Hey guys,I was pointed over here by another forum because I'm getting a bit of conflicting info.I have a 2015 Ford Explorer Limited with a V6 3.5L engine. I do NOT have the Ford Towing Package on it. I do have a CURT Class III hitch purchased from eTrailer about 5-6 years ago. I have only used that hitch so far to pull a Canoe.Looking at Travel Trailers and see that most of them are running anywhere from 3500# to 5000# for what we want. My Ford dealer, when talking to "the hitch guy", says that even with the 3rd party hitch my vehicle can easily pull 5000#. The other forum has information that says you need the Ford Tow Package to get that rating.I definitely want to be safe, not cut the life short on my vehicle. Any idea what my vehicle can safely pull? And would I need anything additional to pull a travel trailer safely? Thanks in advance!

Convington wrote:I have a 2015 Ford Explorer Limited with a V6 3.5L engine. I do NOT have the Ford Towing Package on it.With no factory Trailer Tow Package, I would not go over 3500# !Research what are the difference between standard and Tow Package. Likely it is a larger radiator and transmission cooler. You can have these installed.Anything over 3500# need electric brake, so a controller and appropriate wiring and 7 pin trailer connector are also required.All of this adds up quickly. It might be time to consider a newer ride with the factory Trailer Tow Package ! The 2020MY Explorer switched back to RWD/AWD which is much better for towing.

can likely pull around 5k. would be more worried about what it can carry and what it can stop. what are you looking to do? for what its worth i own a 2017 explorer (also with the NA 3.5) would tow a small popup, fishing boat or a utility trailer with it without any worry. Would NOT dream of pulling my camper or my boat with it.

Wife wants to get (or rent) a 4000#-ish Travel Trailer, basically. Her vehicle is a RAV4 - so the Trailer would be driving that thing :) So - my vehicle is the only option. Looking to drive pretty far with it also - about 800 miles one way. So expecting 2000 miles with whatever camper we either get or rent.

I agree with theoldwizard above, 3500 (loaded, not dry) weight trailer. I’d suggest a pop up, the frontal area on a full size trailer would work your explorer pretty hard.

Thanks, I missed theoldwizard post. Thank you for mentioning that one - was very informative. I think 'loaded weight' also includes passengers in vehicle and any luggage and stuff inside the vehicle also, right? (vehicle being the explorer, not the camper)

Towing with a Ford Explorer | Good Sam Community

Convington
Explorer
Jun 25, 2020
Wife wants to get (or rent) a 4000#-ish Travel Trailer, basically. Her vehicle is a RAV4 - so the Trailer would be driving that thing :) So - my vehicle is the only option. Looking to drive pretty far with it also - about 800 miles one way. So expecting 2000 miles with whatever camper we either get or rent.
Jebby14
Explorer
Jun 25, 2020
can likely pull around 5k. would be more worried about what it can carry and what it can stop. what are you looking to do?

for what its worth i own a 2017 explorer (also with the NA 3.5) would tow a small popup, fishing boat or a utility trailer with it without any worry. Would NOT dream of pulling my camper or my boat with it.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2020
Convington wrote:
I have a 2015 Ford Explorer Limited with a V6 3.5L engine. I do NOT have the Ford Towing Package on it.

With no factory Trailer Tow Package, I would not go over 3500# !

Research what are the difference between standard and Tow Package. Likely it is a larger radiator and transmission cooler. You can have these installed.

Anything over 3500# need electric brake, so a controller and appropriate wiring and 7 pin trailer connector are also required.

All of this adds up quickly. It might be time to consider a newer ride with the factory Trailer Tow Package ! The 2020MY Explorer switched back to RWD/AWD which is much better for towing.

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