If you're looking at a used SUV for family trips or weekend hauling, the towing capacity ford explorer 2018 is likely one of the first specs you're checking out. It's a popular choice for a reason, but the numbers aren't the same across every trim level. Depending on which engine is under the hood and whether or not the original owner opted for the tow package, you could be looking at a range anywhere from a modest 2,000 pounds to a much sturdier 5,000 pounds.
Let's break down what those numbers actually mean in the real world and how to figure out what your specific Explorer is capable of.
Understanding the Engine Options
Back in 2018, Ford gave buyers three distinct engine choices for the Explorer. Each one changes the driving dynamic, but more importantly, each one dictates how much weight you can safely hitch up to the back.
The 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (The Base Engine)
This was the standard workhorse for the base and XLT trims. It's a naturally aspirated engine, meaning it doesn't have a turbocharger. It's reliable and straightforward. If you have this engine and the heavy-duty towing package, you're looking at a maximum towing capacity ford explorer 2018 of 5,000 pounds. Without that package, though, you're limited to just 2,000 pounds. That's a massive difference, so it's worth double-checking your equipment.
The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4
A lot of people opted for the 2.3L four-cylinder because it's surprisingly punchy and a bit better on gas. However, if towing is your main priority, this might be the weakest link in the lineup. Even with the right gear, this engine is capped at 3,000 pounds. It's perfect for a couple of jet skis or a very small utility trailer, but it's not going to move a massive camper.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6
This is the "big" engine found in the Sport and Platinum trims. It's twin-turbocharged and feels a lot faster than an SUV this size has any right to be. Because these trims usually came pretty well-equipped, most of them are rated for the full 5,000 pounds. If you want the easiest towing experience with plenty of power for merging onto the highway while hitched up, this is the one you want.
The Secret Sauce: The Class III Trailer Tow Package
I can't stress this enough: the tow package is the make-or-break factor for the towing capacity ford explorer 2018. If you just slap an aftermarket hitch on an Explorer that didn't come with the factory tow package, you aren't magically rated for 5,000 pounds.
The factory Class III package wasn't just about the hitch receiver. It included an engine oil cooler and better cooling systems to keep the transmission from melting under the stress of a heavy load. It also added the wiring harnesses for 4-pin and 7-pin trailers.
If you're looking at a used 2018 Explorer and it doesn't have the factory-installed setup, you should probably assume you're stuck at the 2,000-pound limit. Trying to pull 5,000 pounds without the proper cooling is a fast way to end up on the side of the road with a very expensive repair bill.
What Can You Actually Tow with 5,000 Pounds?
Numbers on a spec sheet are fine, but they don't always help you visualize what you can actually do on a Saturday morning. If your Explorer is rated for 5,000 pounds, you have a decent amount of freedom.
- Small to Mid-Sized Boats: A 17-to-20-foot fiberglass boat on a trailer usually weighs somewhere between 3,500 and 4,500 pounds. You'll be right in the sweet spot here.
- Pop-up Campers and Small Travel Trailers: Most pop-ups are light (under 3,000 lbs), but you can also get away with some of those stylish "teardrop" or smaller 16-foot upright campers.
- Utility Trailers: If you're heading to the hardware store for a yard of mulch or hauling a couple of ATVs to the trail, the Explorer handles this without breaking a sweat.
If your Explorer is one of the 2,000-pound-limit models, you're much more restricted. You're looking at basic utility trailers, bike racks, or perhaps a very small motorcycle trailer. Don't try to push it; the transmission will thank you.
Don't Forget About Payload
One mistake I see all the time is people forgetting about payload. Towing capacity is how much the car can pull, but payload is how much weight the car can carry—including the people inside and the weight pushing down on the hitch (tongue weight).
If you have five adults in the car and a trunk full of coolers and suitcases, you've already used up a huge chunk of your payload capacity. That weight counts against your total. If your tongue weight is too high because the trailer is loaded poorly, it can lift the front tires of the Explorer slightly, making your steering feel "floaty" and dangerous.
Always try to keep about 10% to 15% of the trailer's weight on the hitch, but make sure it doesn't exceed the Explorer's specific tongue weight rating (usually 500 lbs for the 5,000-lb capacity models).
Real-World Driving and Tech Features
Towing with the 2018 Explorer is actually a pretty smooth experience thanks to some of the tech Ford baked in. One of the best features is the Trailer Sway Control. It works with the stability control system to sense if the trailer is starting to "fishtail." If it detects that side-to-side wiggle, it can automatically apply the brakes to individual wheels or adjust engine power to straighten things out. It's a lifesaver when a big semi-truck passes you on the highway and the wind gust tries to push you around.
If you have the 3.5L EcoBoost, you'll also appreciate the low-end torque. You won't feel like the engine is screaming just to get up a moderate hill. The 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission is also pretty smart about holding gears when it needs to, though you can always shift manually if you're heading down a steep grade and want to use some engine braking.
Things to Keep an Eye On
If you're planning on using the towing capacity ford explorer 2018 to its limit frequently, you need to be a bit more diligent with maintenance. Towing is considered "severe duty" by most manufacturers.
- Transmission Fluid: Check it often. Heat is the enemy of transmissions, and towing creates a lot of it.
- Brake Pads: You're stopping a lot more mass than the car was originally designed to stop on its own. If your trailer doesn't have its own brakes, your Explorer's pads are going to wear down much faster.
- Rear Suspension: Keep an eye on the rear shocks. If the back end is sagging significantly even with a light load, they might be worn out.
Is it the Right Choice for You?
The 2018 Explorer isn't a heavy-duty pickup truck, and it's not trying to be. It's a family-focused crossover that happens to have some decent muscle if you pick the right configuration. If you're occasionally pulling a boat to the lake or taking a small camper out a few times a summer, it's fantastic.
However, if you're looking to pull a massive 26-foot dual-axle camper, you're going to want to look at an Expedition or an F-150. The Explorer is great, but it has its limits. Just make sure you check that door jamb sticker for your specific weight ratings, verify you have the tow package, and you'll be good to go.
Towing doesn't have to be stressful as long as you stay within the limits and give yourself plenty of following distance on the road. Happy hauling!