2024 Ford Explorer St Towing Capacity – The Ultimate Performance
The 2024 Ford Explorer ST features a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds when properly equipped with the standard Class IV Trailer Tow Package. This impressive rating allows owners to confidently haul mid-sized boats, travel trailers, or horse trailers while enjoying the 400-horsepower performance of the EcoBoost engine.
You bought a performance SUV because you refuse to compromise on power, but you also have toys to move. Whether it is a pair of jet skis for the lake or a flatbed loaded with dirt bikes, you need to know exactly what your vehicle can handle. Many owners worry about pushing their suspension too hard or overheating the transmission during a long climb.
The good news is that the 2024 Ford Explorer ST was engineered with hauling in mind, blending track-inspired speed with utility. In this guide, we will break down the technical specifications, safety requirements, and real-world limits of your vehicle. We promise to give you the confidence to hook up your trailer and hit the road without second-guessing your setup.
We will explore everything from tongue weight calculations to the specific cooling systems that make the 2024 ford explorer st towing capacity possible. By the end of this article, you will have a complete checklist for safe, efficient trailering. Let’s dive into the oily bits and the heavy lifting.
Understanding the 2024 ford explorer st towing capacity
When we talk about the 2024 ford explorer st towing capacity, we are looking at a peak figure of 5,600 pounds. This is not just a random number; it is a calculated limit based on the vehicle’s frame strength, engine output, and braking capability. Ford includes the Class IV Trailer Tow Package as standard equipment on the ST trim, which is a massive win for enthusiasts.
Unlike base models that might require aftermarket upgrades, the ST comes ready from the factory with a frame-mounted hitch and 4-pin/7-pin wiring harnesses. This means you can plug in most modern trailers and have functional lights and signals immediately. However, hitting that 5,600-pound limit requires more than just a hitch; it requires an understanding of how weight is distributed across the chassis.
It is important to remember that this capacity applies to the vehicle when it contains only a driver. As you add passengers, luggage, and gear inside the cabin, your available towing capacity decreases. Always check your door jamb sticker for the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) to ensure you aren’t overloading the entire system.
The Role of the 3.0L EcoBoost V6
The heart of this towing performance is the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, churning out 415 lb-ft of torque. Torque is the force that gets a heavy trailer moving from a dead stop. Because this engine uses twin turbochargers, that torque is available early in the RPM range, which is exactly what you want when pulling a heavy load up a boat ramp.
The 10-speed automatic transmission also plays a vital role by keeping the engine in its “power band.” When you engage the Tow/Haul mode, the transmission shifts more aggressively and uses engine braking to help slow the vehicle down on descents. This prevents your brakes from overheating, which is a common safety concern for DIY towers.
Standard Towing Equipment on the ST
Ford didn’t just give the ST more power; they gave it the hardware to survive the stress of hauling. The Class IV package includes a high-capacity radiator and an engine oil cooler. These components are essential for maintaining stable operating temperatures when the engine is working under a heavy load.
Additionally, the ST features Trailer Sway Control as part of its stability control system. This technology uses sensors to detect if the trailer is beginning to “fishtail.” It can automatically apply individual brakes or reduce engine power to pull the trailer back into a straight line, providing an extra layer of safety for highway driving.
The Math of Towing: Payload and Tongue Weight
One of the most common mistakes DIY mechanics make is focusing only on the total trailer weight. To maximize the 2024 ford explorer st towing capacity safely, you must understand tongue weight. This is the downward pressure exerted by the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball.
Ideally, your tongue weight should be between 10% and 15% of the total loaded trailer weight. For a 5,000-pound trailer, that means 500 to 750 pounds of force pushing down on your rear bumper. If the tongue weight is too low, the trailer will sway dangerously; if it is too high, it will lift the front wheels of your Explorer, reducing steering control.
Payload is another critical factor. Payload includes everything inside the car: you, your family, your dog, and that cooler full of snacks. The tongue weight of your trailer counts against your vehicle’s payload capacity. If your ST has a payload limit of 1,200 pounds and your trailer tongue weight is 600 pounds, you only have 600 pounds left for passengers and gear.
- Check the Sticker: Look at the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s side B-pillar.
- Weigh Your Gear: Use a commercial scale at a truck stop to get exact weights for your fully loaded rig.
- Adjust the Load: Move heavy items inside the trailer toward the front or rear to balance the tongue weight.
Essential Gear for Safe Trailering
Even though the ST is “tow-ready,” you still need the right accessories to bridge the gap between your SUV and the trailer. The first item is a high-quality ball mount. Since the Explorer ST sits relatively high, you may need a drop hitch to ensure the trailer sits level while being towed.
A level trailer is a safe trailer. If the front of the trailer is pointed up, it puts excessive strain on the rear suspension and tires. If it points down, it can cause the trailer to dive during hard braking. Use a large level or a measuring tape to ensure the trailer frame is parallel to the ground once hitched up.
For trailers over 3,000 pounds, most states require independent trailer brakes. The Explorer ST is pre-wired for a brake controller, but you will likely need to install an aftermarket unit or use a wireless Bluetooth controller. This allows you to adjust how hard the trailer brakes bite, preventing the “pushing” sensation during stops.
- Weight Distribution Hitch: Consider this for loads over 4,000 pounds to help level the vehicle.
- Safety Chains: Always cross them in an “X” pattern under the tongue to catch it if the hitch fails.
- Extended Mirrors: If your trailer is wider than the ST, clip-on mirror extensions are a legal and safety requirement.
Real-World Towing Scenarios
When looking at the 2024 ford explorer st towing capacity, it helps to visualize what 5,600 pounds actually looks like. A standard 20-foot fiberglass powerboat on a tandem-axle trailer typically weighs between 4,500 and 5,200 pounds. The Explorer ST handles this with ease, even on slippery boat ramps, thanks to its Intelligent 4WD system.
If you are an off-road enthusiast, a dual-axle utility trailer carrying two full-sized ATVs or a side-by-side will usually fall around 3,500 pounds. In this scenario, the ST barely feels the load, maintaining excellent acceleration for passing on two-lane highways. The stiff ST suspension prevents the “bouncing” often felt in softer SUVs.
For campers, a 22-foot lightweight travel trailer (often called “Ultra-Lites”) usually has a dry weight of 3,800 pounds. Once you add water, propane, and camping gear, you are likely sitting at 4,800 pounds. The ST is a fantastic match for this, though you should be mindful of the wind resistance created by the tall “box” shape of the camper.
Towing in the Mountains
If your adventures take you into the Rockies or the Appalachians, altitude becomes a factor. While turbochargers help maintain power at high elevations better than naturally aspirated engines, the cooling system works harder. Keep a close eye on your transmission temperature gauge located in the digital instrument cluster.
If you see temperatures climbing into the “yellow” zone, reduce your speed and drop to a lower gear manually. This increases the water pump and fan speed, helping to shed heat more effectively. Never turn the engine off immediately after a long climb; let it idle for a few minutes to allow the turbos and coolant to stabilize.
Maintenance for the Frequent Tower
Towing is considered “severe service” in your owner’s manual. This means you cannot follow the standard maintenance intervals if you haul every weekend. The extra heat and pressure break down lubricants much faster than highway commuting does. Being a DIY mechanic means staying ahead of these issues.
Your transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your towing performance. While Ford might suggest a long interval for normal driving, I recommend a drain and fill every 30,000 to 45,000 miles if you tow regularly. Fresh fluid ensures the clutches in the 10-speed gearbox don’t slip or overheat under load.
Brake maintenance is equally critical. The ST comes with performance brakes, but stopping 10,000 pounds of combined vehicle and trailer weight generates immense heat. Inspect your pads for “glazing”—a shiny, hard surface that reduces friction—and ensure your brake fluid is clear, not dark or cloudy. Moisture in the fluid can lead to brake fade on long descents.
Tire Care and Pressure
Before any tow, check the sidewalls of both your Explorer and your trailer tires for cracks or bulges. Trailer tires often rot from sitting in the sun long before the tread wears out. Ensure your ST tires are inflated to the “Cold PSI” listed on the door jamb, which is usually higher than the “comfort” setting you might use for daily driving.
Don’t forget the lug nuts! Use a torque wrench to verify that your wheel nuts are tightened to the factory spec (usually 150 lb-ft for the Explorer). Heat cycles from heavy braking can occasionally cause lug nuts to loosen, so check them again after the first 50 miles of your trip.
Pre-Tow Safety Checklist
Safety is the most important part of any trip. A mistake at 65 mph with a 5,000-pound trailer can be catastrophic. Develop a routine and never let anyone distract you while you are hitching up. If you get interrupted, start the checklist over from the beginning.
Start with the physical connection. Ensure the hitch ball is the correct size (usually 2-inch or 2 5/16-inch) and that the coupler latch is fully closed and pinned. Double-check that the safety chains are secure and the breakaway cable is attached to the vehicle frame, not the hitch itself. This cable activates the trailer brakes if the trailer becomes detached.
Next, perform a “light check.” Have a partner stand behind the trailer while you cycle through the left turn, right turn, brake lights, and running lights. If you are alone, use a stick to hold the brake pedal down or look for the reflection of your lights on a wall or garage door. Clean the 7-pin connector with electrical contact cleaner if the lights flicker.
- Check Hitch Pin: Ensure the cotter pin is through the main hitch pin.
- Retract Jack: Make sure the trailer jack is fully up and the footplate is stowed.
- Test Brakes: Perform a “tug test” by manually engaging the trailer brake controller at low speed to feel the trailer pull back.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2024 ford explorer st towing capacity
What is the 2024 ford explorer st towing capacity without the tow package?
Actually, for the 2024 model year, the Class IV Trailer Tow Package is standard on the ST trim. This means every 2024 Explorer ST leaves the factory rated for the full 5,600 pounds. You don’t have to worry about finding a specific “towing version” of the ST.
Can the Explorer ST tow a car trailer?
Yes, but you have to be very careful with the weight. A typical open aluminum car hauler weighs about 1,500 pounds. If you load a 3,500-pound car onto it, you are at 5,000 pounds, which is within the limit. However, a heavy steel trailer or a large truck will likely exceed the 5,600-pound capacity.
Do I need premium fuel for towing?
While the Explorer ST can run on 87 octane, Ford recommends 91 octane or higher for “severe duty” like towing. Higher octane prevents engine knock and allows the computer to maintain full power and cooling efficiency under high-load, high-heat conditions.
How does the ST’s suspension handle heavy loads?
The ST features a sport-tuned suspension that is firmer than the XLT or Limited trims. This is an advantage for towing, as it reduces the “squat” and “wallow” often found in softer SUVs. It keeps the vehicle more composed during cornering and lane changes while hauling.
Final Thoughts on Mastering Your Tow
Mastering the 2024 ford explorer st towing capacity is about more than just reading a brochure; it is about preparation and respect for the physics involved. Your ST is a powerhouse, capable of transforming from a family hauler to a performance beast to a capable tow rig in a single weekend. By following the weight limits and maintenance tips we’ve discussed, you ensure that your vehicle remains reliable for years to come.
Remember to take it slow on your first few trips. Braking distances are significantly longer, and your turning radius is much wider than you think. Use your mirrors, trust your Tow/Haul mode, and don’t be afraid to pull over and double-check your straps if something feels “off.”
The 2024 Ford Explorer ST is one of the most versatile SUVs on the market today. It offers the perfect blend of speed and utility for the modern DIY enthusiast. So, load up the trailer, check those tire pressures, and get out there. Stay safe and enjoy the open road!
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