How Much Weight Can a 2003 Ford Explorer V6 Tow With a Reese Weight Distribution Hitch  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You will need to check with the vehicle manufacturer or your specific vehicles owners manual to get the GCVWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating) for your 2003 Ford Explorer V6. Once this is located you will need to subtract the gross weight of your vehicle fully loaded from the GCVWR and that will give you the total amount of weight the manufacturer allows for towing.

You will also need to determine the weight ratings of the hitch on your Explorer, and whether it is designed for use with weight distribution, which normally increases the amount of weight that the hitch is capable of handling. The weight capacities will be listed on the hitch.

Adding weight distribution will not increase the weight your vehicle can tow, it will only increase what the hitch can handle. You will still need to stay within the capacity of what the towing capacity is on your Explorer.

Some of the Class III weight distribution hitches I have for your Explorer will list a 5,000-lb weight carrying capacity with a 6,000-lb weight distribution capacity, and a hitch with a 5,000-lb weight carrying capacity and a 8,000-lb weight distribution capacity. But again, if the towing capacity of your Explorer is lower than these numbers you will need to use the lowest capacity as your weight limit.

Once you determine the weight capacities of your hitch, if you want to let me know what it is, I can help you choose the correct weight distribution for your Explorer and the trailer you will be towing.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution that will help answer some common questions about weight distribution systems.

expert reply by: Jeff D

0