2019 Ford Explorer towing capacity
Up to 5,000 lbs with a conventional ball hitch. That rating is for this configuration: FWD, 3.5L V6, FWD, 3.39 axle. The lowest-rated configuration in the same tables is 2,000 lbs, so the answer for your vehicle depends on how it is equipped.
The top figure belongs to one specific build. Find the row that matches your engine, cab, drive and axle, and check the label on your driver's door jamb. Passengers and cargo in the truck come off what you can tow.
2019 Ford Explorer towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2019 Ford Explorer towing capacity chart
All 8 configurations in the source, by hitch type and engine, highest rating first. Each row links to the page it is printed on.
Conventional (ball hitch)
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWDAutomatichitch not named in table; page 38 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; final drive ratio | FWD | 3.39 | 5,000 lbs | 9,950 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T); weight-distributing hitch | p. 32 |
| 4WDAutomatichitch not named in table; page 38 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; final drive ratio | 4WD | 3.65 | 5,000 lbs | 10,150 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T); weight-distributing hitch | p. 32 |
| FWDAutomaticExplorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; hitch not named in table; page 38 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; final drive ratio | FWD | 3.39 | 2,000 lbs | 6,900 lbs | p. 32 | |
| 4WDAutomaticExplorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; hitch not named in table; page 38 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; final drive ratio | 4WD | 3.65 | 2,000 lbs | 7,110 lbs | p. 32 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4WDAutomatichitch not named in table; page 38 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; final drive ratio | 4WD | 3.16 | 5,000 lbs | 10,400 lbs | Class III Trailer Tow Package (standard on Sport/Platinum only); weight-distributing hitch | p. 32 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | GCWR | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWDAutomatichitch not named in table; page 38 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; final drive ratio | FWD | 3.36 | 3,000 lbs | 7,950 lbs | Class II Trailer Towing Package (52R) | p. 32 |
| 4WDAutomatichitch not named in table; page 38 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; final drive ratio | 4WD | 3.51 | 3,000 lbs | 8,150 lbs | Class II Trailer Towing Package (52R) | p. 32 |
| FWDAutomaticExplorer does not offer factory-installed towing equipment for this application; dealer accessory only; hitch not named in table; page 38 lists a factory hitch receiver (conventional) for this model; final drive ratio | FWD | 3.36 | 2,000 lbs | 6,900 lbs | p. 32 |
Common questions
Which 2019 Ford Explorer engine tows the most?
3.5L V6, at up to 5,000 lbs. Next is 3.5L EcoBoost V6 at up to 5,000 lbs.
What does a 2019 Ford Explorer need to tow 5,000 lbs?
The source lists this for the top-rated configuration: Class III Trailer Tow Package (52T); weight-distributing hitch.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 2019 RV & Trailer Towing Guide. Each row in the tables above links to the document and gives the page the figure is printed on.
Towing equipment for the 2019 Ford Explorer
The manufacturer's tables name this equipment for some 2019 Ford Explorer configurations. Equipment does not raise a rating. Check the Needs column for your own build before buying anything.
- Weight-distributing hitch, listed for 3 of 8 configurations. See on Amazon (paid link)
Parts sold to fit this vehicle. Fitting one does not raise a rating, and the tables above say what each rating needs.
- Trailer wiring harness for the 2019 Ford Explorer. See on Amazon (paid link)
- Trailer hitch receiver for the 2019 Ford Explorer. See on Amazon (paid link)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The ratings on this page come only from the documents cited.
Where these numbers come from
- 2019 RV & Trailer Towing Guide, Ford. Manufacturer towing guide. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
Page numbers count pages in the linked file, which can differ from the number printed in the corner. Report a number that looks wrong.
Related ratings
- 2020 Ford Explorer towing capacity
- 2018 Ford Explorer towing capacity
- Every year of the Ford Explorer
- Other SUVs that can tow 5,000 lbs
- 2019 Ford F-350, up to 21,000 lbs
- 2019 Ford F-450, up to 21,000 lbs
- 2019 Ford F-550, up to 18,500 lbs
- 2019 Ford F-250, up to 18,000 lbs
- 2019 Ford F-150, up to 13,200 lbs