Another "can I tow that?" question:

badercubed wrote:

SeaCoast wrote:

badercubed wrote:
My experience only.

We bought my wife a 2011 Explorer XLT (3.5L V6) with an aftermarket hitch that I purchased used directly from a Ford dealer. They told me the Class III aftermarket hitch made it rated for 4,000lbs. I used it to tow a 3 place v-nosed enclosed snowmobile trailer (with only two sleds in it) a few times which I would say was around 3,000lbs. Did it light the world on fire, no. But, the frontal area was obviously much larger than that of a popup of the same weight. I personally wouldn't hesitate.

Also, depending on how much is in the Explorer and what sag you see, you could add these for more rear-end support.

https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/SuperSprings/CSS-1125R.html

Thanks, badercubed. Good to hear from first hand experience.
I tried the Super Springs website but they don't have an application for the 2011 Explorer.

Weird, ETrailer says that the Coil Sumosprings in the link will work with 2011 Explorers and they are pretty on.

Regardless, I think you will be fine with the popup, especially for weekend trips. If you are gonna go for a long time and are massively loaded then maybe you take the bigger vehicle, but I think you'll be pleased.