HelloI have a 2011 Ford Explorer with the towing capacity of 2000 pounds.If possible, I'm interested in a pop up camper that weighs 2600 pounds.Here's my question: is there anything I can do (modifications or aftermarket products) to safely pull additional weight?I fully understand that it's not possible to ever change the vehicles tow rating, given by the manufacturer. I'm simply wondering if there's something I can do to tow an additional 800 to 1000 pounds.Thanks!

samsphones wrote:You need a bigger vehicleWhat he said.

That depends; some vehicles came with a higher tow rating because they had a bigger engine, or higher gear ratio rear end. So it is possible if you changed the engine or changed the rear end you could change the tow rating. But I have no idea if this applies in your case. The manufacturer's literature for your vehicle could provide that information.

Your Explorer likely is geared high for better mpg, reason for the low tow rating. It would be costly to change gearing, if 4x4. If you just need a stronger hitch, or more cooling options, that could be easily done.Jerry

No, because none of us fully know why Ford rated that vehicle that way. many armchair engineers will be along to tell you "no problem". Believe what you will. I won't pretend I'm smarter than they were.

Another "can I tow that?" question: | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

downtheroad
Explorer
Jun 08, 2016
Are you sure your Explorer is only rated to pull 2000 lbs?...seems really low.
Heck, our little Subaru has a much higher tow rating.

We pulled a Fleetwood Sea Pine pop up for years with our Explorer. It was a perfect match.

Re-check the numbers.
brirene
Explorer
Jun 08, 2016
CAN you tow it? Probably. CAN you stop it? Maybe. SHOULD you tow it? Not if you're a responsible rv'er. Your experience won't be fun, or safe, for you or others. Nothing you can do to gain additional tow capacity except get a vehicle made for the job, or a camper within the tow capacity. Sorry...jmho.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Jun 08, 2016
No, because none of us fully know why Ford rated that vehicle that way. many armchair engineers will be along to tell you "no problem". Believe what you will. I won't pretend I'm smarter than they were.
MFL
Nomad II
Jun 08, 2016
Your Explorer likely is geared high for better mpg, reason for the low tow rating. It would be costly to change gearing, if 4x4. If you just need a stronger hitch, or more cooling options, that could be easily done.

Jerry
ronharmless
Explorer
Jun 08, 2016
That depends; some vehicles came with a higher tow rating because they had a bigger engine, or higher gear ratio rear end. So it is possible if you changed the engine or changed the rear end you could change the tow rating. But I have no idea if this applies in your case. The manufacturer's literature for your vehicle could provide that information.
eHoefler
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2016
samsphones wrote:
You need a bigger vehicle

What he said.
samsphones
Explorer
Jun 08, 2016
You need a bigger vehicle

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