travel trailer payload capacity:

This rating reflects the camper's suspension and structural integrity concerning the amount of gear and materials it can safely carry.

• Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR):

GVWR is the maximum total weight of the travel trailer when fully loaded.

• Gross combination weight rating (GCWR):

Also known as GCWR, this rating encompasses both the tow vehicle's cargo and the travel trailer's weight, as specified by the manufacturers.

• Towing capacity:

This is the maximum weight that the vehicle can safely tow according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Can I tow 100 percent of a Ford Explorer's maximum towing capacity?

Whether it's a Ford Explorer or a one-ton diesel pickup truck, using the maximum towing capacity is typically not a good idea. You should aim to pull no more than 80 percent of the Ford Explorer's maximum towing capacity as a general guideline.

This practice serves multiple purposes: it lowers the likelihood of encountering trailer sway issues when driving at highway speeds, and it reserves some power for situations where you may need extra traction, like driving on loose surfaces or ascending steep inclines while towing your travel trailer.

Camper Towing Tips for Ford Explorers

 To prevent rear sagging in your Explorer when towing a heavier camper, consider these modifications:

Add a leaf springs

If your Explorer sags at the rear when towing, you can address this by adding a leaf spring to the vehicle's rear. This helps to maintain a balanced and level ride while towing. It is important to avoid extreme sag, as it can affect traction and safety.

Air assist shocks

Another option is to install a quality set of air assist shocks. These shocks can help stabilize your vehicle when towing a camper, reducing the chances of sag and uneven balance.

Adjust front end ride height

You can also adjust the front end ride height through the torsion bars to maintain proper alignment between your Explorer and the camper.

Manage tongue weight

Ensure that you do not exceed the recommended 10 percent of the gross trailer weight on the tongue. Properly distribute the load of supplies inside the camper to achieve a more balanced weight distribution over the axle.

Maintaining good alignment between your Explorer and camper is essential for safe handling and minimizing unnecessary wear and tear.

When towing any camper, it is highly advisable to use sway bars. Sway bars play a crucial role in reducing side-to-side sway and fishtailing that can occur while driving with a camper attached.

They work by exerting pressure in response to lateral forces, such as passing vehicles or strong crosswinds. Two sway bars are typically installed on opposite sides of the trailer hitch.

When the trailer attempts to move sideways, these bars apply friction, counteracting the movement. This ensures that your SUV and camper remain stable and under control, even in challenging driving conditions.

Since sway and fishtailing are common causes of travel trailer accidents, it is essential to install sway bars on your camper before connecting it to your Explorer.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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