2019 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity – A Comprehensive Guide To Safe
The 2019 Ford Explorer offers a towing range of 2,000 to 5,000 pounds depending on your specific engine and equipment. This guide provides the exact breakdown of these ratings and the technical requirements needed to maximize your SUV’s utility safely.
You bought a Ford Explorer because you need a vehicle that does more than just commute. Whether you are hauling a pair of jet skis to the lake or pulling a small camper for a weekend getaway, knowing your 2019 ford explorer towing capacity is essential for a safe trip.
Overloading your vehicle leads to premature wear on your transmission and compromises your braking distance. We will walk you through the engine specs, the necessary factory packages, and the DIY checks every owner should perform before hitting the road.
Our goal is to turn you into a confident hauler by explaining the technical limits and the practical gear required for the job. Let’s dive into the numbers and see what your Explorer can really handle.
Mastering Your 2019 ford explorer towing capacity
To understand what your SUV can pull, you must first identify which engine is under the hood. Ford offered three distinct powerplants for the 2019 model year, and each affects the 2019 ford explorer towing capacity differently.
The base engine is a 3.5L Ti-VCT V6, which provides a solid foundation for most owners. When properly equipped with the Class III Tow Package, this engine allows you to haul up to 5,000 pounds.
If your vehicle lacks the tow package, your limit drops significantly to just 2,000 pounds. This is a common pitfall for many buyers who assume the V6 engine automatically guarantees the maximum rating.
The 2.3L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder
Many owners prefer the 2.3L EcoBoost engine for its balance of fuel efficiency and torque. While it is a smaller engine, it is surprisingly capable when you need to move a trailer.
With the appropriate Class II Tow Package, the 2.3L EcoBoost is rated to tow 3,000 pounds. Without this package, you are restricted to a 2,000-pound limit, which is mostly suitable for small utility trailers or bike racks.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Powerhouse
For those who own the Sport or Platinum trims, you likely have the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. This twin-turbocharged engine is the top performer in the lineup, delivering 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
This engine comes standard with the equipment needed to reach the 5,000-pound maximum. It provides the necessary low-end grunt to get a heavy boat ramp or a loaded camper moving without straining the powertrain.
The Crucial Role of the Class III Trailer Tow Package
You cannot talk about the 2019 ford explorer towing capacity without mentioning the factory tow packages. These packages are not just about the hitch; they include vital mechanical upgrades.
The Class III package includes an engine oil cooler and a heavy-duty radiator. These components prevent your engine from overheating when you are climbing steep grades with a heavy load.
Furthermore, this package adds a frame-mounted hitch receiver and a 7-pin wiring harness. This allows you to use a brake controller, which is mandatory in many states for trailers over a certain weight.
Why Cooling Matters
Towing generates an immense amount of heat within the transmission and engine. If you try to tow 5,000 pounds without the heavy-duty cooling system, you risk “cooking” your transmission fluid.
Always verify your vehicle’s equipment by checking the window sticker or looking for the physical transmission cooler. If you are unsure, consult a local Ford dealer with your VIN to confirm your specific build.
The Class II vs. Class III Distinction
The Class II package is typically found on the 2.3L models and uses a 1.25-inch or 2-inch receiver. It is designed for lighter loads and usually features a 4-pin wiring connector.
The Class III package is the “gold standard” for the Explorer, featuring the 2-inch receiver and 7-pin connector. This setup is required if you plan on using weight-distributing hitches for larger travel trailers.
Understanding GVWR and GCWR for Safe Operation
Towing capacity is only one part of the safety equation. You must also account for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
GVWR is the maximum weight your Explorer can weigh, including passengers, fuel, and the tongue weight of the trailer. If you pack five adults and all their gear inside the cabin, you reduce the amount of weight you can safely put on the hitch.
GCWR is the total combined weight of the fully loaded vehicle and the fully loaded trailer. Exceeding this number puts dangerous stress on your brakes and suspension components.
Calculating Your Real-World Payload
Open your driver-side door and look for the tire and loading information sticker. It will list the “maximum weight of occupants and cargo,” which is usually around 1,200 to 1,500 pounds.
Subtract the weight of your passengers and luggage from this number. The remaining amount is what you have left for your trailer’s tongue weight, which should typically be 10% to 15% of the total trailer weight.
The Danger of Rear-End Sag
If the rear of your Explorer sits significantly lower than the front when hitched, you have too much tongue weight. This “squat” lifts weight off the front tires, reducing your steering control and braking effectiveness.
To fix this, redistribute the weight inside your trailer toward the rear, or invest in a weight-distribution hitch. These systems use spring bars to level the vehicle and trailer, making the drive much more stable.
Essential Gear for Your 2019 Ford Explorer
To make the most of your 2019 ford explorer towing capacity, you need the right tools. A basic hitch ball is rarely enough for a safe and smooth experience on the highway.
First, ensure you have a high-quality ball mount that matches the height of your trailer. You want the trailer to sit level while being towed to prevent swaying or “porpoising” on uneven roads.
Second, if your trailer has electric brakes, you must install an aftermarket brake controller if your Explorer wasn’t equipped with one from the factory. This device allows you to adjust the braking force of the trailer from the driver’s seat.
Safety Chains and Breakaway Cables
Never tow without properly crossed safety chains. If the hitch fails, the crossed chains will catch the trailer tongue and prevent it from digging into the pavement, giving you time to stop safely.
The breakaway cable is another critical safety feature. It connects to a small battery on the trailer and applies the trailer’s brakes if it ever becomes fully detached from your SUV.
Trailer Sway Control
The 2019 Explorer features built-in electronic Trailer Sway Control. This system monitors the vehicle’s motion and applies individual brakes or reduces engine torque if it detects the trailer is beginning to fishtail.
While this system is excellent, it is a secondary safety measure. You should always load your trailer correctly—with more weight in front of the trailer axle—to prevent sway from happening in the first place.
Maintenance Tips for Frequent Towers
Towing is considered “severe duty” by most manufacturers. If you regularly use your 2019 ford explorer towing capacity to its limit, you need to adjust your maintenance schedule accordingly.
Change your transmission fluid more frequently than the standard manual suggests. Heat is the number one killer of automatic transmissions, and fresh fluid helps dissipate that heat more effectively.
Inspect your brake pads and rotors every 5,000 miles. Stopping 5,000 extra pounds puts massive strain on your friction material, and you do not want to discover thin pads while descending a mountain pass.
Checking the Rear Differential
If you have an Intelligent 4WD model, the rear differential works harder when towing. Check the differential fluid for any signs of metal shavings or burnt smells, especially if you tow boats and submerge the rear axle during launching.
Grease your hitch components and trailer wheel bearings regularly. Dry bearings can overheat and seize, which is a leading cause of trailer-related accidents on the highway.
Tire Pressure and Condition
Before any trip, check the tire pressure on both the Explorer and the trailer. Use the “Cold PSI” rating found on the door jamb for the SUV, but check the trailer tire sidewall for its specific requirements.
Trailer tires often sit for long periods, making them prone to dry rot. Inspect the sidewalls for small cracks and replace any tire that is more than five or six years old, regardless of the tread depth.
Real-World Towing Scenarios: What Can You Pull?
Numbers on a spec sheet are helpful, but what does the 2019 ford explorer towing capacity look like in the real world? Let’s look at some common items people haul.
If you have the 2,000-pound base limit, you are limited to small items. Think of a single motorcycle on a lightweight rail trailer or a small 4×8 utility trailer for hauling mulch or furniture.
At the 3,000-pound level (2.3L EcoBoost), you can safely pull a pair of personal watercraft or a small pop-up tent camper. This is perfect for light-duty weekend adventures without overloading the four-cylinder engine.
The 5,000-Pound “Sweet Spot”
With the 5,000-pound max rating, the Explorer becomes much more versatile. You can pull a 20-foot fiberglass boat or a medium-sized travel trailer (usually up to 22 feet) with ease.
However, always remember that the “dry weight” listed by trailer manufacturers does not include water, propane, or your gear. A 3,500-pound trailer can quickly reach 4,500 pounds once you pack for a week-long trip.
Towing in Off-Road Conditions
If you take your Explorer off-road while towing, be mindful of your ground clearance. The factory hitch hangs somewhat low, and a heavy trailer will reduce your departure angle significantly.
Use the Terrain Management System on 4WD models to select the appropriate mode for the surface. “Sand” or “Mud/Ruts” mode can help provide the necessary wheel slip and torque management to keep a heavy load moving through soft terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2019 ford explorer towing capacity
Can I increase my towing capacity with aftermarket parts?
No, you cannot legally or safely increase the manufacturer’s rated towing capacity. While you can add a hitch to a base model, you lack the heavy-duty cooling and suspension tuning that defines the 5,000-pound rating.
Do I need a weight-distribution hitch for my 2019 Explorer?
Ford recommends using a weight-distribution hitch for any trailer weighing over 2,000 pounds. It significantly improves handling and ensures your front tires maintain proper contact with the road for steering and braking.
What happens if I exceed the 5,000-pound limit?
Exceeding the limit can cause catastrophic failure of the transmission, warp your brake rotors, and potentially snap suspension bolts. It also creates a massive legal liability if you are involved in an accident while overloaded.
Does 4WD affect the 2019 ford explorer towing capacity?
Generally, the towing capacity remains the same between FWD and 4WD models, provided they have the same engine and tow package. However, 4WD models often have a slightly lower payload capacity because the 4WD hardware adds weight to the vehicle itself.
Final Thoughts on Safe Hauling
Understanding the 2019 ford explorer towing capacity is the key to enjoying your vehicle to its fullest. By respecting the limits of your engine and ensuring you have the right cooling and hitch equipment, you protect your investment and your passengers.
Always take a few minutes before every trip to check your connections, test your lights, and verify your tire pressures. A little bit of preparation goes a long way in preventing “white-knuckle” driving moments on the highway.
If you are ever in doubt about a specific load, stop by a local CAT scale at a truck stop. Weighing your setup is the only way to know for sure if you are within your GVWR and GCWR limits. Stay safe, keep your fluids cool, and enjoy the open road!
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