What is the 2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity? Best popular SUV.

2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity chart

The 2013 Ford Explorer redefines class to upgrade your getaways to capably outgoing, technologically and beautifully refined. It’s more aerodynamic, and more extravagant having an exceptional mixture of power, and adaptability. Tow ratings can be tricky as the car manufacturer may provide you with a tow rating in your manual, but they also only post the information they want you to know. 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, and the 2013 Ford Explorer’s towing capacity in detail.

2013 Ford Explorer trim levels2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity
Ford Explorer2,000 – 5,000 lbs.
Ford Explorer XLT2,000 – 5,000 lbs.
Ford Explorer Limited2,000 – 5,000 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. 
2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity

2013 Ford Explorer Engine Specs

  • 2.0L Ecoboost I-4: The 2.0L engine features precisely tuned and has the best highway fuel economy in its class while cruising. A 6-speed automatic transmission helps this turbocharged, direct-injection powerhouse deliver plentiful low-end torque for acceleration and passing.
  • 3.5L Ti-VCT V6: Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) delivers robust power while also contributing to efficiency. By allowing intake and exhaust valves to adjust independently for precise valve timing control, Ti-VCT helps optimize performance.
  • 3.5L Ecoboost V6: The V6 engine combines twin turbochargers with direct injection technology, this responsive powertrain generates nearly quick power on demand.
Engine2.0-liter EcoBoost I-43.5L Ti-VCT V63.5L Ecoboost V6
Horsepower240 hp @ 5,500rpm290 hp @ 6,500rpm365 hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque270 lb.-ft. @ 3,000rpm255 lb.-ft. @ 4,000rpm350 lb.-ft. @ 3,500rpm
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.

2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity without Trailer tow package

EngineAxle RatioGCWR (lbs.)DriveMaximum Trailer Weight (lbs.)
2.0L Ecoboost I-43.36
3.51
6,830
6,830
FWD
FWD
2,000
2,000
3.5L Ti-VCT V63.39
3.65
6,940
7,110
FWD
4WD
2,000
2,000
3.5L Ecoboost V63.167,400FWD2,000

2013 Ford Ranger 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 Trailer Tow Package for maximum towing capabilities. This package is not available with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. 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.

Class III Trailer Tow Package (towing capability up to 5,000 lbs.):

  • Hitch Reciever.
  • Engine oil cooler.
  • 7-/4-pin wiring harness.
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.

2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity with Trailer tow package

EngineAxle RatioGCWR (lbs.)DriveMaximum Trailer Weight (lbs.)
3.5L TiVCT V63.39
3.65
9,980
10,160
FWD
4WD
5,000
5,000
3.5L Ecoboost V63.1610,400FWD5,000
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.

2013 Ford Explorer trims

For 2013, with three well-equipped models: Explorer, XLT, and Limited. Let’s find out more about all the details of the maximum towing potential of each of the trim levels of the 2013 Explorer lineup below.

2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity

2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity

The 2013 Ford Explorer trim highlighted features are 17″ steel wheels with 5-spoke P245/65R17 all-season BSW tires, Remote Keyless Entry System with two integrated key head transmitter remotes, Cloth seats, 1st-row bucket seats with 2-way adjustable head restraints & 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar, AM/FM stereo/single-CD player with MP3 capability & 6 speakers, Manual day/night rearview mirror, Power windows with one-touch-down driver’s side window feature, MyFord® with 4.2″ color LCD displays in the instrument cluster and center stack; and media hub with auxiliary audio input jack. The maximum towing capacity when equipped properly is between 2,000 to 5,000 pounds.

2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity

2013 Ford Explorer XLT towing capacity

The 2013 Ford Explorer XLT offers all the features of Explorer plus other standard features are 18″ painted aluminum wheels with P245/60R18 all-season BSW tires, Automatic headlamps, Fog lamps, Reverse Sensing System, SecuriCode™ invisible keypad, Gloss Black, heated side view mirrors with LED turn signal indicators & security approach lamps, Unique cloth seats, Perimeter alarm, 6-way power front-passenger seat with manual lumbar, Ford SYNC® voice-activated, in-vehicle connectivity system (includes USB port in media hub), Silver roof-rack side rails, Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and Power windows with a front one-touch-up/-down feature. The maximum towing capacity when equipped properly is between 2,000 to 5,000 pounds.

2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity

2013 Ford Explorer Limited towing capacity

The 2013 Ford Explorer Limited highlighted features are 20″ painted aluminum wheels with P255/50R20 all-season BSW tires, Intelligent Access with push-button start, Remote Start System, 1st-row heated bucket seats with 4-way adjustable head restraints, 10-way power driver’s seat (including power lumbar and recline) with memory feature, & 6-way power front-passenger seat with manual lumbar, 2nd-row 60/40 split fold-flat seat with heated outboard seats, fore/aft adjustable 40 section, Leather-trimmed seating surfaces, a 110-volt power outlet, Ambient lighting, Audio System from Sony with 12 speakers & HD Radio Technology, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and Rear view camera. The maximum towing capacity when equipped properly is between 2,000 to 5,000 pounds.

2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity
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2013 Ford Explorer towing capacity

Frontal Area Considerations

Base Vehicle Frontal Area (20 sq. ft.)Without Trailer Tow Package Class III
40 sq. ft.With Trailer Tow Package Class III
The chart above shows the maximum trailer frontal area that must be considered for a vehicle/trailer combination.
Frontal Area is the total area in square feet that a moving vehicle and trailer exposes to air resistance. Exceeding these limitations may significantly reduce the performance of your towing vehicle.

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.

  • 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.
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.
2015-Ford-Explorer-XLT-towing-capacity-trailer-sway-thecartowing.com

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.
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 driver. Weight of additional options, equipment, passengers and cargo must be deducted from this weight. 

2013 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.
2013 Ford Explorer video
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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.

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