What is the 2008 Ford Explorer towing capacity? Popular SUV.

2008 Ford Explorer towing capacity chart

The 2008 Ford Explorer’s versatile, strong, powerful, reasonable size, and exceptional adaptability make it a great choice for families looking for an all-rounder SUV. The full-sized SUV, with higher ground clearance and four-wheel-drive capability. Explorer is a proven off-roader with a powerful towing machine that is very comfortable and accommodating, with room for all your belongings. Most tow ratings do not tell you in detail about towing capacity which varies with different configurations. In this article let’s take a look at the trim, engine options, features, and the 2008 Ford Explorer’s towing capacity in detail.

2008 Ford Explorer trim levels2008 Ford Explorer towing capacity
Ford Explorer XLT3,500 – 7,310 lbs.
Ford Explorer EDDIE BAUER3,500 – 7,310 lbs.
Ford Explorer Limited3,500 – 7,310 lbs.
The above-shown numbers are subject to change and are for reference purposes only.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of your vehicle and could result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and personal injury. Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label. 
2008 Ford Explorer towing capacity

2008 Ford Explorer Engine Specs

Engine4.0L SOHC V64.6L 3V V8
Horsepower210 hp @ 5,100rpm292 hp @ 5,700rpm
Torque254 lb.-ft. @ 3,700rpm300 lb.-ft. @ 3,950 rpm
2008 Ford Explorer towing capacity
Note: Specific states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a specified weight. Be certain to review state regulations for this determined weight. The maximum trailer weights listed could be limited to this specified weight, as the vehicle’s electrical system may not include the wiring connector needed to activate electric trailer brakes.

2008 Ford Explorer 4×2 towing capacity

EngineTrailer Class towingAxle RatioGCWR (lbs.)Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.)
4.0L SOHC V6Class II
Class III/IV
3.55
3.73
8,500
10,000
3,500
5,395
4.6L 3V V8Class II
Class III/IV
3.55
3.55
8,500
12,000
3,500
7,310
2008 Ford Explorer towing capacity

2008 Ford Explorer Class III/IV Trailer Tow Package

The trailer towing packages increase your Explorer’s towing capacity. Each allows for heavier hauls and expands the options of what you can take with your SUV. When properly equipped with Class III/IV Trailer Tow Package for maximum towing capabilities. Towing a trailer places an extra load on your vehicle’s engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. Check these parts periodically during, and after, any towing function.

Also Read:
What is the difference between Class 3 and Class 4 trailer hitch?
Hitch receiver types and sizes are important when you are towing trailers, campers, RVs, or other equipment with your vehicle. There are different trailer hitch classes available in the market with unique characteristics. Explore the major difference between Class 3 and Class 4 Trailer Hitch (With Comparison).
Read more....

Class III/IV Trailer Tow Package

  • 7-pin trailer wiring harness and connector.
  • 7- to 4-pin adapter.
  • Frame-mounted hitch receiver. (3.73 non-limited-slip rear axle required and only available with 4.0L V6)
Maximum towing capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and vary based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content and number of passengers. See label on door jamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle. For additional information, see your vehicle owner's manual.
2008 Ford Explorer towing capacity

2008 Ford Explorer 4×4 towing capacity

EngineTrailer Class towingAxle RatioGCWR (lbs.)Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.)
4.0L SOHC V6Class II
Class III/IV
3.55
3.73
8,500
10,000
3,500
5,225
4.6L 3V V8Class II
Class III/IV
3.55
3.55
8,500
12,000
3,500
7,130

2008 Ford Explorer AWD towing capacity

EngineTrailer Class towingAxle RatioGCWR (lbs.)Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.)
4.0L SOHC V6Class II
Class III/IV
3.55
3.73
8,500
10,000
3,500
5,000
4.6L 3V V8Class II
Class III/IV
3.55
3.55
8,500
12,000
3,500
7,130
Reminder: Ford Explorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; only available as a dealer accessory. Do not exceed the trailer weight for your vehicle configuration listed in the chart above. Maximum weights shown are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and a 150-lb. driver. Weight of additional options, equipment, passengers and cargo must be deducted from this weight. 
2008 Ford Explorer towing capacity

Weight-distributing hitch

Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper; use a load-carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue, not to exceed the maximum tongue load of 500 lb (227 kg) on a Class III receiver.
  • Class II receiver: 350 lb. (159 kg)
  • Class III/IV receiver: 500 lb. (227 kg) (weight carrying); 740 lb. (336 kg)

When hooking up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use the following procedure:

  1. Park the vehicle (without the trailer) on a level surface.
  2. This is H1 measuring the height of the top (H1) of the front wheel opening on the fender.
  3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle without the weight-distributing bars connected.
  4. This is H2 measuring the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender a second time.
  5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars so that the height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1 and H2.
  6. Check that the trailer is level. If not level, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat Steps 3–6.
Note: Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling, and could result in serious personal injury.
2008 Ford Explorer towing capacity

2008 Ford Explorer trims

The 2008 Ford Explorer comes in three models: Explorer XLT, Explorer Eddie Bauer, and Explorer Limited. Let’s find out more about all the details of the maximum towing potential of each of the trim levels of the 2008 Ford Explorer lineup below.

2008 Ford Explorer XLT towing capacity

The 2008 Ford Explorer base trim is equipped with all standard features, plus highlighted features are 16″ painted-aluminum wheels, Body-color bumpers & wheel-lip moldings, 4-bar chrome grille, Black roof side rails & crossbars, Fog lamps, Black power side view mirrors with security approach lamps, AM/FM stereo/single-CD player with MP3 capability, Auxiliary audio input jack, 2-line message center with outside temperature display, Premium cloth 1st-row bucket seats with 6-way power driver seat, driver manual lumbar, and 2-way adjustable head restraints. The maximum towing capacity when equipped properly is between 3,500 to 7,310 pounds.

2008 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer towing capacity

The 2008 Ford Explorer EDDIE BAUER® trim is equipped with select standard XLT features, plus: offers 17″ painted-aluminum wheels, Pueblo Gold lower front bumper, 3-bar chrome grille with nostrils, Automatic headlamps, Body-color power side view mirrors with security approach lamps, SecuriCode keyless-entry keypad, Step bars with Pueblo Gold accents, Leather-trimmed, heated 1st-row bucket seats with 10-way power driver seat, including power lumbar & recline, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Ford SYNC, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, 4-line message center with outside temperature display and compass. The maximum towing capacity when equipped properly is between 3,500 to 7,310 pounds.

2008 Ford Explorer Limited towing capacity

The 2008 Ford Explorer Limited trim is equipped with select standard Eddie Bauer features, plus: 18″ chrome-clad aluminum wheels, a 4-bar chrome grille, Step bars with chrome accents, Reverse Sensing System, Leather-trimmed, Unique woodgrain interior inserts, heated 1st-row bucket seats with a 10-way power driver seat, including power lumbar, recline, memory; & 6-way power passenger seat with manual lumbar, PowerFold 3rd-row seat, Power-adjustable pedals with memory, Premium Sound System with AM/FM stereo/6-disc in-dash CD changer, subwoofer & 190 watts, Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, Auxiliary rear climate control, and Universal Garage Door Opener. The maximum towing capacity when equipped properly is between 3,500 to 7,310 pounds.

Explore more:
2023 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2022 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2021 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2020 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2019 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2018 Ford Explorer towing capacity. 
2017 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2016 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2015 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2014 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity. 
2012 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2011 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2010 Ford Explorer towing capacity. 
2009 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2007 Ford Explorer towing capacity. 
2006 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2005 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2004 Ford Explorer towing capacity.
2003 Ford Explorer towing capacity.

The load capacity of your vehicle is designated by weight not volume. Towing a trailer places extra load on the engine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. To help minimize how trailer movement affects your vehicle when driving.

Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping distance should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
  • Load the heaviest items closest to the trailer floor.
  • Load the heaviest items centered between the left and right side trailer tires.
  • Load the heaviest items above the trailer axles or just slightly forward toward the trailer tongue. Do not allow the final trailer tongue weight to go above or below 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.
  • Select a tow bar with the correct rise or drop. When both the loaded vehicle and trailer are connected, the trailer frame should be level, or slightly angled down toward your vehicle, when viewed from the side.

2008 Ford Explorer towing features

The 2008 Ford Explorer is also designed with your safety in mind, having achieved 5-Star ratings in the frontal and side-impact crash tests. Some of the safety features are listed below.

  • Adaptive stroking energy-absorbing steering column.
  • Adaptive venting driver and front-passenger front airbags.
  • AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability ControlTM).
  • Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder.
  • Front-Passenger Sensing System.
  • Front-seat side airbags.
  • Intelligent Safety System.
  • Safety belts with pretensioners and adaptive load-limiting retractors (adjustable height in 1st row).
  • Safety Canopy® System with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor.
  • SecuriLock® passive anti-theft ignition system.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Trailer Sway Control

This feature applies your vehicle brakes at individual wheels and, if necessary, reduces engine power. If the trailer begins to sway, the stability control light flashes. Slow your vehicle down, pull safely to the side of the road, and check for the correct load distribution. Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death.

Note: This feature does not prevent trailer sway, but reduces it when it begins. This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying. In some cases, if your vehicle speed is too high, the system may turn on multiple times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
2008 Ford Explorer towing capacity

2008 Ford Explorer towing guide

  • Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle at least 1000 miles. Also, do not drive faster than 70 mph.
  • See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation and adjustment specifications.
  • Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your scheduled maintenance information.
  • Check your hitch, electrical connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles.
  • When stopped in blocked or heavy traffic during hot weather, place the gearshift in position P to aid engine and transmission cooling and to help air conditioning performance.
  • Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
  • Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective.
  • Use the Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature when towing. These provide engine braking and help eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel economy and transmission cooling.
  • Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
2008 Ford Explorer video
+ posts

Aaron Bennett is an accomplished author and a true aficionado when it comes to pickup trucks. With an unwavering passion for all things automotive, Aaron has dedicated his life to exploring the world of pickups and sharing his expertise with others. As the proud owner of several powerful machines, he has spent countless hours behind the wheel, navigating rugged terrains and conquering highways with unrivaled enthusiasm.

Leave a Comment