2023 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity

Max towing5,600lbs

The 2023 Ford Explorer can tow 3,000 to 5,600 lbs when properly equipped.

Anything over 3,000 lbs needs the factory Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T); payload was not published in the towing guide.

Towing capacity by configuration

ConfigurationMax towingPayloadWhat you need to know
3.0L EcoBoost V6 (Platinum, ST)5,600 lbsSee door stickerClass IV Trailer Tow Package (52T) standard on ST.
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with Class IV Trailer Tow Package5,300 lbsSee door stickerRequires available Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T); standard on Timberline.
3.3L hybrid V6 with Class IV Trailer Tow Package5,000 lbsSee door stickerRequires available Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T). Ford's table does not say which trims offered the hybrid.
2.3L EcoBoost I-4 or 3.3L hybrid without factory tow package3,000 lbsSee door stickerNo factory towing equipment for this rating; hitch is a dealer accessory.

Can the 2023 Explorer tow your trailer?

1 Your vehicle
2 What you want to tow

3 Add your payload (optional, more accurate)

Look for the yellow Tire and Loading Information sticker on the driver's door jamb. It says "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed" a number. That number is your payload.

What can the 2023 Ford Explorer tow?

Checked against the best-case rating of 5,600 lbs and typical loaded weights. Your configuration may be rated lower, so check it in the table above.

TrailerTypical loaded weightCan it tow it?
Jet ski on a single trailer1,250 lbsYes 22% of rating
Two jet skis on a double trailer2,450 lbsYes 44% of rating
16 to 18 ft aluminum fishing boat2,900 lbsYes 52% of rating
18 to 20 ft bass boat4,100 lbsYes 73% of rating
20 ft pontoon boat4,100 lbsYes 73% of rating
22 to 24 ft pontoon boat (two tubes)4,400 lbsYes 79% of rating
22 to 24 ft tritoon (three tubes)5,800 lbsNo 104% of rating
20 to 22 ft bowrider or deck boat4,300 lbsYes 77% of rating
24 to 26 ft wake boat8,000 lbsNo 143% of rating
Teardrop camper2,000 lbsYes 36% of rating
Pop-up camper2,500 lbsYes 45% of rating
Small travel trailer (under 20 ft)4,000 lbsYes 71% of rating
20 to 25 ft travel trailer5,800 lbsNo 104% of rating
26 to 30 ft travel trailer7,400 lbsNo 132% of rating
Travel trailer over 30 ft9,000 lbsNo 161% of rating
Airstream, 25 to 27 ft6,900 lbsNo 123% of rating
Small fifth wheel (26 to 30 ft)9,200 lbsNo
Large fifth wheel (35 to 43 ft)16,000 lbsNo
Loaded 5x8 enclosed cargo trailer2,200 lbsYes 39% of rating
Loaded 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer3,600 lbsYes 64% of rating
Utility trailer with a riding mower or ATV1,700 lbsYes 30% of rating
Car hauler with a mid-size car5,700 lbsNo 102% of rating
Two-horse trailer with two horses5,900 lbsNo 105% of rating

Common questions

What is the towing capacity of the 2023 Ford Explorer?

The 2023 Ford Explorer is rated to tow 3,000 to 5,600 lbs, depending on configuration. Anything over 3,000 lbs needs the factory Class IV Trailer Tow Package (52T); payload was not published in the towing guide.

Can the 2023 Ford Explorer tow a 20 to 25 ft travel trailer?

No. That's over the towing rating. 5,800 lbs is 200 lbs over the 5,600 lb rating. Typical loaded weight is about 5,800 lbs, but yours may differ.

Can the 2023 Ford Explorer tow a 20 ft pontoon boat?

Yes, with room to spare. 4,100 lbs is 73% of the 5,600 lb rating, under the 80% comfort line of 4,480 lbs. Typical loaded weight is about 4,100 lbs, but yours may differ.

How does the 2023 Ford Explorer compare to the 2022?

Both years have the same maximum rating of 5,600 lbs.

Sources

Last verified October 31, 2026. See a wrong number? Tell us.

More Ford Explorer years