Towing Components for 2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5L V6 to Tow Travel Trailer

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Question:

Hello, I am trying to determine what the tow package for this vehicle might consist of when people reference having it or not. We only added a basic hitch from e-trailer a few years back. We would be looking at towing a hybrid travel trailer. We dont have any special shocks or brake boxes or leveling kits or load stabilizers or sway bars. Here are the specs for the trailer: WEIGHTS Unloaded Vehicle Weight lbs View Definition 3,275 Dry Hitch Weight lbs View Definition 373 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating lbs View Definition 4,250 Cargo Carrying Capacity lbs View Definition 975 Thank you in advance for your help and information!

asked by: Christopher D

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Exactly what is included in a vehicle "tow package" varies between auto makers, vehicle models and even model years. It could mean a hitch, wiring, transmission cooler and heavy-duty suspension. Or it could refer to only one or two of these towing-related components. There is no absolute fixed standard for what it means. If you give your local Ford dealership your VIN they can look it up to see what factory equipment was installed on your Explorer.

I see that you have Curt 2-inch hitch # C13386. This is rated for towing a trailer up to 4000-lbs, or up to 5000-lbs if you use a weight distribution (WD) hitch setup. If a vehicle is rated for less weight than the hitch, then the lower rated item determines overall capacity. The owner's manual for your Explorer indicates maximum allowable trailer weight of 5040-lbs for the 4WD version. It also states that you need to use a WD hitch like Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET. This system works for trailer tongue weights up to 600-lbs, so it would be suitable for your trailer's loaded tongue weight.

For wiring and brake controller installation you will need a basic 4-pole kit like # 118540 and a brake controller install kit # ETBC7. These allow completion of your wiring and installation of a trailer brake controller like the Prodigy P3 # 90195. This is a popular and easy-to-use controller that will activate the electric drum brakes on the travel trailer.

The linked article and install videos may be of interest.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Answer 1

The best way to determine if your Explorer is equipped with the tow package is to check with your Ford dealer. They should be able to run the VIN and be able to tell you exactly how the vehicle was equipped. I'm assuming you're needing the…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

Hey Vernon, great to hear from you again! For your trailer that has a GVWR of 11,295 lbs I actually recommend stepping up one level and going with the 18.5K #WS49MR which has the same 6" drop and fits a 2-1/2" hitch receiver like the 12.5K…

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Answer 5

Hey Vernon, thanks for reaching out and providing all of the details! It sounds like you have the 10K Electric Ground Control TT Automatic 5-Point Travel Trailer Leveling System #LC672136 which will work just fine with the B&W Continuum #BW28FR.…

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Answer 6

Hello Jake, Congrats on the new 2025 Sierra 2500! What is your favorite new feature? It would be really great if you could tie the Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera System #FOS05TASF into your infotainment screen of your 2025 Sierra, but it…

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Answer 7

Hello again, Doug. Thanks for providing all that detailed info. It definitely helps! You are on the right track with the 12K Blue Ox 2-Point Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control #BLU75FR. This will work on trailers with a tongue weight between 800 and…

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Answer 8

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

Hello David, thanks for getting in touch. The 2019 GMC 1500 AT4 has a 2" lift, and the #AL88388 kit you mentioned has taller brackets to fit the 2" lift. I looked up the X31 model and it does say it has offroad suspension, but it didn't…

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Towing Components for 2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5L V6 to Tow Travel Trailer

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