Ford Explorer Quiz
Tow/Haul

Essential Checks Before Towing

In this manual: Tow/Haul
Introduction — 10At a Glance — 3Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 10Personal Safety System™ — 1Supplemental Restraint System — 10Pedestrian Protection — 1911 Assist — 3Keys and Remote Controls — 10MyKey™ — 8Doors & Locks — 9Liftgate — 7Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 11Wipers and Washers — 5Lighting — 13Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 4Climate Control — 6Cabin Air Quality — 2Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 2Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 2Starting and Stopping the Engine — 5Unique Driving Characteristics — 4Fuel and Refueling — 8Engine Emission Control — 3High-Voltage Battery — 1Infection Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive Vehicle — 1Brakes — 5Reverse Brake Assist — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 3Hill Descent Control — 3Park Aid — 8Cruise Control — 4Adaptive Cruise Control — 19Driver Assistance — 12Drive Mode Control — 4Loading — 6Tow/Haul — 6Driving Tips — 5Roadside Emergencies — 8Customer Assistance — 9Fuses — 3Maintenance — 21Vehicle Care — 12Wheels and Tires — 8Capacities and Specifications — 16Connectivity — 3Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 6SYNC™ 3 — 14Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
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Observe the following safe towing guidelines:

  • Do not tow a trailer until you have driven at least 1000 miles (1600 km) with it.
  • Refer to local vehicle laws for trailer towing requirements.
  • See the instructions supplied with the towing equipment for correct installation and adjustment specifications.
  • Service your vehicle more frequently when towing a trailer. See Scheduled Maintenance.
  • If you are using a rented trailer, follow the rental agency's instructions.

Information on load rating terms can be found on the tire label and certification label, and load calculation instructions in the Loading chapter. See Loading Limits.

Do not forget to include the weight of the trailer tongue as part of your vehicle load when calculating the gross vehicle weight.

Hitch Ball

Do not use a hitch that attaches to either the bumper or the axle.

Distribute the trailer load so that 10–15% of the total trailer weight is on the tongue.

A weight distribution hitch is not required for your vehicle.

Safety Chains

Always attach safety chains to the hitch receiver hook anchors on your vehicle.

To connect the trailer safety chains, cross them under the trailer tongue and leave enough slack to allow sharp turns. Do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or surge trailer brakes are safe if you install them correctly and adjust them according to the manufacturer's specifications. Trailer brakes must comply with local and federal regulations.

The braking system rating of the tow vehicle corresponds to the gross vehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight rating.

Separate functioning braking systems are required for safe operation of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.

Trailer Lamps

Most towed vehicles require trailer lamps. Make sure that all running lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, and hazard warning lamps work.

Before Towing a Trailer

Practice turning, stopping, and reversing to get a feel for the vehicle and trailer combination before starting your trip. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.

When Towing a Trailer

  • Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles (800 km/h km).
  • Do not run the engine at wide open throttle.
  • Carefully check the hitch, electrical connections, and trailer wheel nuts after you have driven 50 miles (80 km).
  • When stopped in traffic jams or heavy traffic in hot weather, shift to Park (P) to cool the engine and transmission and to maintain air conditioning performance.
  • Turn off cruise control when towing heavy loads or driving on hilly terrain. Cruise control may disengage automatically when towing up long, steep grades.
  • Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep grade. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective.
  • If your transmission is equipped with Hill Start Assist or Tow/Haul mode, use this feature when towing. It provides engine braking and helps eliminate excessive gear shifting for optimal fuel economy and transmission cooling.
  • Allow greater stopping distance when towing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
  • Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade:
1Turn the steering wheel to direct the vehicle tires away from traffic flow.2Apply the vehicle parking brake.3Place the automatic transmission in Park (P).4Install wheel chocks in front of and behind the trailer wheels. (Wheel chocks are not included with the vehicle.)

Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)

When backing down the ramp during launching or retrieving a boat:

  • Do not allow the static water level to rise above the lower edge of the rear bumper.
  • Do not allow waves to break above 6 inches (15 cm) above the lower edge of the rear bumper.

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components and cause:

  • Internal damage to components.
  • Effects on handling, emissions, and reliability.

Replace the rear axle lubricant every time the rear axle is submerged in water. Water may contaminate the rear axle lubricant, which is not normally checked or replaced unless a leak is suspected or other axle repair is required.

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