Trailer Towing Capacity for a 2004 Ford Explorer with Factory Class II Trailer Hitch  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Looking through the owner's manual for the 2004 Ford Explorer it appears that the lowest possible gross trailer weight capacity is 3,235 pounds and the maximum is 7,125 pounds but it depends on the motor in the vehicle, the rear axle gear ratio, whether or not it has the factory tow package (which if it has the factory hitch then I assume it has the tow package), and if it is 2- or 4-wheel drive. A capacity of 5,370 pounds was not listed nor was a tongue weight capacity specified but the 350 pounds of the hitch would be the maximum.

Since the hitch you have is a Class II with a 1-1/4 inch receiver you cannot use weight distribution and sway control would not provide any additional tongue weight or trailer weight capacity. Trailer tongue weight is usually 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. So if the trailer weighs 3,250 pounds then the tongue weight would be 325 to 488 pounds. Provided that you keep it under 350 pounds you will be able to tow the trailer without exceeding the capacities of the hitch.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Roy S.

9/6/2020

I just purchased a 2011 Ford Explorer with a tow package and was told it could handle a trailer with gross weight of 4000 lbs. what is the max allowable weight?

Jon G.

9/8/2020

From what I could find in the Ford towing guide it looks like you need to have the Heavy Duty tow package equipped and you need to be using a weight distribution hitch to tow up to 5,000 lbs. Otherwise you'll be limited to 2,000 lbs.