Ford Explorer Quiz
Tow/Haul

Recreational 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
~1min read

Emergency Towing

If your vehicle breaks down and dollies or a vehicle transport trailer are not available, it may be towed flat-towed with all four wheels on the ground, regardless of engine and transmission configuration, under the following conditions:

  • Your vehicle is facing forward for straight-ahead towing.
  • See Manual Park Release procedure. See Automatic Transmission. Failure to do so may cause transmission damage.
  • The maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
  • The maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).

Recreational Towing

Do not tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, as vehicle or transmission damage may occur. We recommend towing the vehicle with all four wheels off the ground, for example, by using a car carrier trailer. Otherwise, you cannot tow your vehicle for recreation.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Explorer quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.